Geoffrey Willett

Geoffrey Frank Willett

Personal Details

Geoffrey Frank Willett, born in Ellesmere in 1894, the only son of Frank and Annie Willett.

Husband of Martha Elizabeth (nee Stockton) Willett of 18 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch.

Military Details

Regiment : 7th (Service) Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
Rank : Private
Service Number : 19760

Died of Illness; France (Prisoner of War) 12th September 1918 Age 23

Medals and Awards
Geoffrey was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals


Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.



Further Information

Whitchurch Herald 8th February 1919


Report in the Whitchurch Herald 8th February 1919 relating to the death of Geoffrey Frank Willett

"Mrs Willet has received the sad news that her husband, Pte; Geoffrey Willet 19760, 7th Btn Kings Shropshire Light Infantry “B” Company, has died from Pneumonia at Laz Denain on September 12th 1918. He was captured during the action at St Quentine, France. Mrs Willet would be grateful if any ex prisoner could give any information concerning her husband"

Whitchurch Herald 8th February 1919



If you can provide any further information on Geoffrey Frank Willett please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.


Information provided by Terry Evanson, Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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