Neville Wanliss was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a clerk when he enlisted with the 21st Battalion, B Company on 14 January 1915 at the age of 38. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 10 May 1915. He was admitted to the 6th Field Ambulance for gastro in late October 1915 before being assigned with the 21st Battalion in November. By early 1917 he was diagnosed with ægeneral disability' and it was decided he would return home to Australia for home service per the Runic on 4 May 1917. A medical discharge followed on 13 August 1917.

His brother, Captain Harold Boyd Wanliss DSO of the 14th Battalion also served. He was killed in action on 26 September 1917. (Tree No. 1384)
Tree No. 1887