Wilfrid Oswald Jose

Wilfrid Oswald Jose of North Adelaide South Australia was born on 25 March 1895 in Ningpo, China. He came to Australia as an eight year old when his father returned as the Anglican Dean of Adelaide.

Wilfrid (listed as Wilfred) received his education at a private school in Oxford, England, Queens School of North Adelaide and St Peters College (1905-1913).

While at St Peters, he gained honours in almost every examination he undertook and for his achievements won numerous scholarships and trophies. He was a member of the cadets and served on the library, games, and magazine committees; in 1912, he was a prefect and academic dux of the School.

In 1913 he was School Captain, played intercollegiate tennis, was vice-captain of the inter-collegiate football team and captain of the cricket team.  He was also awarded Angas Exhibitioner for 1913.

He entered the University of Adelaide in 1914 to study electrical engineering and while there found time to follow his sporting interests as well as serve part time as a lieutenant in the 79th Infantry.

 At the University he was a member of both the Football and Cricket Clubs (A Grade, 1914).

He enlisted at Morphettville on 19 August 1914 and was posted to A Company 10th Battalion. Private Jose landed at Anzac as a member of the covering force on 25 April and remained on the front line until admitted to 1st Field Ambulance on 26 August with severe diarrhoea. Within a week, he rejoined the battalion in the field and was made temporary Corporal but was reverted to lance corporal when evacuated to Alexandria with jaundice in December.

When the battalion was split in 1916, he was promoted to corporal and posted to the 50th Battalion where on 17 March he was appointed to second lieutenant and proceeded to France with the 50th Battalion on 5 June.  He was promoted to Lieutenant in early July but soon after was diagnosed with Opthalmitis and evacuated to England for treatment.  He returned to the 50th battalion in early December.

After the attack at Noreuil Lieutenant Wilfrid Oswald Jose was listed as missing but this was changed when on 3 April it was reported he had been killed in action; he was 22 years of age.