Working as a clerk with Union Steam Ship Co Ltd in Rarotonga prior to enlistment. Enlisted at Trentham Camp 12 October 1915. Joined 3rd Battalion 3rd New Zealand (Rifles) Brigade. WIA (Wounded in Action) 15 September 1916 at the Somme with a GSW (Gun Shot Wound) to the thigh. Admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station on 15 September 1916 then to 23rd General Hospital, Etaples, on 19 September 1916 and then to 2nd NZ General Hospital Walton-on-Thames. Embarked on New Zealand Hospital Ship Marama at Southampton 13 January 1917 and discharged in New Zealand 4 April 1917. Employed in Rarotonga and provided on a voluntary basis preliminary training to the troops before they travelled to New Zealand. As the 3rd Rarotongan Contingent sailed for New Zealand, the Deputy Commissioner of the Cook Islands wrote to New Zealand that "Mr Wright, the Union Company's Manager, a returned soldier, has done very valuable work training the troops. They now make a credible showing". He continued this training role and joined the 5th Rarotongan Contingent as the Company Sergeant Major.

Listed as 'C.S.M. Wright C.' on Cook Islands Roll of Honour board at RSA Nikao, Rarotonga