Name
James Arthur Willett
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
25/04/1918
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
119554
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
9th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Panel 154 to 159 and 163A.
Belgium
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour,
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.
James was born 18 November 1898 in Watford, and attended Victoria Junior School, Watford; then Beechen Grove Board School, Watford, from 1 September 1908 to 22 February 1909, and again from 5 April 1909 to 9 May 1913.
On the 1901 Census, aged 2 he lived in Watford, with his parents and two siblings. On the 1911 Census, at school aged 12, he still lived in Watford, with his parents and four siblings.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Watford; was entitled to the Victory and British War medals, and was killed in action.
Additional Information
Unfortunately, James’ 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.
James is possibly the J WILLETT commemorated by Sun Engraving. His brother John died 7 November 1916 and also features on Watford Borough Roll of Honour.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
