Arthur Charles Willies
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Samuel Willies originated from Epperstone village, Nottinghamshire upon leaving school he became an apprentice joiner to Mr Wood at the nearby village of Woodborough. Following his apprenticeship he moved to work on The Welbeck Estate near Worksop and became the house carpenter at Welbeck Abbey . Samuel was born in 1845 and died in 1923 aged 78 and he married Elizabeth Machent (Bn 1845 - Died 1909 aged 55 yrs ) in 1877 . Throughout his employment on the estate he and his family lived at Creswell, Cuckney and finally Holbeck . Samuel and Elizabeth had a large family of ten children ;- Lillian Flora born 1877 (later became Lillian Capel) Joseph Henry born 1880 , Samuel George born 1882 , Violet Annie Mabel born 1884 (later became Violet Handley ) Sarah Bertha born 1886 (later became Sarah Tinker ) John William born 1889 , Francis born 1890, Ethel May born 1893 (later became Ethel Jarvis ) Arthur Charles born 1895 and Sidney Robert born 1898. In 1911 the family lived at Holbeck at this date eight of the ten children were living at home. Arthur Charles was 16 years of age , single and a quarry mans labourer
Arthur Willies served with the battalion from the start. After training at Belton by Grantham, the battalion moved south to the Aldershot area. In July 1915 they sailed for Mudros on Lemnos prior to landing on Gallipoli. The battalion's first battle was on 9 August and despite heavy casualties, they could not dislodge the Turk's. The remnant of the battalion launched another attack on 21 August. Once wounded Arthur would have been transported back to England by Hospital ship and taken to The Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, Southampton. He died on 24 September 1915 and his remains were taken home for burial in Norton Cuckney Churchyard. John Morse Private Arthur Willies Worksop Guardian 1 October 1915 Another of the gallant band of Welbeck men who enlisted in the service on the King and country has made the supreme sacrifice - Private Arthur Willies succumbing to wounds received in the severe fighting in the Dardanelles. Pte Willies was the son of Mr Willies, the respected house carpenter of Welbeck Abbey and was one of four brothers who answered the call. He was only 20 years of age, a bright and promising young lad and a truly gallant soldier. He enlisted in the 9th Sherwood Foresters and after his period of training was drafted to the Dardanelles, and was terribly wounded in the recent costly engagements there. He was bought to England and everything possible was done for him at Netly Hospital but he passed away on Saturday. The body was bought home for internment being conveyed to Cuckney from his home on a gun carriage from Welbeck Park Camp. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack and upon this was laid the floral tributes. The Military Band met the procession at Bridge House, Cuckney and played the “Dead March”. The coffin was borne shoulder high, from the church gates by six members of the RFA. The Welbeck and Cuckney C.J.B. under the captain (Mr L Caple), lined each side of the road near Cuckney Club, and saluted as the corpse passed, and then fell into the procession. The senior scholars of the Mixed School, in charge of Mr and Mrs Freeman, also attended to show respect to one of the old boys. There was also a large attendance from Cuckney and district. As the coffin was borne into the church yard, the band rendered “Chopin’s March Funebre” and the “Dead March”. The service was conducted by the Rev. G B Ranks, Chaplain at Welbeck and the Rev. J W Smith, Vicar of Cuckney. A firing party of about 20 RFA men fired three volleys at the graveside, and the Last Post was sounded by six buglers from the Welbeck Park Camp. Note:- The original Guardian report is followed by a lengthy list of mourners and floral tributes
Three brothers also served, Pte Frances Willies, Sherwood Foresters, served in France from 28th June 1915, Pte Samuel George Willies, 14th Hussars and Pte Joseph Henry Willies, Machine Gun Corps , killed in action in France 16th September 1916.
