John Edward Bernard Willis
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John Willis was the only son of Joseph and Susannah Willis although he had two older sisters, Elizabeth and Agnes, all three being born in Worksop. John was born in 1880 and his birth registration names him as John Edwin and his army records refer to him as J E B Willis. When he was born, the family were living at 24 Newgate Street, Worksop. In 1901 the family seems to be going through hard times as Joseph and Susannah were living as boarders at 59 Norfolk Street and living off the parish and John is 3 doors away, at number 62 Norfolk Street as a boarder and working as an iron moulder. In 1905, John’s elderly father died age 74. By 1911, John was still a single man and living with his widowed mother, now working as a bricklayer, living at No. 1 Court, West Street, Worksop.
Pte. J. E. B. Willis Worksop Guardian 30 August 1918 Reported missing since Sept. 15th, 1917, official news has been received by his mother that Pte. John Edwin Bernard Willis (Jack) is presumed killed on that date, or since. Pte. Willis, who was 36 years of age, and single, joined the Notts and Derby’s Regiment on November 13th 1914. He is the only son of Mrs and the late Mr. Joseph Willis, and before entering the army resided with his mother in West Street, Worksop. Shortly after enlisting he was sent to the Dardanelles, where he was wounded. On recovery, Pte. Willis was drafted to Egypt, and from there to France, where he was severely wounded in the Somme battle. He recovered from his wounds in “Blighty” and was ordered to France again in January, last year. In August last he was slightly wounded, and shortly after being notified of this his mother received the news that he was missing. After much anxiety and constant enquiries, the intimation that he is presumed to be killed came as state. Pte. Willis was well known and a well conducted young man and much respected, and was in the employ of Messrs Ilett and Sons, builders and Contractors. His mother and other relatives will receive the sympathy of their many friends in their great bereavement.
Commemorated at the Hooge Crater Cemetery, Belgium. Research by Colin Dannatt
