Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
George was the eldest child born to his parents George (storekeeper) and his wife, Hannah (nee Stephenson) at Gateshead in 1896. George had 4 brothers and sisters named Lilian, James, Mary Jane and Joseph. Also living with them, was his mother’s brother, Joseph Stephenson, a quarryman. The family lived at Springfield Place Gateshead as shown on 1901 census.
By 1911 the family had moved to 80 Hunters Buildings Gateshead. George was working as a pit screen boy but by the following year, 11 June 1912, he enlisted into the Army aged about 17. His medical report shows George as being 5’ 3” tall with good vision and a good physical development. He was a member of the Church of England.
On enlistment he was sent to Scarborough. After the outbreak of War he was sent to France via Folkestone on 20 April 1915 but within 6 weeks, 30 May 1915, he received a gunshot wound to his right foot so was sent home for care at Wharncliffe Hospital, Sheffield. He left hospital 2 October 1915 but was not sent back to the front until March 1916.
George was promoted to Sergeant 15 September 1916 having worked his way up through the ranks.
He was seriously wounded on 3 January 1917 and was sent to No. 17 Casualty Clearing Station where he died the following day aged 21 years. He had received a gunshot wound to his head and also a compound fracture to his right thigh.
His mother added the following words to the stone :- “Greater love hath no man Than this That a man lay down his life For his friends”
The sole legatee to effects was Miss Lucy Sawyer of 15 Fenwick Terrace, Split Crow Road Gateshead. Her connection to George is unknown.
George is named on his parents headstone in St. John's graveyard Gateshead Fell:-
The family burial place of George & Hannah WILLIS Inloving memory of George husband of the above Hannah WILLIS who died Aug 18th 1923 aged 95 years Also George their son who died of wounds received in action Jan 4th 1917 aged 21 years interred at Dernancourt France Also Lillian their daughter who died Oct 10th 1921 aged 23 years Also Hannah WILLIS wife of the above who died Oct 2nd 1927 aged 56 years Thy will be done.
Medals:- British War Medal and Victory Medal
George Willis is remembered at Gateshead in G39.004 and at Gateshead Fell on G39.064
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 2
