| Regimental number | 29119 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Sydenham, Christchurch |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Printer |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 21 |
| Height | 5' 9" |
| Weight | 139 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, E J Wills, 662 Gloucester Street, Christchurch |
| Previous military service | Served in Senior Cadets, Christchurch |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on embarkation | Rifleman |
| Enlistment status | Volunteer |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 9th Reinforcements to 3rd Battalion, G Company |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 66 Willochra on |
| Fate | Died of wounds |
| Age at death from cemetery records | 21 |
| Place of burial | Nine Elms British Cemetery (Plot II, Row E, Grave No 2), Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: Edward John and Kate Eliza Wills, 662 Gloucester Street, East Christchurch |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, at Gravenstafel on 4/10/1917. During the advance he led his section in the attack and just before reaching the objective had his arm blown off. With a splendid determination he refused all assistance, ordered his men to push on and by coolness and courage, he steadied them at a trying period. He has always shown a fine devotion to duty.'
Source: 'London Gazette' Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Embarked Wellington, 16 October 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, 29 December 1916, and marched in to Sling Camp. Joined 3rd Bn, Auckland Infantry Regiment, and posted to 15th Company, Codford, 24 April 1917. Proceeded overseas to France, 28 May 1917. Appointed Lance Corporal, 17 June 1917; appointed Temporary Corporal, 18 June 1917; promoted Corporal, 1 August 1917. Wounded in action, 4 October 1917 (gun shot wound, right arm; compound fracture), and admitted to No 3 NZ Field Ambulance; transferred to No 3 Australian Casualty Clearing Station, 5 October 1917. Died of wounds, 5 October 1917. Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 43, p. 32 Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 22020291 |