Maurice Wilder-Neligan

Who was Maurice Wilder-Neligan?

Lieutenant Colonel Maurice Wilder-Neligan CMG, DSO & Bar, DCM, born Maurice Neligan, was a British-born Australian soldier.

He was born in Tavistock, Devon, England, the son of Canon John West Neligan and his wife Charlotte, née Putland.

Wilder-Neligan enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 20 August 1914, and served throughout World War I with the 9th and 10th Battalions. Originally receiving the rank of Private, he was commissioned and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel by the conclusion of the war, as well as receiving many decorations, including a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, a Distinguished Service Order & Bar, a Distinguished Conduct Medal, five Mention in Despatches and the French Croix de Guerre.