Topic: Gen - Australia
Australian Society, 1899 - 1920
General Items
William Willis Snr and William Willis Jr
William Willis Jr
[From: Sydney Mail, 9 June 1900, p. 1358]
This little 6 year old tyke is dressed in the same uniform as his father who recently left for South Africa. It was a father son relationship that lasted through thick and thin.
The son is William Willis, born 1894.
The father was William Willis. When the picture was taken, 1613 Gunner William Willis, 'A' Battery, Royal Australian Artillery departed for South Africa.
And here is a picture of A Battery - Willis is amongst this group - but unfortunately cannot be identified.
"A" Battery in Review.
However, on the day, one could be sure young William could identify his father.
Here is the wharfside farewell at Sydney for "A" Battery. This is Central Wharf seeing the departure of HT Warrigal.
HT Warrigal departing from Central Wharf.
That wasn't the end of Gunner William Willis' service. He remained in the artillery as a permanent soldier. The family lived at 19 Comber Street, Paddington, just a quick walk away from Victoria Barracks. Also just a quick walk to Bent Street.
During the Great War, Willis Snr enlisted in the 7th FAB and served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France. He was invalided from the AIF in 1918.
His son, Willis Jr enlisted in the AIF in 1915 and served as a driver with the 5th DAC until his father claimed him for the 7th FAB. He reutned to Australian in 1919.
After the war, we know that Willis Snr claimed a pension in 1932 while Jnr claimed one in 1957.
Further Reading:
Citation: Australian Society, 1899 - 1920, General Items, William Willis Snr and William Willis Jr
