Thursday 14 February 2013

Private William John Willis

Born on 18 August 1888 in Sittingbourne, Kent, England - son of Caroline Willis, Toronto, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address same as mother; trade as painter; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 8 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; fresh complexion; blue eyes; dark brown hair.

Joined the 166th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 17 January 1916 (number 669463) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 27 November or 1 December 1916 - invalided sick to England on 16 May 1917.

(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)

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