Lieutenant Colonel William Anderson Watson Crellin

Army Number: n/a

Battalion: 15th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby) Regiment.

Awards DSO & Bar.

Native of Ballachurry, Andreas, Isle of Man. Son of John Christian Crellin and Sophia Crellin. Educated at King William’s College, Castletown and Royal Military College Sandhurst. Husband of Valerie Crellin, of Myrtle Hill, Ramsey, Isle of Man. Gazetted Second Lieutenant Sherwood Foresters in February 1912. Served with the BEF in France and Flanders from 4th September 1914 and was wounded in both hands on the 20th September 1914. Was promoted Lieutenant, on 21st November 1914 and appointed Adjutant to the 11th Battalion Sherwood Foresters in November 1915. Was promoted Captain, in February 1916 and became attached to the 15th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby) Regiment being appointed Temporary Major in 1916. Was awarded the D.S.O. (Distinguished Service Order) London Gazette Date 26th July 1918 ” For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He organised and led a counter-attack on Maricourt, on 23rd March 1918, which restored the situation. He held the position until ordered to withdraw by which time two companies had almost ceased to exist. With the remainder, he carried on continuous fighting until the 25th of March when he took over command of the brigade. Throughout the operations, he showed great skill and unfailing cheerfulness and was always on the spot whenever the situation becomes critical.” He was wounded on 7th October at “Dolls House” south of Ypres, Belgium and died on 8th October 1918 at No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station Poperinghe, aged 25.

Buried: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Plot 30, Row C, Grave 16.

Lieutenant Colonel William Anderson Watson Crellin
King William’s College War Memorial Cross, Castletown, Isle of Man.
King William’s College Chapel Book of Remembrance, Castletown, Isle of Man.