Private, 25442, 10th (Service) Battalion (1st Gwent), South Wales Borderers (formerly 32972, Shropshire Light Infantry). Died of wounds, aged 23, on 12 June 1918 at the Western Front.
The 10th (Service) Battalion (1st Gwent) was raised by the Welsh National Executive Committee in October 1914. In December 1914 it moved to Colwyn Bay as part of 130th Brigade, 43rd Division. On 29th April 1915 the formation became 115th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In July 1915 it moved to Hursley Park, Winchester then to Hazeley Down, Southampton. On 4th December 1915 it landed at Le Havre, France.
Born in Holyhead he was the son of John and Laura Williams. In 1911 he lived at 7 York Terrace, Holyhead, with his parents, John Williams (53) and Laura Williams (52). His siblings included John Jones Williams (28), a Goods Checker (LNWR), Gracie Williams (19) a Dressmaker and Thomas Henry Williams (13). At this time Hugh was employed as a Grocer's Errand Boy, aged 16. His father was employed as a Goods Warehouse Ganger (LNWR). All came from Holyhead. Previously in 1901 the family resided at the same address but also included another sibling, Ellen Jane Williams (11).
The Battalion War Diary and History records that the 10th Battalion was located in the Somme area in June 1918, having moved into the front line on 3 June 1918 at Aveluy Wood. They were initially positioned in support trenches at Mesnil. On 9 June 1918 the Battalion came under severe artillery attack, which caused much damage. That evening enemy troops rushed the Battalion advanced posts. They were repulsed but several casualties resulted. The attack was repeated the next evening. This again was repulsed but one of the Battalion was captured. The Battalion was relieved back to reserve on the 12 June but continued to suffer casualties whilst undertaking carrying and wiring duties. During the month the Battalion suffered 9 killed and missing and one officer and 42 men wounded. It is probable that Private Williams was wounded during these actions and died later at one of the Casualty Clearing Stations that was located at this time at Gezaincourt.
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Buried in Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, France. Grave location III.B.22.