When he arrived at Gallipoli in September 1915, Wiltshire had recently been promoted to captain in the 22nd Battalion. Against his wishes he was given an administrative role, assisting his senior officer.
Part of Wiltshire’s job entailed censoring soldiers letters home to ensure they didn’t let slip any classified information.
In June 1917, Wiltshire was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and appointed to command the 22nd Battalion. Then aged 26, he was one of the youngest Australian battalion commanders.
Wiltshire was awarded the Military Cross in January 1917 for his work in commanding his company and for his ‘gallant and good conduct’ at Pozières, where he was injured with a gunshot wound to the leg.
In October 1917, Wiltshire received the Distinguished Service Order and was mentioned in despatches for his service at Broodseinde, Belgium.
After the war, Wiltshire returned to Victoria and his old employer, the Bank of Australasia, where he enjoyed a successful career, rising to be superintendent of the bank in 1944, then general manager of the newly merged Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Bank in 1951.