john (jack) henry williams

John (Jack) Henry Williams (VC, DCM, MM & Bar) was a Welsh recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 32 years old, and a Company Sergeant-Major in the 10th Bn., The South Wales Borderers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 7/8 October 1918 at Villers Outreaux, France, Company Sergeant-Major Williams, seeing that his company was suffering heavy casualties from an enemy machine-gun, ordered a Lewis gun to engage it, and went forward under heavy fire to the flank of the enemy post, which he rushed single-handed, capturing 15 of the enemy. The prisoners, realizing that he was alone, then turned on him and one of them gripped his rifle. He managed to break away and killed five of the enemy, whereupon the remainder again surrendered. This action enabled not only his own company but those on the flank to advance.

Further information

John (Jack) Henry Williams was born in Nantyglo, Monmouthshire in 1886. He is the most decorated Welsh non-commissioned officer of all time In November 1914 Williams gave up his employment as a colliery blacksmith and enlisted in the 10th South Wales Borderers. He was promoted to Sergeant in January 1915. CSM Williams was medically discharged from the army on 17th October 1918 after being severely wounded by shrapnel in the right arm and leg. In 1919 he received the VC, DCM, MM and Bar from King George V, the first time that the King had decorated the same man four times in one day. At the time of the investiture Williams had not recovered from his severe wounds, and during the presentation the wound in his arm opened up with the result that medical attention had to be given before he could leave the palace. Grave/memorial at Ebbw Vale Cemetery, Gwent, Wales. Original headstone removed during cemetery clearance - new headstone erected 21 Oct 1990.