Edgar Eric George (E.G.E) WILLIS

WILLIS, Edgar Eric George

Service Number: 6014
Enlisted: 1 October 1916
Last Rank: Lieutenant
Last Unit: 27th Infantry Battalion
Born: Tarlee, South Australia, Australia, 28 July 1888
Home Town: Hamley Bridge, Light, South Australia
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Farmer
Died: Natural Causes, 9 August 1965, aged 77 years, place of death not yet discovered
Cemetery: Centennial Park Cemetery, South Australia
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World War 1 Service

1 Oct 1916: Enlisted AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 6014
28 Feb 1918: Embarked AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 6014, 27th Infantry Battalion
2 Sep 1918: Wounded AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 6014, 27th Infantry Battalion
15 Jan 1920: Discharged AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 6014, 27th Infantry Battalion
Date unknown: Involvement AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 27th Infantry Battalion

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Biography contributed by Saint Ignatius' College

Edgar George Eric Willis – commonly abbreviated to E.G.E Willis – was a South Australian soldier involved in World War One, and later, World War Two. His service was essential to the advancement of his battalion, and the service and determination shown is outlined in this biography.

Born on the 28th of July 1888 in Tarlee, SA, Willis grew up in rural South Australia to William James Willis and Ada Ann Robbins. His grandfather, Samuel Willis, had taken up land from 1848 to 1850, and Willis owned a part of it after his death. The brother of Samuel Willis served at the Crimea War, and a further relative was present at the Siege of Gibraltar, cementing Willis’ lineage in the activities of the Army.

At enlistment, he was married to Myrtle Lillian Willis (nee Hartland) and would continue to be so for the rest of his life, and before joining the AIF, was a farmer. This was a common occupation at the time, especially in the rural area in which he resided. He was described as 5’11 in height with dark hair, tanned skin, brown eyes, and was a Methodist in his religious denomination. 

He enlisted for the First World War on the first of October 1916, at the age of 28 years and 2 months, which is 2 years, 2 months older than the average recruitment age at the time – 24. His experience in the war amounted to 4 ½ years in the Australian Light Horse Regiment, especially the 23rd regiment. Formed in 1912, the ALH was regarded as the ‘national arm of Australia’ defence’ and used horses as the primary mode of transport, requiring skills of riding and mounted battle. The large number of ALH troops were present at some of Australia’s leading war achievements, namely Gallipoli, Egypt, and the Sinai. It can then be inferred that Willis was competent in skills of horse riding and mounted battle, due to the ALH mandates at the time.

Willis embarked from Melbourne, Victoria onboard HMAT A71 Nestor on the 28th of February 1918, as a Second Lieutenant in the 27th Battalion, an essential role in a battalion which typically oversaw a platoon or troop and was succeeded by a Lieutenant. As detailed in numerous reports from Second Lieutenants during the First World War, setting an ideal example to one’s group of soldiers was essential for a platoon or troop to function, and therefore essential for a Second Lieutenant to be promoted. This is where Willis’ dedication can be traced; as a leader, he was picked for exceptional leadership and was asked to demonstrate commitment to his country.

Willis travelled overseas to France on the 19th of July and marched into an infantry base depot, where him and his battalion were held until further commands. Using several sources, it is inferred that this base was in the Le Havre region in France, although the precise location is unclear. The Le Havre depot was a requirement for all Australian troops entering France, and this Australian base depot was originally stationed in Etaples, France, before fears of a submarine attack.

The battalion was soon released and fought in the Aubigny system in around mid-July, and was relieved by the 26th Battalion on the 25th of July, where they retreated into the Tronville Wood. It is important to note that in mid-July, Australian troops on the Aubigny system faced one of the worst gas-shellings Australia’s army had faced; opposing forces threw over 7,000 shells over the area, saturating it with mustard gas, killing 200 and more. Further battles included the ‘Hundred Days Offensive’ which was carried out by allied powers from August to October. This plan was a success; there were few casualties, and the success was attributed to the speed of the troops.

On the 1st of September, Willis was recorded to be promoted to a Lieutenant, but soon later he was wounded in action at in France on the 2nd of September 1918. This was an especially hard time for the 27th Battalion, where this battalion was losing numbers and it would soon be their last fight in the war. Willis was transported to the 3rd London General Hospital on the 14th of September and made an efficient recovery of the gunshot wounds in the back of his ear, and right leg. However, records show he stayed at the hospital for a considerable amount of time - up to one and a half years.

Not much is known about his whereabouts after being wounded, and these concerns are expressed in several correspondences between offices and Willis’ mother, Ada Willis, through letters. However, soon Willis was advised to return to Australia, and he was discharged from the hospital on the 15th of January 1920, to be taken back to Adelaide.

After the First World War, Willis campaigned for office in his home suburb of Tarlee, and his level of success is not reported, although he stayed involved in politics for the rest of his life. Willis served in the Second World War as a Captain and continued to use his extensive knowledge of the land to serve the South Australian people. He served as Area Staff in WWII, and earlier as Captain. Awarded the medals of Victory and the British War Medal from the First World War, Willis died on the 9th of August, 1965 of natural causes at the age of 77. He was commended as a courageous, valiant, and a dedicated leader in the Australian Imperial Force. Willis is buried at the Centennial Park Cemetery, Pasadena, South Australia.

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