Name
John Robert Francis Willett
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
07/11/1916
22
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
22141
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
17th Company
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE
Plot II, Row F, Grave 5.
France
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour,
St Michael and All Angels Church Memorial, Watford,
Sun Engraving Company Memorial, Watford
Pre War
Son of John and Sarah Ann (nee BRACKLEY) WILLETT.
His parents married 14 August 1892 at St Mary’s, Wendover, Bucks. John died 1918 in the Watford district aged 58; Sarah possibly died 1928 in the Stoke on Trent, Staffs, district aged 66.
John was born 14 February 1894 in Willesden, London, and baptised 25 March 1894 at All Souls, Harlesden, London. He attended Beechen Grove Board School, Watford, from 14 April 1902 to 3 February 1903, and again from 11 January 1904 to 23 November 1908. He resided in Willesden.
On the 1901 Census, aged 7 he lived in Watford, with his parents and two siblings. On the 1911 Census, a French polish packer aged 17, he still lived in Watford, with his parents and four siblings.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Watford, and was formerly Private 10599 Bedfordshire Regiment.
He was entitled to the Victory, British War and 1914-15 Star medals, his qualifying date being 30 July 1915, and was killed in action.
Additional Information
Unfortunately, John’s Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
Has a entry in the National Roll of the Great War.
John is possibly the J WILLETT commemorated by Sun Engraving. His brother James died 25 April 1918 and also features on Watford Borough Roll of Honour.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
