Career

Willis was commissioned into the 77th (East Middlesex) Regiment in 1841. He served in the Crimean War and at the Battle of Inkerman he led the charge of a Grenadier company. He returned to England in 1857 to become Commanding Officer of 2nd Bn 6th (Warwickshire) Regiment.

He was appointed Assistant Quartermaster-General at the War Office in 1873 and then General Officer Commanding Northern District in April 1878.

In 1882 he was despatched to Egypt and commanded troops at First Rate (at Lloyd's)-Magfar and Tell al-Mahuta. He was involved in the capture of Mahsama and the Second battle of Qassassin.

In 1884 he was appointed GOC Southern District and in 1890 he retired. He held the ceremonial position as Colonel of The Duke of Cambridge"s Own (Middlesex Regiment) until his death.

He is buried at the Street Michael & All Angels Church in Sopley.