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Derek Johnstone has had provided the following:
Gilbert John Willis was born in Mosley, Durham on the 1st May 1895 and christened the 16th June 1895. His father, John Willis, was from Sunderland and his mother Isabella Willis from East Rainton, both in County Durham.
In 1901, John’s family lived at 21, Bell Street, Chester le Street, Durham when John was about 5 years old. His father at this time was a joiner.
When John was 15 in 1911 he was working as pony driver at coal mines and living at Choppington Colliery, Northumberland in 4 rooms. Also in house were siblings Charles William, 18, Maggie Gertrude, 9 and Frederick Berwick, 7. His father was recorded as being employed as a joiner shaftsman.
Military records show that John enlisted at Bedlington originally joining the Northumberland Fusiliers, service number 23/329, and then the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
On his death his effects to his father and mother indicating that John was unlikely to have been married.
Gilbert John Willis is remembered in Choppington on C36.01 and C36.04
