Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Herbert was born at Middlestone, Durham in 1882. His parents who married in 1875 were John and Mary Ellen (nee Marr).
In 1891 the family were living at Merrington. As well as his parents Herbert’s siblings were John, George, Harrison and James. John senior was a colliery boiler attender whilst his oldest son John junior was a coal miner. The other children were at school.
Unfortunately, there is very little is known about either the family or of Herbert’s military life after 1891.
It is known Herbert enlisted at Spennymoor. He served for a while with the Durham Light Infantry as service number 78789 then later was transferred to 2nd Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry as service number 22681.
He was killed in action at St Eloi on June 12th 1915.
The monies due to him amounting to £5.0s.2d then later a war gratuity of £5.0s.0d was divided between his siblings.
Medals: 1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
His brother, Harrison, served with the 187th Battery, Royal Field Artillery as no. 21294. His total service amounted to only 54 days. He enlisted on September 5th 1914 but was soon discharged on October 28th 1914. He is recorded as being not being likely to become an efficient soldier. He was medically examined and found to be permanently and totally unfit for any form of military service. Although discharged on medical grounds he appeared to be a strong man having worked as a cattleman on a farm and later as an engine driver. He survived the war and was awarded a silver war badge B3517 on September 6th 1918.
Herbert Lawrence Wills is remembered at Kirk Merrington on K26.01
