AustLit

Bush Balladist, 'Billy' Wye was born in a slab hut on the banks of Morse's Creek in Wandiligong, Victoria. He left school at the age of nine and earnt his living brumby running, mustering, droving, prospecting and race horse training in North Eastern Victoira. In September 1915 at the age of forty-nine, Wye enlisted with the AIF as a horse trainer. He served in the Middle East. After returning to Australia, Wye continued to travel and work in the North of Australia before returning to Victoria. His poetry reflected the changing times in Australia, especially rural Australia, and commented on his own experiences. He lived his last years in Albury, NSW and is buried in Albury Cemetery.