Private, 28342, 'A' Company, 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Died, killed in action, aged 22, on 20 October 1918 at the Western Front.
Born at Llangristiolus, Anglesey the son of Robert and Mary Williams of 45 Foundry Street, Holyhead.
Private Williams enlisted at Llangefni on 18 February 1915 into the 19th Battalion Welsh Army later known as the 19th (Service) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. It was formed March 1915 by the Welsh National Executive Committee as a Bantam Battalion for soldiers under the regulation height of 5'-3". The Battalion was with the 38th (Welsh) Division at Deganwy until August 1915. In September 1915 it transferred to the 119th Brigade, 40th Division at Aldershot.The Battalion landed in France early June 1916. On 6 February 1918 it disbanded in France with men going to 8th Entrenching Battalion.
At the time of his enlistement, Private Williams was living at Tai Lawr, Gwalchmai and was employed as a Farm Labourer. He was 5'-2" tall and weighed 126 lbs. (9 st.). His next of kin was recorded as Robert and Mary Williams of 1 Victoria Road, Holyhead. He also had two sisters, Glennis and Abigel.
Private Williams landed in France on 1 June 1916. On 23 November 1917 he was wounded in action, receiving a gunshot wound to his scalp. At this time the Battalion, as part of 40th Division, was involved in the Cambrai Operations and participated in the capture of Bourlon Wood. As a result of his injury he was hopitalised and returned to the UK by hospital ship on 5 December 1917. He was discharged from hospital on 2 February 1918. He remained on home service until 16 September 1918 when he returned to France. He joined the 13th Battalion, RWF on 19 September 1918. This Battalion was part of 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. At the time of Private Williams' death the Battalion was heavily involved in the Battle of the Selle (17-25 October 1918), this being part of the final advance in Picardy. The Battalion War Diary records that the Battalion was located at Montay (south-east of Cambrai, France) and commenced a surprise attack in the early hours of the 20 October to establish positions to the east of the River Selle. The Battalion attacked up a railway embankment and encountered "considerable opposition from machine gun and rifle fire from the railway, but this was speedily overcome with the enemy surrendering freely". The War Diary further describes that by the end of the day all objectives were achieved and defensive lines were established and consolidated. The War Diary records that in the action one Officer and 8 soldiers lost their lives, including that of Edward Williams.
News of his death reached his family by way of a friend serving with him before official notice arrived from the War Office. His family, through a local minister, wrote to the War Office asking for confirmation and details. Later, more than a year after his death, his mother wrote to the army enquiring about his effects and for information relating to where his body was buried. Unfortunately his remains were never found and he has no known grave.
He died the same day as Private Evan Williams, 89453, also of the 13th Battalion, RWF.
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Panel 6. He has no known grave.