Dorothy Muriel Wilson (abt. 1918 - abt. 2000)

Wife of Walter Henry Noack — married 8 May 1940 (to Nov 1947) in Glenelg, South Australia, Australia

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Biography

Details on the birth and early life of Dorothy are not known. It is thought that she was born in about 1918 in New South Wales, with the first mention of family being her engagement notice in March 1940.

On 16 March 1940, Dorothy, daughter of Mrs M. Gill, Auburn NSW and the Late Walter Wilson, became engaged to Walter Henry Noack (2).

They were married on 8 May 1940, May at Glenelg, the marriage being solemnized by Rev E.C. Zweck (3). The Electoral Roll for the 1943 Australian election, records Dorothy as residing in Mitcham, South Australia, her nominated relative being Walter Henry Noack (4).

A son Errol Wilson Noack, was born to Walter and Dot at Calvary Hospital, North Adelaide on 28 March 1945 (5). However, the breakdown of their marriage ended with a divorce in November, 1947 (6). The circumstances of the breakdown and divorce were particularly acrimonious and were well reported at in the Adelaide press at the time. Errol's middle given name was changed to Errol Wayne Noack. Dot left Errol as a baby to be cared for by his father, Walter and his relatives. She continued her relationship with John (Jack) Walsh of Glenelg. A Court report in January 1949 recorded that they were living at Hanson road, Woodville and were not married. Dorothy had, however, changed her name to Dorothy Muriel Walsh by deed poll (7).

Her later life is unknown. She was, however, tracked down by the press following the death of her son, Errol in 1966 (as the first Australian conscript killed in the Viet Nam conflict). Her comments were published on 1 June 1966, the day of his funeral (8).

Sources

(1) KNOTT, John "Noack, Errol Wayne (1945 - 1966)". Australian Dictionary of Biography Volume 15, Melbourne University Press, 2000

(2) 1940, 16 March, Engagement Notice: “WILSON-NOACK engagement announced, Dorothy (Dot) daughter of Mrs M. Gill, Auburn NSW and Late Walter Wilson to Walter Henry Noack, second son of M.S. Noack and the late Mrs Noack of Kingswood.”.

The Advertiser (Adelaide SA; 1931 – 1954), Saturday 16 March 1940, page 10. National Library of Australia, Trove Digitised Newspapers, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article

(3) 1940, 8 May, Marriage Notice “Noack-Wilson, On the 8th May at Glenelg, the marriage of Dorothy M. Wilson of Sydney, to Walter H. Noack of Kingswood, was solemnized by Rev E.C. Zweck.”

The Advertiser (Adelaide SA; 1931 – 1954), Friday 31 May 1940, page 12. National Library of Australia, Trove Digitised Newspapers, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article

(4) NOACK, Dorothy Muriel, Australia Electoral Roll 1843, Mitcham, South Australia, relative Walter Henry Noack. In My Heritage database, "Australia Electoral Rolls 1893 - 1949". www.myheritage.org

(5) NOACK, Errol Wilson, Family Notices: Births, The Advertiser, Adelaide, Friday 30 March 1945, page 8.

"NOACK (nee Dot Wilson) on March 28 at Calvary to Dorothy and Walter- a son (Errol Wilson). Both well. Thanking Dr Wurm and Hospital Staff."

(6) "Divorce granted to husband", The Advertiser, Adelaide, Tuesday 4 November 1947, page 4.

(7) "Driver Remanded"The Advertiser, Adelaide, Monday 10 January 1949, page 6. National Library of Australia, Trove Digitised Newspapers, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article43799214

(8) "I'me against conscription"- Pte Noack's mother. Conscript's death: Thousands Protest. Tribune (Sydney, NSW 1939 - 1976), Wednesday 1 June 1966, page 1. National Library of Australia, Trove Digitised Newspapers http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236349758