VC Commemoration Service for Major Richard Willis
- Dates
- Saturday 25 April 2015
- Venue
- Christ Church and Jubilee Square at 11am
- Admission
- free
On the 25 April 2015, Woking will honour and remember one of the outstanding heroes of the First World War, Major Richard Willis VC in a special service and ceremony exactly 100 years to the day since his heroic action.
“On 25 April 1915, three companies and the headquarters of the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, in effecting a landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula to the west of Cape Helles, were met by a very deadly fire from hidden machine guns, which caused a great number of casualties. The survivors, however, rushed up to and cut the entanglements, notwithstanding a terrific fire from the enemy, and, after overcoming supreme difficulties, the cliffs were gained and the position maintained. Amongst many gallant officers and men engaged in the most hazardous enterprise, Captain Willis, Serjeant Richards and Private Keneally have been selected by their comrades as having performed the most signal acts of bravery and devotion to duty.” Extract from London Gazette dated 24/8/15
Read more about Major Richard Willis here.