On The 4th June a bullet wounded Dick beneath his heart, he was evacuated to Egypt and thence to England. He is pictured, below right, with Maude and Alaric at the Thames Valley bungalow.
On the 20th of July 1915 an unsigned witness wrote: Dick Willis arrived yesterday. He is a very silent man, and it is difficult to get to know him and to talk about himself. But I have gathered sufficient to understand what a truly diabolical time he has passed through during his campaign in the Gallipoli Peninsular, and how it is almost incredible that he should have escaped with his life. He brought with him his “pack” haversack, which they have to carry, just as it was when he came out of action. Every paper, book and article that was inside has holes in it, and some of the bullets fell out. His cap was pierced more than once, and his field glasses and water bottle smashed to pieces. His waterproof is riddled with shot holes and smeared all down the shoulder with the blood of of his comrade, Major Adams, who was shot through the head by his side, and died leaning against him
What is not widely known is that although 6 men were originally nominated for the Victoria Cross, the rules at that time did not allow for this and only 3 of the 6 VCs nominated were awarded. Dick duly received his VC from King George V at an investiture held at Buckingham Palace together with Sergeant Alfred Richards who lost a leg at Gallipoli. Private William Keneally’s VC was awarded posthumously.
The other three nominated: Lance-Corporal Frank E Stubbs, Lance-Corporal John Grimshaw and Captain Cuthbert Bromley were awarded other honours. However, following furious questions in both Houses of Parliament as to why bureaucracy should be more important than bravery, the rules were changed and the original 6 nominees were eventually awarded the Victoria Cross.
When asked by a newspaper correspondent in August 1915 about the sensations a soldier experienced after returning, on being wounded and knowing that he would have to return to the battlefield Dick replied: “Well, its rather like walking a long way to your dentist for the third time after he has given you a bad time twice before. Its not pleasant, but by far the worst of it in my case is that all my brother officers and most of the men of the 1st Battalion are decimated”.
Sergeant Alfred Richards
Next >>
<< Previous
