Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Published Biography

The Biographical Dictionary of the Australian Senate (biography.senate.gov.au)
WILSON, Sir Keith Cameron (1900–1987)
Senator for South Australia, 1938–44 (United Australia Party)
by Judith Brown

Additional Biography

The biography above is comprehensive but with a focus on Keith’s political career. The additional information below has a focus on education, sport, family and other activities in Keith’s life.

Early Life

Keith Cameron Wilson was born on the 3rd of September 1900, the son of Algernon Theodore King Wilson and Lillian Charlotte Laurence. His grandfather Charles Algernon Wilson (1818 - 1884) had arrived in South Australia in April 1838 on board the Duke of Roxburgh.

Keith’s father was a solicitor and a partner in the firm Wilson and Genders.

He shared a birthday with his brother Laurence Algernon Wilson who was born on the 3rd of September 1896. The family lived at 53 Sixth Avenue, St Peters, Adelaide.

Schooling

Keith attended St Peter’s College, Adelaide where he completed his Junior Examinations in December 1915.

In 1916, Keith represented St Peter’s at the Intercollegiate tennis match against Prince Alfred College. He completed his Senior Examinations in December 1916.

While at St Peter’s College, Keith spent four years in the Senior Cadets. In December 1918, having completed his Higher Public examinations, Keith gained a government bursary to study law at Adelaide University.

He played Intercollegiate Cricket in December 1918.

World War I

On the 19th of October 1918, aged 18 years and one month, Keith enlisted for WWI. He was 5’6½”, 115 lbs, with a fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He was granted a leave pass from the 19th of October 1919 to the 2nd of February 1919. While no reason has been given for the leave pass, it was probably granted to allow Keith to complete his examinations. Keith required his parents’ permission to enlist. Keith was discharged on the 18th of November 1918, not having been called up for duty due to the cessation of hostilities.

Adelaide University

Having gained a bursary, Keith commenced studying law at Adelaide University in 1919. He was actively involved in University life and was on the committee to organise the “Black and White Ball” in 1919 and again in 1923. He was a member of the Law Students’ Society and was involved in debates held by the society. Keith graduated LLB in 1922.
University Sport

Cricket
Keith played four seasons of cricket for Adelaide University from 1919/20 through to 1922/23. Playing in the B Grade team, probably his most pleasing memory would have been his performance against his old school in October 1921, when he had the bowling figures of 4 for 32. A match to forget was in his final season, when in January 1923, his side was dismissed for 30 runs.

Athletics
Keith competed in the Adelaide University Sports coming third in the Mile Handicap in 1921 and second in the same event in 1922.

Career and Family Life

In addition to his University sports, Keith competed in the SA Lawn Tennis Carnivals in 1921 and 1922. In November 1922 while still living with his parents at Sixth Avenue, St Peters he registered a 27.3 Buick motor vehicle.

In December 1922, Keith was admitted to the Bar.

Keith became a partner in his father’s firm of solicitors, Wilson and Genders. He remained actively involved in both his old College and University.

As a graduate, in March 1924, he put on the cricket gear again to play in a match for the graduates against the students. The graduates, including Keith, succumbed to the spin of law student and returned WW1 Serviceman Pat Ohlstrom, who had played for South Australia and was the leading A Grade wicket taker in the State in the 1923/4 season.

By 1925, Keith was on the committee of the St Peter’s College Old Scholars Association. He also was a keen golfer playing golf at both Kooyonga and Victor Harbor.

In August 1925, Keith’s father passed away leaving a widow and two sons, Laurence and Keith.

By 1930, Keith was involved in the Political Reform League and is pictured below in March 1930, recruiting canvassers for the upcoming election and greeting Mr R.G. Menzies.

On Saturday the 24th of May 1930, Keith married Elizabeth (Betty) Hornabrook Bonython, the daughter of Mr and Mrs Lavington Bonython at St John’s Church, Halifax Street, Adelaide.

On the 2nd of May 1932, Keith and Betty’s son, Ian Bonython Cameron Wilson, was born. The couple were then living at Tusmore. In 1933, Keith gained a credit in Public Finance at Adelaide University. Keith and Betty’s daughter, Elizabeth Cameron Wilson was born in February 1934.

In 1934, after a tie at pre-selection, the Liberal party endorsed two candidated for the seat of Boothby. Keith lost the poll to J.L. Price, the other L.C.L. (Liberal and Country League) candidate in October 1934.

By March 1935, Keith was chairman of the committee of the Young Liberal League and is pictured below meeting Mr McCall, M.H.R. and in April 1935, he was among the attendees at the Easter School of Political Economy.

In August 1937, Keith Wilson and Eric Bonython travelled on the Innamincka Track to Birdsville and back to Adelaide, a journey of over 2,000 miles. Keith and Betty’s second son, Andrew Bray Cameron Wilson was born in late 1937.

Keith was endorsed as an L.C.L. candidate for the Senate in the 1937 elections and the newspaper article below was part of his campaign material. He was described as noted for his courage and determination. Keith was successful in gaining a seat in the Senate from 1 July 1938.

In March 1938, Betty travelled to England and was presented at Court. She arrived back in Australia in September 1938. Keith travelled to Perth to meet Betty and the couple returned home to Adelaide on the East-West Express.

Who’s Who in Australia (1938) provides the following details on Keith’s life to that stage.

World War II

On the 5th of January 1939, Keith joined the Artillery (49th Battalion) as a gunner under Major R.B. Hone and went into camp on the 4th of February 1939 for ten days.

In March 1940, Betty was appointed commanding officer of the Volunteer Services Detachments of the Red Cross Society. At that time, Ian was seven years of age and was attending St Peter’s College, Elizabeth was six and Andrew was three year of age.

On the 30 May 1940 Keith enlisted for service in Australia or abroad in WWII (SN- SX4061).

Keith was appointed a temporary Lance Sergeant in October 1940. On 17th of November 1940, he embarked on the H.M.T Strathmore for overseas service with the 2/7th Field Regiment, disembarking in the Middle East in December 1940.

The following extract from a letter from Sergeant (Senator) K.C. Wison was published in The Advertiser on the 8th of July 1941. (see document).

Post WWII

In March 1948, Keith was appointed a director of the Enterprise Shoe Co. Ltd. He was already a foundation member and director of Alma Shoes Ltd. Keith also became the President of the Adelaide Legacy Club.

By 1953, Ian, Keith and Betty’s eldest son, was studying Law at Adelaide University. Ian was the Bakewell Law Scholar at St Peter’s College and went on to win both the Stow Prize and the R.W. Bennett Prize three times and thus became a Stow Scholar and a R.W. Bennett Scholar. Ian’s 21st birthday party in May 1953 was attended by the Prime Minister, Mr Robert Menzies. Ian gained his LLB from Adelaide University in 1955.

A profile on Keith entitled "South Australian profile No. 87 Born to the Law" was published in the News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954) on the 26th of December 1953 (http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131243175). (see document).

Death

Keith Cameron Wilson died on 28 September 1987 and was buried at the Centennial Park Cemetery after a memorial service at St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Marryatville. Elizabeth (Betty) Hornabrook Wilson passed away on the 25th of September 2008 and was buried at Centennial Park Cemetery.

Author EE (Beth) Filmer

For the complete profile including photographs, newspaper articles, documents and sources prepared for the AUFC/AUCC WWI Memorial Project (in the period 2015-2019) please see the document attached.