Photograph Copyright © Bill Ball 2006

No further information currently available.

In the 1891 census George E Bee was aged 9, born Lincoln, a scholar, son of John R and Harriett Bee, resident Charles Street West, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. In the 1901 census George Ernest Bee was aged 18, born Lincoln, a Railway clerk, son of John R and Harriett Bee, resident 15, Charles Street West, Lincoln St Mary Le Wigford with Holmes Common, Lincoln, Lincolnshire.

Lance Corporal 3026, 1st/24th (County of London) Battalion (The Queen's), London Regiment. Died of wounds 19 October 1915. Aged 22. Resident Lincoln, enlisted Kennington. Son of James and Emma Keyworth, of Lincoln, resident of 22, Coningsby Street, Lincoln. Awarded the Victoria Cross (V.C.) and Medal of St. George (2nd Class) of Russia. Buried in ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Somme, France. Plot III. Row C. Grave 2.

Victoria Cross Citation London Gazette 2 July 1915:

"For most conspicuous bravery at Givenchy on the night of 25-26th May, 1915. After the assault on the German possition by the 24th Battalion, London Regt, efforts were made by that Unit to follow up their sucess by a bomb attack, during the progress of which 58 men out of a total 75 became casualties. During this very fierce encounter Lance-Cpl Keyworth stood fully exsposed for 2 hours on the top of the enemy's parapet, and threw about 150 bombs amongst the Germans, who were only a few yards away."

Second Lieutenant, 5th Battalion (Territorial), Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in action 20 June 1916. Aged 26. Born 19 September 1890. Resident of West Parade, Lincoln. Son of John Miles Willis and Elizabeth Willis, of Langwith, Mansfield. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Longwith, Nottinghmahsire, son of John MIles and Elizabeth Willis, resident 258, West Parade, Lincoln St Mary Le Wigford with Holmes Common, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Nether Langwith, Nottinghamshire, an Assistant chemist works, boarding at 86, Southgrove Road, Sheffield, Ecclesall, Yorkshire & Yorkshire (West Riding). Buried in LA LAITERIE MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot VIII. Row C. Grave 1.

Extract from Lincolnshire Chronicle - Saturday 01 July 1916, page 5:

OLD TECHNICAL SCHOOL BOY KILLED

Lieut., Oscar Willis

Lincolnians heard with regret of the death in action of a former Lincoln Municipal Technical School student, in the person of Lieut. Oscar Willis, who was killed by a piece of shrapnel on June 20th, death being instantaneous.

Son of the late Mr J. M. Willis, of Lincoln, deceased spent the earlier part of his life in Lincoln, and later went to Sheffield, where he entered the employment of Messrs. Edgar Allen and Co., Tinsley. There he held an important position in the steel works for 10 years.

Lieut Willis enlisted in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Birmingham City Battalion) at the beginning of the war and later obtained a commission in the Northumberland Fusiliers.

The following letter has been received by his brother from Lieut. Willis's commanding officer:—

"It is with the greatest sorrow and regret that I have to inform you that your brother, Second Lieut O. Willis, of the 5th Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed by a shell early this morning. Though he had only been a comparitive short time in the battalion he had during that time made himself thoroughly respected and liked by everyone, and no one regrets his death more than I do. Both I and the company commander regarded him as a very promising officer, and one who, who had he been spared, would have gone far and done well. I am assured his death was absolutely instantaneous, and it is at least some slight gratification to think he suffered none of the pain which, unfortunately only too often is suffered by the wounded in this war."

Lieut. Willis's two brothers are also serving with the colours. Arthur Willis is a despatched rider, attached to the headquarters staff of the Garrison Artillery, and Pte. Cyril Willis is serving in France with the 11thm Sherwood Foresers. He has also served at the Dardenlles where he was one of the 30 survivors of his battalion of 1,200.