Other Information:Geoffrey was educated at Leeds Grammar School and Leeds University, entering the school in September 1907, and leaving as a VIth Form boy in July 1914, he then entered Leeds University, at which he had already matriculated. He joined the School Chapel Choir from the beginning of his school life until his voice failed, and he joined the O.T.C. at the earliest possible age. He was still a student when he enlisted on 13th August 1914. At the time he was 18 years and 10 months old, and was living at 158 Otley Road, Headingly, Leeds. He was embodied into the R.A.M.C. T.F. West Riding Divisional Clearing Hospital and served with No 7 Clearing Hospital (later to become the 7th (1/1st West Riding) Casualty Clearing Station) from it’s formation. He volunteered for active service abroad, entering the war in France with the unit on 30th October 1914. He died from colitis/dysentery. The Leodiensian. Vol. XXXIV. No. 3. June, 1915. pp. 50-51 [Special thanks to Dave Stowe] states at Geoffrey was very keen in the work he did, and in running he worked hard for his House - Harrison - and it was largely through him that the Arthington run was made feasible. “His happy disposition, his assiduous attention to the duties allotted to him, and his unselfish regard for others won for him the admiration and respect of both officers and men, and his brave death revealed in a marked degree the unfeigned sorrow of all who came in contact with him. We who knew him best at School think of him as one of whom it might truthfully be said that he reached "the utmost point and acme of honour, not merely in doing no evil, but in thinking none."” Geoffrey was the elder son of Frederick Willkin and Mary Emily Denny of Far Headingley, and the grandson of Mr E J Arnold of Leeds. [Portrait photograph from The Leodiensian. Vol. XXXIV. No. 3. June, 1915. pp. 50-51 (Special thanks to Dave Stowe)]
|