Thursday 14 February 2013

Lance-Corporal John Patrick Willis, MM

Born on 4 March 1894 in London, England - brother of Mary Willis, London, England - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 6.5 inches; chest of 35 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; hazel eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 26 February 1915 (number 410437) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 30 October 1916 - invalided to England on 1 November 1916 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 4 May 1917 - wounded on 30 October or 1 November 1917 - invalided to England on 4 November 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 11 October 1918 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 16 June 1919.

Awarded the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 3 July 1917: "Performed valuable work in assisting in the attack on an enemy machine gun emplacement during attack on Avion Trench June 28/17."

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Canadian War Museum, 19680229-001, Manu 58C 1 2.18, Honours and Awards, 38th Battalion (Records of recommendations for honours and awards and mentioned in dispatches 19161121 19190117))

No comments: