William Wand - World War II

World War II

He consecrated the cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, Dogura, New Guinea on 29 October 1939. The date was continually altered due to the start of World War II. Dogura is in Milne Bay province.

Wand made a lecture tour of the United States of America in 1940. He argued in support of a new constitution for the Church, but thought that the proposed appellate tribunal should have a majority of bishops, rather than legal laymen, to determine points of doctrine. With his friend Bishop Batty, he supported the early ecumenical movement.

During World War II, when Brisbane resembled a garrison town, Wand and his wife worked for the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Help Society. His 1942 address to the Royal Society of St George defended the British war effort and was published as the pamphlet, "Has Britain Let Us Down?" It prompted questions in the Federal parliament and attracted the attention of such British politicians as Viscount Brendan Bracken and Winston Churchill. Early in 1943 Wand was surprised to be offered the see of Bath and Wells. He left Brisbane in July. Two years later he was translated to the diocese of London.