David was a son of William and Olive Wolff of Auburn NSW. His birth was registered at Granville in 1896. David was a twenty one year old Labourer when he enlisted at Inverell in April 1917. He joined the 1st Battalion, 25th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on HMAT A74 Marathon in May 1917. After arriving in England in July further training took place until he was sent to France in December. Towards the end of February 1918 he was transferred to the 13th Battalion.
Private David Wolff was killed in action on 4 July 1918. He has no known grave and his name is inscribed on the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France. His personal possessions which included a wallet, photos, safety razor and metal watch were returned to his mother.
David’s brother, Arthur, enlisted in Sydney in October 1915 and joined the 13th Battalion 11th Reinforcement. He served in France and was killed in action on 3 May 1918. Arthur also has no known grave and his name is inscribed on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France. The names of the Wolff brothers are recorded on the Auburn Public School Honor Roll.
At Inverell David’s name is inscribed on the town’s Honor Roll and Cenotaph. He is also remembered on the Ashford Honor Roll. During 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade, Inverell.
Image: Private David Wolff, AWM Image PO8624.317