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Old 10-04-14, 12:12
Jill Jill is offline
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Default Francis Henry Gibson Willey

Not my relative, but an Old Boy of my school, and the first to die.

Francis Henry Gibson Willey, 10181 2nd Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment

Son of a gardener, born in 1895 in Lindfield, Sussex to Frank and Julia Willey. In 1901 they were living in Isaacs Lane at Iron Pear Tree Cottage, between Cuckfield and Haywards Heath. By 1911 Frank was also a gardener and they were living at 20 College Road in Haywards Heath.

He had already joined the Army before the war, and Frank went to France on 12th August 1914 (from his medal card) but died on 14 September 1914 at Vendresse, aged 19. For a long time he was missing in action which would have given his family some hope. This appeared in the local paper:

MID SUSSEX TIMES 1ST JUNE 1915
WOUNDED & MISSING, PRIVATE FHG WILLEY HAYWARDS HEATH

Private Francis HG Willey No 10181 “A” Company 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, son of Mr F Willey of New England Road Haywards Heath has been reported missing since September 14th last. He entered the Amy in March, 1913, having previously belonged to the local Church Lads Brigade and Territorials. For a period of two years before he enlisted he was in the employ of Mr B M Drake of Copyhold, Cuckfield. Everything possible has been done to trace him, but up to the present time without success.


A letter dated 17 December 1915 (on a public tree on Ancestry) informed his parents that sadly he had indeed died. At that time his parents were living at 2 Prices Cottages, New England Road, later of “Lorna Doone”, 69 New England Road. He was awarded 3 service medals, which were sent to his family. He has no known grave.

His father was sent his effects of £5 13s 4d on 14 December 1916 and a War Gratuity of £5 on 27th July 1919.

Children from his school will honour Frank and the other Old Boys at Haywards Heath War Memorial on 21st July at 10am, thanks to Mr Collins of the Royal British Legion for arranging this.

Last edited by Jill; 19-01-15 at 18:43. Reason: effects/gratuity
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