Soldier Record
John Ernest Willis
Contributed by: Margaret Willis, on 2008-11-08
| Rank | |
|---|---|
| First Name | John Ernest |
| Surname | Willis |
| Year of Birth | 1890 |
| Year of Death | 1969 |
| Regiment | Royal Navy |
| Place of Wartime Residence |
John Ernest's Story
John Ernest Willis was the father in law of Margaret Willis nee Margaret Fleming.
John never drank, and in those days sailors would get a 'daily tot' of rum, but instead of drinking it he would barter with others - they would do his washing or whatever and they could have his rum!
He always talked about the trousers they wore - they were very wide in the legs and how they had to keep them immaculate.
He talked about being in Scapa Flow, North of Scotland and he talked about how the water was warm and they went for a swim.
He was engaged but didn't get married until after the war in 1918 as they'd decided to wait. I think his fiance used to go up to Scotland meet him.
His ship used to repair any damage on other war ships.
He smoked a pipe like mad - he always had it stuck in his mouth!
No additional memories have been submitted