Patrick WILLIS
Per his military service record (Depot), Patrick Willis was born at Yass, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 34 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as shearer. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 4 inches tall, weight 144 lbs., with a medium complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was recorded as Roman Catholic. He claimed that he had no previous military service.
He listed his mother, Mrs Catherine Willis, Sorrell Street, Parramatta North, as his next of kin on his Attestation Paper.
The Wellington Times reported ‘Willis’ as one of the 8 named men who offered themselves as recruits to join the Coo-ee March at the recruiting meeting held at the Wongarbon Hall on 14th October 1915.[2]
‘P. Willis’ was listed as one of the Wongarbon boys with the Coo-ees in The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate.[3]
He completed his medical examination on 16th October 1915 at Wellington (the day the Coo-ees arrived at Wellington), and was attested by Captain Nicholas at Dripstone on the 19th October 1915.
After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13th Battalion.
On 7th February 1916 Private Willis was charged with being absent without leave from 27th January 1916 to 6th February 1916. He was fined 50 shillings.
On 24th February 1916 Private Willis was charged with being absent without leave from 18th February 1916 till 23rd February 1916. He was recommended to be discharged.
Private Willis was discharged services no longer required on 25th February 1916.
[1] NAA: B2455, WILLIS PATRICK
[2] ON THE TRACK. (1915, October 18). Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved April 2, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143388423
[3] Our Soldiers (1915, October 29). The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW : 1894 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved April 2, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77601711
1915 Coo-ee March 