Richard Raymond Willis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Raymond Willis
VC
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| Born | 13 October 1876 Woking, Surrey, England |
| Died | 9 February 1966 (aged 89) Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England |
| Buried |
Cheltenham Crematorium
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1897-1920 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | The Lancashire Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | Mahdist War First World War - Battle of Gallipoli |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Major Richard Raymond Willis (born October 13, 1876 – died February 9, 1966) was an English soldier. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery a British or Commonwealth soldier can get. It is given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
A Brave Soldier: Richard Raymond Willis
Early Life and Joining the Army
Richard Willis grew up in Woking, Surrey, England. He went to Harrow School and then to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is a famous place where army officers are trained.
In 1897, he officially joined the British Army. He became an officer in the 2nd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. His first posting was to India. Later, his unit went to Sudan to fight in the Mahdist War.
Heroic Actions in World War I
When the First World War began, Richard Willis was 38 years old. He was a Captain in the 1st Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. He showed incredible bravery during a major battle.
On April 25, 1915, his unit was part of the Battle of Gallipoli in Turkey. They were trying to land on a beach called W Beach. As they landed, hidden machine-guns fired at them. Many soldiers were hurt.
But the soldiers who survived bravely rushed forward. They cut through the enemy's wire fences. Even with heavy fire, they managed to climb the cliffs. They took control of the position and held it.
Captain Willis was one of six soldiers from his regiment chosen for the Victoria Cross. The other brave soldiers were Cuthbert Bromley, John Elisha Grimshaw, William Kenealy, Alfred Joseph Richards, and Frank Edward Stubbs.
After the War and Legacy
After his heroic actions, Richard Willis continued his military career. He eventually reached the rank of Major.
His Victoria Cross medal is now on display. You can see it at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, Lancashire. In 2002, a special bronze plaque was put up to remember him. His daughter helped unveil it at Cheltenham Crematorium.
