So there’s this candidate...
23 May 26
Never underestimate By VW Bro Brian Kramer
He’s a 28 year old recent ex-pat from England and the Aide-de-camp for the Governor, Sir Henry Rawson. He seems quite a focussed and keen chap.
While chatting with him in the South, you find he fought in the Royal Marines and was wounded in the Second Boer War, receiving the Queen’s South Africa Medal and the Distinguished Service Order, achieving the rank of captain.
Your lodge initiates him, subsequently passes and raises him in the coming months. He remains an active member for four years, then returns to England.
What happened to him?
On his return to London, he married Winifred May, eldest daughter of Charles Smith, a Sydney merchant, then stands for Parliament – the seat of Reading in the House of Commons. Didn’t get in.
Undeterred, he stood again in 1913, and was successful. With the outbreak of war, he returned to service in the Royal Marines as a temporary lieutenant-colonel, serving in Gallipoli then France, where he was severely wounded. He became a parliamentary secretary and later chief government whip. In 1923 he was appointed Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire and governor of Bombay. In 1928 he completed his office and was appointed Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India.
On 13 June 1932 he was sworn in as Governor of Queensland.
He affiliated with Lamington Lodge, No 110 UGLQ in 1933. He served as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland from 1934 to 1945.
From 1932 to 1942, he was the Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts Association’s Queensland Branch, resigning in 1943 when he disagreed with the decision to make the Chief Commissioner a paid position. His scout name was ‘Hawk’, for his association with the Hawke Battalion.
He was awarded a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1937. He served for 14 years, through WWII, then retired to England in 1946. In 1955 he was severely injured in a road accident and passed to the GLA.
Who was this chap?
Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, GCSI, GCMG, GCIE, DSO, PC (1 August 1876 – 29 September 1955), initiated into Lodge Ionic 65 in Sydney on 17 June 1904
- A Lodge in Pune, India was named for him: Leslie Wilson Lodge No 4880 EC in 1926. They are having their centenary this year. Celebrations include musical programs, a quiz contest, a stage show, golf and mini-cricket tournaments, a souvenir book and a visit by the Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.
- Wilson locomotive: A WCG-1 class Indian locomotive of the GIPR (locomotive plate No 4502), which is on display at the National Rail museum is named after Leslie Wilson.
- Wilson Garden: A locality in Bangalore, is named after Leslie Wilson.
- Sir Leslie Wilson Homes: Yeppoon, Emu Park, Townsville, Redcliffe, Torquay.
- Wilson Point: The highest point in Mahabaleshwar is named after Wilson. Standing at 1439m, it is a popular viewpoint and attracts a large number of tourists, especially during sunrise.
- Leslie Wilson Outback Centre: Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme (BUSHkids) was founded in 1935.
The next time you meet a candidate at your Festive Board, consider that he may be destined for great achievements and contributions.
Above: Sir Leslie and Lady Winifred May Wilson
Banner photo hangs in the United Grand Lodge of Queensland.
Photo courtesy of UGLQ / Poulsen Studio Brisbane