Wilfred Emmott Addison was born at Yass, New South Wales during 1887. He was educated at Singleton Grammar School. His parents were Glentworth Addison and Harriet Binning Addison. Four of his uncles and several of his cousins also saw active service with the Australian Imperial Force.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Addison was working as an accountant at the Commercial Bank of Australia. He had some previous military experience as he had completed 10 months service with the 25th Scottish Rifles.

Addison enlisted in the AIF on 23 December 1914 and his prior military service helped secure him a commission as a second lieutenant. Addison was assigned to the 18th Infantry Battalion and departed Sydney aboard HMAT Ceramic on 25 June 1915.

Addison was stationed briefly in Egypt before deployment to Gallipoli. He was killed in action on 22 August 1915 during the landings at Suvla Bay. He died as part of a charge against Turkish positions on Hill 60. Wilfred Addison is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli.