Drummer 89997 John Willott, 1st Bn

[PhilipG]

             Drummer John Willott

I am pleased to report that I have received a letter this morning from the CWGC advising that "the Service Authority have overturned their original rejection of this case and confirmed that Drummer Willott qualifies for commemoration by the Commission."

The Commission continues that "they will now take steps to arrange for an appropriate commemoration.........and our Records Department will add his name to our online Casualty Database."

I see that this exercise commenced on the 11th April and involved three letters and two telephone calls to my Member of Parliament, together with the preparation of several files of correspondence in support of the application for non- comm. status.  I mention this only to illustrate what one is up against in an exercise of this kind and venture to suggest the Authorities are not enthusiastic in dealing with the public in matters like this.  Nevertheless, I am pleased with the outcome, as my last effort was to be a submission to Her Majesty and an appropriate draft letter had already been written.   I have never written to the Royal Family, but I did once get a letter in 1944 from the Queen's father.  PhilipG.

[charlie]

Well done Philip. He is already commemorated online.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/75453114/WILLOTT,%20JOHN

[PhilipG]

Charlie,

Thank you.  I feel the effort was well worthwhile.   Take care. Philip.

[timberman]

Well worth the effort and perseverance on your part
Philip

Neil

Do those two on the GWF not do in from the cold any more?

[pete th]

Well done Philip

[PhilipG]

Neil & Pete,

Thanks for your kind remarks. Philip.

[mack]

hiya Philip
I bet you feel very pleased with yourself right now,its been very frustrating trying to get this soldier commemorated but in the end,your bulldog spirit got the result in the end.
I don't understand why they were so adamant that he wasn't entitled to commemoration,their excuse was he didn't die of the effects of WW1 service,if that was the case,why are all the manchesters who died at hillah recognised.

mack

[mack]

Well worth the effort and perseverance on your part
Philip

Neil

Do those two on the GWF not do in from the cold any more?

hiya neil.
I think many of those who submitted soldiers to the IFTC mob have had enough of them and decided to submit the names themselves.

mack

[timberman]

Hi Mack
I know I had dealings with them years ago.
What a waste of time that was.


Just googled it

http://infromthecold.org/index.asp

If you would like to volunteer to help the Project or
simply to get more information with no obligation,
please contact John Hartley


I'm going to sign up straight away, NOT

Neil

[timberman]

Sorry that was a bit flippant,
Going by their web site they are doing a good job.
Wonder if they are still getting funding.

Neil

[PhilipG]

Mack,
 It was an interesting exercise and the reasons which eventually resulted in a favourable answer at the end were exactly the same reasons put forward on page 1 of my original submission.   I was disappointed that my MP did not press the MOD for a favourable answer.  It was only when the Authorities realised I was serious and unlikely to be "fobbed off" that someone took notice.      An observation.  It seems that recognition will be given by the CWGC if there is a grave.  Where there is no trace of a burial, this seems a problem for the CWGC, hence their seeking confirmation that I know of no burial site for Drummer Willott.  Finally Mack, may I thank you for the guidance etc. you gave to me in this whole exercise. PhilipG.

[PhilipG]

Drummer Willott.

In a letter to my MP, the Director General CWGC ends :  "I am so glad that we are at last able to right this century-long wrong". 

I regard this as a good ending, too. Philip.

[themonsstar]

Well done Philip
Another young man in from the cold.

Roy 

[PhilipG]

Roy,

Thanks for your message.  I trust that matters Naval are going well. Take care. Philip.