W.A.W. Crellin
Record type: War Memorials
Parish: Malew
Town / Village residence: Castletown
Biography: William Anderson Watson Crellin, D.S.O, Sherwood Foresters, died from wounds received in action on October 8th 1918. Sad news received by his wife at Myrtle Hill in Ramsey. Lieut Crellin was 25 years of age, and was one of the youngest colonels in the British Army. He was the third son of the late Mr J.C. Crellin, J.P., C.P., of Ballachurry, Andreas. After being educated at Ramsey Grammar School and King William’s College, he entered Sandhurst Military College in 1911. In 1912 he was gazetted to the 2nd Batt.. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regt.) . Upon the outbreak of war, he went to France with the British Expeditionary Force, and in the Battle of Aisne he was wounded, being sent home on Sept. 20th, 1914. On recovering he returned to France, and went through the Battles of the Somme, Arras and St. Quentin. In November, 1916, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and in May, 1917, to Temp. Major. On 30th May, 1918 (sic), he was appointed Acting Lieut. Colonel, while in command of a battalion, and the appointment was confirmed a year later. He was twice mentioned in despatches, on May 24th and Dec 22nd, 1917. In July 1918, he was awarded the Bar to the D.S.O, (which is equivalent to winning that high distinction for a second time.) In November 1916 he was married to Miss Valerie LaMothe, only daughter of the High-Bailiff of Ramsey and Mrs LaMothe.
(Mona’s Herald; 16 Oct 1918, p.4)
Gender: Male
Memorial: Memorial to Lieutenant Colonel W.A.W. Crellin, King William's College Chapel (1918)