Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Brian Wibberley was born at Brighton, Vic, on 12 Jan 1891 to Brian Wibberley and Marie Anne Wibberley (nee Hunt).  There were 2 children in the family, a boy and a girl (Nancy).  His father was a Methodist Minister.

He went to primary school at Moonta, before attaining a scholarship to attend Prince Alfred College in Adelaide for secondary schooling.  On the completion of secondary schooling he entered Adelaide University to gain his Medical Degree.

In May 1915 he volunteered for service in the United Kingdom, undertaking training at the Tourquet Training School before being allocated to the Medical Corps and posted to the 56th Field Ambulance attached to 7th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (Mounted).

He was at the first battle of the Somme in July 1915, where he was awarded the Military Cross (MC), and later at the battle of Cambrai:  These were two of the bloodiest battles of WW1.  He then saw service with 88th Field Ambulance attached to 56th Brigade, Lancashire Fusiliers at Paaschendale and 19 Division, British Expeditionary Forces (BEF), as part of the occupation army.  He served in France, Belgium and Germany. He rose to the rank of Surgeon Major before taking his discharge from the British Army in Jun 1919.

He returned to Australia in Jul 1919 and undertook a refresher course in General Medical Practice at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.  Shortly after completing the course he married Margery Rebecca Godllee in Adelaide. 

To confirm his refresher training he took a number of sorties into the “bush” as a locum.  He visited Tumby Bay after a locum period at Streaky Bay.  It must have impressed because in Mar 1920 he returned to Tumby Bay with his wife and remained in this location for in excess of 37 years. It was here that he and Margery raised their family of 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls.

In 1943 he again enlisted in the Army, this time the Australian Army and was allocated the rank of Captain: His eldest son chose to enlist in the RAAF.  He was posted to the 5th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps.  He remained with this unit until his discharge on 25 Nov 1945 and resumed his life in Tumby Bay.   

He retired to Adelaide in 1957 and his youngest son, Dr David Wibberley, took over the practice in Tumby Bay.  However, Dr Brian Wibberley could not fully retire.  He became a school Medical Officer with the Department of Education and also worked for the Red Cross Blood Bank.  On several occasions he did locum periods for his son, David, at Tumby Bay.  It was during the last of these that he suffered a heart attack.  He died after another heart attack in Sep 1973, aged 83 years.

Dr Brian Wibberley was a legend along the East Coast of the Eyre Peninsula for over 30 years.  Many locals in the area bear the tag of a “Doc Wibberley baby” with pride and fondness.  His efforts have not been forgotten.

Medals and Decorations                                                        

Military Cross                                                                        

1914 – 15 Star                                                                        

British War Medal                                                                 

Victory Medal