Eric Douglas Wilson, believed to be one of two known surviving Kiwi veterans from the Battle of Crete campaign during WWII, died peacefully on June 24 aged 103.
Wilson, of the 24th Battalion DivAm, was made a life member of Howick RSA in January 2018 with Colin Smith, Royal Australia Navy, who died just two days earlier (times, June 29).
Wilson first joined Howick RSA in 1991. He was a member of various associations since leaving the army in 1945. He served in Greece, Crete, the Middle East and Italy.
Mike Cole, the Howick RSA president in 2018 when Wilson was made a life member, said at the time, “As a senior veteran, Eric leads by example and has shown other members what it means to be an active member, supporting the club and putting bums on seats.
“He has also supported the Welfare Trustees initiative with the visit of representatives of our loca schools to the clubrooms by being on hand to assist and inform the students about his war time exploits and by showing photos of him and his mates at the front lines.”
Wilson kept busy. Last year, accompanied by daughter Noeleen Hegh, he travelled to Wellington to commemorate the 80th anniversary of New Zealand’s participation in the Battle of Crete in WWII.
He was one of last NZ servicemen to evacuate the Greek Island in the retreat from advancing Italian and German forces in May 1941.
On the occasion of his 102nd birthday in April last year, former Times editor PJ (Phil) Taylor wrote, “An active and contributing resident at Gulf Views Rest Home in Howick Village, Wilson is known for his disciplined attitude to life – physical exercise in the morning, having a balanced and healthy diet, and plenty of social interaction with people.
“That was evident last week [April 2021] when Wilson sold poppies for the 31st year for the Howick RSA outside the NZ Post Shop at Pakuranga. When donators realised he’s turning 102, most asked for a selfie photo with the genial veteran.”
Wilson’s death notice reads, “Beloved husband of the late Doris. Much loved father and father-in-law of Noeleen and Wayne, Craig and Carla, Keith and Traecy, and the late Peter.
Poppa to 7 grandchildren and great Poppa to 10 great grandchildren. Well respected war veteran and life member of the Howick RSA. Heartfelt thanks go to the outstanding staff and carers of Gulf Views Rest Home and Howick Baptist Home and Hospital.”
A celebration of his life was held at The Howick Club last Wednesday.
