Hubert James Willey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hubert James Willey
11 July 1897 – 6 September 1948 (aged 51)
2/Lt H J Willey DCM The Rifle Brigade 1918
2/Lt H J Willey DCM The Rifle Brigade 1918
Place of birth Dublin
Place of death London
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch Army
Years of service 1914-1920
Rank Captain
Unit Rifle Brigade
Battles/wars World War I
Awards Distinguished Conduct Medal & Bar, King's Commendation for Brave Conduct in Civil Defence
Other work Metropolitan Police

Hubert James Willey, DCM & Bar (11 July 1897-6 September 1948) was twice awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, then the second highest British gallantry award, for his service on the Western Front, during the First World War.

Born in Dublin, the second son of James Willey and Emily Maud Bannister, he joined the Rifle Brigade soon after the outbreak of war.

He was first awarded the DCM for an action in 1915, just over a month after his eighteenth birthday. The citation published in the London Gazette of 16 November 1915 reads[1]:

B/2391 Serjeant H.J.Willey, 9th Battalion, Rifle Brigade.

For conspicuous gallantry and ability on the 25th September, 1915, on Bellewaarde Ridge. During the action Serjeant Willey passed continually backwards and forwards trying to establish communication with the Battalion on his right, and later, when all his Officers had been killed, he rallied and organised the men of his own and other Companies, and captured a position in the German second line trenches, which he held against all counter attacks. During the day he was under incessant machine gun and shell fire. He also took six prisoners, and made them carry back the wounded of his party. He exhibited the greatest bravery and devotion to duty.

He was awarded a bar to his DCM for an action in 1917, gazetted 22 October 1917[2][3]:

B/2391 Sjt H.J.Willey, Rif. Bde. (Stoke Newington).

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his platoon through a heavy barrage to reinforce another unit which was being strongly counter-attacked. He rallied men who had been driven back and led them forward. Though counter-attacked again and losing heavily, he held on to his position, which was one of the greatest importance, until relieved. He set a splendid example to all.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade in May 1918[4], promoted in 1919[5] and again to A/Captain in 1920, leaving the Army that year[6].

Later in 1920 he joined the Metropolitan Police in London. On 9 December 1922 he married Lillian May Brocklebank and together they had a daughter and a son. During much of the 1920s and '30s, Willey served as a detective in Special Branch[7], earning several commendations for arrests in firearms and other cases. In the Second World War Willey was awarded the King's Commendation for Brave Conduct for his actions during the London Blitz[8].

Willey died in 1948, still serving with the Metropolitan Police, commanding the Wimbledon sub-division of V Division, in the rank of Sub-Divisional Inspector (a now abolished rank equivalent to the modern Superintendent). He was survived by his wife and children.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette 16 November 1915
  2. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette 22 October 1917
  3. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette 16 January 1918
  4. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette 8 May 1918
  5. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette 3 December 1919
  6. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette 26 April 1920
  7. ^ Metropolitan Police Orders 18 Sept 1923
  8. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette 28 January 1941