World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Woking, Surry, he served as a Captain in the 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army. On April 25, 1915, during a landing on West Beach, Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, the 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, were met by deadly fire from hidden machine guns which caused a great number of casualties. Captain Willis with two other men, rushed up to and cut the wire entanglements which held up the advance under fire from the enemy. After overcoming extreme difficulties, they reached the upper cliffs, gained a foot hold and the position was maintained. For leadership and devotion to duty, he was promoted Major and was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on September 22, 1915. He died at age 89 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Woking, Surry, he served as a Captain in the 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army. On April 25, 1915, during a landing on West Beach, Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, the 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, were met by deadly fire from hidden machine guns which caused a great number of casualties. Captain Willis with two other men, rushed up to and cut the wire entanglements which held up the advance under fire from the enemy. After overcoming extreme difficulties, they reached the upper cliffs, gained a foot hold and the position was maintained. For leadership and devotion to duty, he was promoted Major and was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on September 22, 1915. He died at age 89 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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