Overview

Sir Leslie Orme Wilson led an extraordinary life of service to his country and the places he governed. A humanitarian and committed and empathetic leader. He lived through a time of tremendous upheaval as the British world he was born into in 1876 changed from Empire and privilege, to emancipation. He was severely wounded and awarded the Queen's medal with 5 clasps and DSO for his time in the Boer War as a Royal Marine Light Infantry. He again served as lieutenant colonel of the Hawke Battalion of the Royal Naval Division in Gallipoli where he questioned the management of the war. From Gallipoli he was sent to the front where he was severely wounded again and sent home. He was awarded a CMG. While he was serving in the war he was member of the House of Commons and he resumed his seat. He was a member of the War Cabinet and a member of the Privy Council. After the war, as chief government whip, he called the contentious Carlton Club meeting to dissolve the war coalition. In 1923 he was appointed as Governor of Bombay (Mumbai) and managed the cotton strike with compassion and released Mahatma Gandhi from prison. He showed caring philanthropy in his work with wayward young people and in improving hospitals and schools. In 1932 he became Governor of Queensland and was so popular he remained in this role for a record 14 years. He was best known for travelling the state to the most remote parts. He noticed during his travels the disadvantage of the children in the bush with regard to health care. He set up the Bush Children's Health Scheme, now known as BushKIDS, still running 80 years later. His life of service was exemplary and he served with honour and humour.

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