Corps of Military Police

Cap Badge of the Corps of Military Police (King George V)
Soldier Details:
Surname: Willis
Initials:   W.J.
Rank:   Sergeant
Army No.:  665
Notes:   MMP Inscription on gravestone: Beyond the reach of earthly care and free from pain. He was born in Burghfield, enlisted in Reading, resided in Crookham. Formerly served in the 7 Hussars. He was Killed in Action. Awarded the 1914 Star with clasp (2/1692) and rose, Victory and War Medal. First served abroad (1) France, 2/10/14. Shown as 5/8/1914 on medal roll page B864. Shown on medal card as being awarded the 1914-15 star in error and returned. Inscription on gravestone: Beyond the reach of earthly care and free from every pain Info from Pension Index Card: Willis, William James, No.665, MMP, Cpl, A/Sgt, 18/5/1915 killed in action. Widow Gertrude Ellen Willis remarried now Sarratt, they had 5 children Gertrude Edith Honor born 17/9/1907, Dorothy Vera born 6/7/1909, Arthur William Caleb born 12/4/1911, Edith May born 25/3/1913, Marjorie Louisa died 13/7/1915. 22/11/1915 widow received 23/- per week pension. William James Willis. He has the same No. as Cpl. P Young, MFP. Extract from the Surrey Advertiser 9 November 1912. FARNBROUGH. CODY AND THE COW. INTERESTING COUNTY COURT ACTION. A case of much interest and the first of its kind in this country, was heard at the Farnham County court on Wednesday, when John Maynard, farmer, of Cove, Sued Colonel Cody, the well-known aviator, for £20 damages for the loss of a cow killed by a monoplane whilst the machine was being driven by the defendant. Mr. T. L. Jackson for the defendant. The evidence for the plaintiff was to the effect that on the evening of the 6th of July last the der43endant was flying across Laffan's Plain and when descending struck a cow belonging to Mr. Maynard. The cow had its back broken and died soon afterwards. Plaintiff alleged that the spot on which the monoplane alighted was very boggy and this was borne out by Cpl. Willis, Military Mounted Police, who stated that no aviator would land there voluntarily. Mark Hamilton, a horse slaughterer, said he sold the carcase of the cow for Dog's meat for 30s, and obtained 19s. for the hide. he intended to give plaintiff 15s. Mr. Carpenter, Farmer, Cove said the cow was worth £20 alive. Defendant said the place at which he landed was most excellent for the purpose and there was no cow where when he prepared to descent. On striking the earth he felt no extra shock, but the machine stopped rather abruptly. He saw the tractor in front crumple up and on looking back he notice a cow lying about 10 to 15 yards. Mr. Cody alleged that the cow suddenly galloped from the trees and seemed to charge the monoplane. Captain Reynolds and Captain Derbyshire, both of the Royal Flying Squadrons at Farnborough, gave is as their opinion that the scene of the accident was a very good place for a landing. After legal arguments by Mr. Jackson and Mr. Sullivan. his honour said he had not doubt that the defendant used all possible care, but his view was that it was not nece3ssary for plaintiff to show that Colonel Cody was guilty of negligence and for this reason, that a person who used a dangerous machine did so at his own risk and peril and was liable for any damage which resulted from the use of such machine, quite apart from any proof of negligence. He gave judgment, for £18 and costs. Mr. E. Jackson asked for leave to appeal, which was granted.

Decorations/Medals/Awards (1)
  1. Decoration:   Mention in Despatches Gazette Date: 1916-01-01 Gazette Issue: 29422 Gazette Page: 73
Citation:   France & Flanders. Sgt.
Casualty Details:
Date Killed: 18th May 1915
Company: UNKNOWN
Cemetery: PONT-DU-HEM MILITARY CEMETERY LA GORGUE   FRANCE
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