Private, 35186, 7th (Service) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. (Formally Sapper, 398592, Royal Engineers). Died, killed in action, age 26, on 13 November 1917 at the Western Front.
The 7th Battalion was formed at Pontefract in August 1914 as part of K2 and came under the orders of 51st Brigade of the 17th (Northern) Division. In March 1915 it was converted into a Pioneer Battalion within the same Division. It moved to Hursley Park in May 1915 and on 14 July 1915 landed at Boulogne. Private Williams' death occurred shortly after the end of the Second Battle of Passchendaele, where the 17th Division were heavily involved. The pioneer battalions contributed to the battle in the repair and maintenance of new positions taken during the advance and on many occasions were located alongside the troops of the front line.
Born at Holyhead, Private Williams volunteered for service on 18 December 1915. He was previously employed as a Stone Mason. He eventually joined the Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers (RARE) at Beaumaris on 5 May 1916. He transferred to the York and Lancaster Regiment on 13 September 1917 and arrived in France the next day.
He was the son of Thomas and Jane Williams of 18 Field Street, Holyhead and husband of Elizabeth Mary Williams (nee Jones), Cnwc Melyn, Rhoscolyn, Anglesey. They married on 30 March 1910 and had two sons, William John Williams (b. 1 January 1911) and Thomas Griffith Williams (b. 15 March 1913). In 1911, aged 20, and employed as a Farm Labourer he lived with his wife Elizabeth Mary Williams (22) and son William John Williams at Cnwc Melyn, Rhoscolyn
His widow received his personal effects, which included letters, photos, pipe, pocket book, tobacco pouch, match box case, scissors and pencils. The government awarded her a pension of 25 shillings and 5 pence a week for herself and her two children.
He was the brother of Private Rowland Williams lost in March 1917 at Gaza whilst serving with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Buried in Talana Farm Cemetery, Belgium. Grave location III.K.14.