George Edward Willoughby
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
George Edward, known as Ted, was the youngest son of George Willoughby who died when his son was probably only a few months old. George senior was the son of John and Harriet Willoughby who in 1861 were living at the railway station, Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, with their children who included George (12, b. Sempringham Lincolnshire) and Mary Ann (3, b. Myra Lincolnshire) George senior has not yet been traced on subsequent census records nor have any details been found of his marriage or children. However, a notice of his son's death in the local paper said that he was of 'Cinderhill' which is where his son was born. George senior probably died in 1896 (J/A/S Basford) at the age of 46. George Edward was brought up by his father's married sister, Mary Ann Watson, who had married Joseph Watson in 1882 (J/F/M Basford). The couple were childless. In 1901, when George Edward was six years old, he was living with his aunt and uncle at The Vernon Hotel, Vernon Road, Basford. His uncle was described on the census as an engine stoker and publican. Also in the household was a general servant, Charlotte Copse (22). The family was still at the same address in 1911. Joseph Watson described himself as a beer house keeper and his nephew, George Edward (16), was working as a barman, presumably in his uncle's pub. Joseph Watson died aged 63 on 20 March 1916, just a few months before the death of his nephew. Mary Ann Watson died on 27 August 1923, aged 66.
Formerly No.11984 Seaforth Highlander. He is buried in Railway Hollow Cemetery, Hebuterne. He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Inscription on family gravestone (Watson), Nottingham General Cemetery: ‘In loving memory of Corp. CE Willoughby (Ted), beloved nephew of Joseph and Mary Watson killed in action July 1st 1916 aged 22 years.’ Other inscription: ‘In loving memory of Joseph Watson who died March 20th 1916 aged 63 years. Also Mary Ann, beloved wife of the above, who died August 27th 1923, aged 66 years. At rest’ Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 14 July and 15 July 1916: ‘Willoughby. Killed in action, July 1st 1916, George Edward Willoughby, aged 22 years, the dearly loved nephew of Mrs Watson, Vernon Hotel, Old Basford, and youngest son of the late George Willoughby, of Cinder Hill.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 15 July 1916: ‘Willoughby. Killed in action, July 1st 1916, Corporal GE Willoughby (Ted) aged 22 years. His duty nobly done. Edie’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) George Edward's aunt, Mary Ann Watson, was his sole legatee. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 22 March 1916: ‘Watson. On the 20th inst. at the Vernon Hotel, Old Basford, Joseph, the beloved husband of Mary Watson. Interment General Cemetery, Thursday, 2.30.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Probate: Watson Joseph of the Vernon Hotel Vernon-road Old Basford Nottingham beerhousekeeper died 20 March 1916 Probate Nottingham 28 June to John Finn chemical manufacturer. Effects £975 15s. 8d. Probate: Watson Mary Ann of Midland-avenue Lenton Nottingham widow died 27 August 1923 Probate Nottingham 19 December to George Richardson railway foreman. Effects £898 7s. 11d.
