Wilson served with the Australian Light Horse in Egypt and Palestine.

Towards the end of the war, Wilson contracted malaria, and he was medically evacuated out of the Jordan Valley in October 1918.

In 1921, Wilson joined Grazcos (Graziers Co-operative Shearing Company) Limited. He became the general manager in 1924, and held this position until 1961.

From 1949 to 1961, Wilson was a Country Party member of the New South Wales Legislative Council.

Wilson was awarded Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1952, and knighted in 1966.