| Regimental number | 59076 |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Next of kin | Father, J Tilson, Port Molyneux, Otago |
| Rank on embarkation | Private |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 30th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Company, D Company |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT No 93 Corinthic on |
| Final rank | Corporal |
| Final unit | 2nd Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment |
| Fate | Killed in Action |
| Age at death from cemetery records | 21 |
| Place of burial | Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery (Plot III, Row C, Grave No 2), Villers-Plouich, France |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: John Tilson, Kaka Point, Port Molyneux, Otago, and the late Elizabeth Weir Tilson |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations about Bapaume on 24 August 1918, Corporal Tilson volunteered to go out and bring in to cover his wounded officer who lay in a very exposed position. This act he successfully performed under intense machine gun fire. Later in the day he took command of a party of men and established a Lewis Gun post to protect the right flank of the Battalion. By his fearlessness and devotion to duty he set a splendid example to all ranks.'
Source: 'London Gazette' Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | Nominal Roll Vol. 3: Roll 72, p. 15 |