Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The parents of Captain Eric Wren, of Berry, have received information that their son has lost his right arm as the result of injuries received at the battle of Pozieres.  Captain Wren who has shown conspicuous bravery on the field - he has been several times promoted during the progress of the hostilities - has received the French Croix-de-Gurre.  The young soldier, who is a clever musician and an all-round sport, went through the Gallipoli campaign, and has been twice wounded since.  Captain Wren was exceedingly popular with his men and his one regret now is that he will not be able to return to the front.

The death occurred in the Caulfield Military Hospital this morning of Captain Eric Wren (52), son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Wren, of Casino, and brother of Mrs. H. J. Waddell, of Casino. Capt. Wren, who resided in Sydney, left there at the beginning of last week for Melbourne to take up the important appointment of Deputy Director of Ordnance at army head quarters. He was in his usual good health then but became ill later in the week and entered hospital for an
operation.

The deceased served with distinction in the A.I.F, in the last war, being a member of the 3rd Battalion. He enlisted a few days
after the outbreak of war in 1914 and left Australia with the first contingent. For distinguished conduct during the fighting in France he was awarded the French honour of the Croix de Guerre, being decorated at a function in Paris. Capt. Wren lost his right arm while serving in France in 1916. He had been an interstate tennis player before the war and on returning to Australia he continued to participate in the game, despite the loss of the arm. He secured the 
degree of bachelor of economics at Sydney University and was the
author of an entertaining book entitled "Randwick to Harlineourt,"
dealing with his wartime experiences.

He is survived by a widow and two sons. One of them, Lieut. David
Wren, is at present overseas with the A.I.F. and, like his father, enlisted within a few days of the outbreak of the present war.

The remains will be cremated in Melbourne to-morrow after a  military funeral.

''The late Major Eric Wren, the Cootamundra 'old boy,' whose death
occurred In Melbourne, enlisted in 1914 as a private, and' left Australia as a corporal. Alter the landing of his battalion at Gallipoll he was promoted to sergeant, and held his commission in the attack on Lone Pine. After the evacuation he was promoted to captain, and was in charge of 'C' Company during theSomme offensive. In the attack on Pozleres he lost an arm, and was later appointed second in command of the Training Battalion. He was decorated with the croix de Guerre. After his return from active service Major Wren resumed his duties with the New South Wales Government Railways, and until recently was staff superintendent, of the stores branch. Some weeks ago he was appointed Major in the Ordnance Branch, and was transferred to Melbourne. Major, Wren was chairman of the 2nd/4th Battalion Comforts Fund, past vice-president of the Limbless Soldiers' Association, and was connected with many sporting bodies. He was the historian of the 3rd Battalion, and wrote 'Randwick to Harglncourt.'.