Mar 16, 1888

Born at Devon England

Feb 27, 1913

Embarked the RMS Ascania at Southampton England

Mar 11, 1913

Disembarked at Portland Maine, USA and proceeded to Kingston Ontario

Jan 16, 1915

Shown as a volunteer with the 14^th Regiment Princess of Wales’ Own Rifles, number 3055.  That file also shows that he was destined to be in the 39^th Battalion at Kingston Ontario. 

His Attestation shows the following 

Ø      Number 60076 (temporary number 1283)

Ø      Next of kin given as David Willis, brother, of 114 Victoria Ave, Bristol England

Ø      Previous occupation given as Farmer

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Church of England 

It is noteworthy that L/Col JA Preston, Commanding Officer of the 39^th Battalion, signed his Attestation Papers

Mar 15, 1915

14^th Regiment pay card shows Pte Willis transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Mar 16, 1915

The 21^st Battalion pay card shows Pte Willis TOS (Taken On Strength) on this date.  I believe that the Attestation Papers were left un-numbered when they were signed with the number being assigned at this time

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama at Montreal Quebec

May 15, 1915

Disembarked at Devonport England and proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St Seiriol at Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked at Boulogne France and proceeded to St Omer

Dec 9, 1916

Granted 10 days leave

Dec 22, 1916

At duty from leave

Jan 16, 1917

Awarded the Good Conduct Badge

Apr 13, 1917

During an attack on the Vimy Railway Station, Pte Willis was wounded and removed to the No 18 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station)

Apr 15, 1917

Pte Willis died from his wounds while still at the No 18 CCS

Lapugnoy Military Cemetery
Pas de Calais France 

Following the war, the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his brother, DJ Willis Esq, at 13 Lovell St, Pennywell Road, Bristol, England. 

There was no Memorial Cross issued