Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born at Strathfield, New South Wales in 1919, as a young man at university when war broke out in 1939, David followed in the footsteps of his father, Eric Wren, and enlisted with the Army in the 2/4th Battalion, which saw hard service including Libya, Greece, Crete and New Guinea. Even in that outstanding battalion, none was more battle hardened nor as young when promoted to Captain than David Wren. The 2/4th unit history White Over Green, published in 1963, makes it clear that 'Jenny' Wren was as popular as he was brave.

From the reports of his Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel (later Major-General) Ivan Dougherty, David Wren was a good man in a tight spot, from rearguard actions in Greece where at one stage Dougherty ordered "Lieutenant Wren's platoon to hold on .... to protect the withdrawal of the rest of the battalion as far as possible", to his appointment as company commander in the heat of battle at Heraklion on Crete in May 1941. This same strength of spirit prevailed in his part in the later Aitape-Wewek campaign and beyond, throughout David's life.

On hearing of David's passing, Major General Sir Ivan Dougherty paid him tribute as a "first class top flight officer who always had things under control". In the sentiments of his good friend Harry Jackman, if there is a parade ground in heaven for brave soldiers, David must surely be in the front rank as marker for his mates in the 2/4th.

David joined the PNG Administration in March 1946 as a Patrol Officer, with service including Misima, Milne Bay, Rabaul, Morehead and a brief period at Daru acting as District Commissioner. He married Beverley Hancock in 1962 and they had two daughters, Kathleen (1966) and Elizabeth (1970). Even in difficult times during these years, David was respected by all as a man of strong principles and dedication to the task. Harry Jackman echoes that respect for David in writing "He is one of the most decent blokes it has been my good fortune to meet during my thirty-odd years in the islands."

Upon retiring from Papua New Guinea in 1974, David lived in Canberra and Queanbeyan where, in his inimitable and sometimes enigmatic style, he quickly became involved with the local community. Among his many interests, he was considered the "conscience of the National Party", believing it important to keep 'politicians on their toes'. In mourning his passing, The Queanbeyan Age wrote: "David will be remembered with affection and respect as a community and political activist, concerned by the erosion of civil liberties, government intrusion in the lives of private citizens, and a great worker for a fair go for everyone."

In declining health over recent years, where his war service had clearly left its mark, David lost a leg through illness in 1993 but continued to always look forward and to put concern for the plight of others before himself. As ever, he believed in fighting the good fight to the very end. David had been in Ballina to be near his family, especially his grandchildren, and died peacefully in Ballina Hospital after an illness of several weeks with complications resulting from respiratory problems.

From our time working together in Papua New Guinea, our friendship with David continued and grew when he moved to Canberra in the 1970s. David was a truly remarkable man, of deep intelligence and unmatchable wit. He made a great impact on our lives and the lives of all who knew him well. Together with Beverley, his brother Ian and all his family and friends, we shall miss him dearly. Farewell dear friend!

Source: Obituary by Paul Jones of Curtin ACT - Queanbeyan Age 20 December 1995