Major Charles Frederick Willis
5th(T.F.)Battalion
York and Lancaster Regiment
8th March 1918
Born in Rotherham,Yorkshire in 1883. He was baptised on 28/08/1883.
His parents were Gervase Butterill Willis
(1842-1893) and Kate Eliza Outwin(1847-1925).
They were married in 1869.
Charles had a brother, William Brooke
(1870-02/12/1943) and 3 sisters,
Alice Maud(1875-09/01/1951),Dora Mildred
(1879-07/12/1972) and
Kathleen Mary(born in 1887).
In the 1891 census, the family were recorded as living at St Leonard's St Leonards Road Rotherham. Gervase was working as a solicitor.
In the 1901 census, the records show the family were still living at the same address. Charles had now started working as an articled law clerk.
In 1908 Charles married Muriel Constance Burwood(1882-1967). They had 2 children,
David Alfred(15/01/1914-1995) and
Felicity Mary(1918-01/03/1957).
In the 1911 census , they were recorded as living at Brentwood,St Anne's Road,Rotherham. Charles was now a solicitor.
He enlisted into the York and Lancaster Regiment in 1900 and his date of disembarkation into France was on 13/04/1915.
He was killed in action on 08/03/1918.
He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 13 March 1918
Rotherham Solicitor
“Information has been received in Rotherham
That Major Charles Frederick Willis of Rotherham, was killed in action on Friday last, the 8th inst. The deceased was associated with the York and Lancaster Regiment. His connection with the volunteers dated from June 26th, 1900 and he was granted a commission two years afterwards. He went on active service in April 1915.Where since with the exception of three months from last October to December at the senior officers School at Aldershot.
Major Willis was the younger son of the late Mr G.B. Willis of St Leonard’s, Rotherham, solicitor and was admitted a solicitor in 1905, and has since been in partnership with his brother, Mr W.B. Willis in practice in Rotherham. He acted as hon. secretary of the Rotherham Habitation of the Primrose League for some years and his mother is now Dame President.
Major Willis married in 1908 Miss Muriel Burwood (daughter of Dr. and Mrs T.W. Burwood of Oceanshand Aldeburgh Suffolk.
By whom two children, a son and daughter, he is survived.
​
Probate on 03/08/1918 to his wife. Effects £4251 7s 2d(worth today £289,869.56)