Certificate presented to Walter Willis following Newport Dock Disaster


Item reference number: 168

"Certificate of meritorious service awarded to Walter Willis in recognition of conspicuous assistance rendered by him on the night of Friday 2nd July 1909 in connection with the disaster which occurred that evening owing to the collapse of the trench constructed preparatory to the erection of the west wing wall of the new lock entrance to the company's docks.
Presented by Viscount Tredegar and the other directors of the company.
Alexandra (Newport and South Wales) Docks and Railway Company, Newport, Monmouthshire, June, 1910."

Bottom right: Walter's passport, 1912.

Bottom left: Walter in Canada.

Walter Willis was born in 1875 and emigrated to Ontario in 1912.

Images kindly sent to us by Michael and Bruce Willis, great nephew and grandson of Walter Willis.

Walter's Bronze Medal awarded by St Johns Ambulance

More information and ten minute film...

The Albert Medal Awarded to Thomas 'Toyah' Lewis