No. 15/52111, Rifleman, William Arthur WILLIS
Aged 40
William Arthur WILLIS was born in Haverhill (Risbridge Q4-1877 1878 4A:473), son of William and Selina Jane WILLIS (née TWEED). He was often known as Arthur
1881 census...Aged 3, he was at Duddery Road, Haverhill with his father William WILLIS [29] silk weaver; his mother Selina Jane [25] born Steeple Bumpstead, Essex; sister Cecilia Jane [1]. All except his mother were born in Haverhill. 1891 census...Aged 13, he was at 20 Duddery Road, Haverhill with his parents; sister Cecilia; brothers Herbert Bernard [9] and Ernest Edgar [6] both born Haverhill. 1901 census...Aged 23, Arthur was a boot repairer at 20 Duddery Road still with his parents; brothers Herbert [19] boot repairer, and Ernest [16] a hair weaver. He married Ethel May SCOTT [6-5-1881] in 1907 1911 census...Aged 33, an innkeeper, he was at The Swan Inn, Mill Road, Haverhill with his wife Ethel May [29] and son Richard Arthur David [5-9-1910]. All Haverhill born. Their daughter, Winifred Molly, was born on 10-7-1915 |
William with Ethel, Richard and Winifred
He enlisted in Sudbury. According to the war diary the Battalion had just moved into Brigade Support at CANAL BANK. The war diary is a very sparse source of information.. CWGC have 6 of the battalion dying that day, all buried side by side at Cinq Rues |
Original grave marker Headstone and also commemorated on the family grave in Haverhill photo:Commonwealth War Graves Commission
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details