Philip Frederick Willis
Memorial: Olveston
Regiment: Royal Marines
Medals: 1939–45 Star, War Medal 1939–1945
Rank and number: Marine
Parents: Legal guardians Archie and Violet Hendy
Home address: Greenditch Street Olveston
Pre-war occupation: Labourer
Date of birth: 12/07/1919
Place of birth: London
Date of death: 23/04/1940
Buried/Commemorated at: Died at sea and commemorated on Plymouth Naval Memorial and Olveston Memorial
Age: 20
Further information:
Philip was born in London and lost both parents early in life so initially resided there in an orphanage. When he came to Olveston in the late 1920s to live with the Hendys, he went to Olveston School. On leaving school at the age of 14, he worked for Colonel Turner at Oldown House until 1937 when he joined the Royal Marines.
Philip was initially based in Plymouth then went on to take part in the Norwegian Campaign. He transferred to an Armed Merchant Cruiser and took on the role of gunner. He was killed during the Battle of Narvik.
By kind permission, this information is based on the following source(s):
This information has been provided by Sarah Hands, Volunteer Researcher for the South Gloucestershire War Memorials Web Site.
By kind permission, this information is based on the following source(s):
https://www.cwgc.org/
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/
https://www.findmypast.co.uk/
https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/
The War Memorial Book for the Parishes of Olveston & Aust South Gloucestershire compiled by William Morgan