231900 AB Willie Wilson Royal Navy Volunteer Reserves HMS Uryalus from:St Saviour, Southwark, London Willie Wilson was called up, aged 37, from the RNVR on 2nd August 1914, and posted to HMS Euryalus. The ship was at the Battle of Heligoland Bight 28 August 1914. While serving on the Euryalus his son was born in London in November 1914.
On 25th April 1915, the Euryalus was the flag ship at the Gallipoli landings. Willie was one of the sailors rowing the Lancashire Fusiliers ashore in the landing boats. He told us that he was the only one on his boat left alive. The soldiers were packed in so tightly, that when killed they didn't fall down.
Willie remained with the Eurylaus until 7 February 1916. After 6 months at HMS Pembroke I, he was posted to the newly finished HMS Repulse on 8 August 1916. He served on the Repulse until 27 Feb 1917. He was posted once more to HMS Pembroke 1 where he remained for the rest of the war.
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