World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Anglesey, Wales, he served as a Seaman in the British Royal Navy. During the war, the German Navy was attempting to blockade Great Britain, using the submarine U-boat fleet to cut off food and vital supplies. Seaman Williams served on the H.M.S. Pargust which was an armed ship disguised as merchant ships known as a Q-Ship. On June 7, 1917, the H.M.S. Pargust was out in the Atlantic Ocean when her engine room was damaged by a torpedo fired from U-Boat 29. The explosion loosened the gun covers and Seaman Williams, with great presence of mind, took the whole weight on himself and physically prevented the covers from falling. He also for over 30 minutes, held in place the starboard gun port prevented premature exposure of the gun until the moment came to open fire when the German submarine eventually surfaced nearby and the order was given to fire and the U-29 submarine was blown up and sank. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on July 20, 1917. Plus in addition his Victoria Cross, his other awards included the Distinguished Service Medal, Great War Service Star, War Medal, Victory Medal, Defense Medal, Coronation Medals and the French Médaille Militaire, making him one of the most highly decorated British serviceman. After the war, he settled in Holyhead, Wales and was a founder member of the local branch of the British Legion serving until his death at age 75.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Anglesey, Wales, he served as a Seaman in the British Royal Navy. During the war, the German Navy was attempting to blockade Great Britain, using the submarine U-boat fleet to cut off food and vital supplies. Seaman Williams served on the H.M.S. Pargust which was an armed ship disguised as merchant ships known as a Q-Ship. On June 7, 1917, the H.M.S. Pargust was out in the Atlantic Ocean when her engine room was damaged by a torpedo fired from U-Boat 29. The explosion loosened the gun covers and Seaman Williams, with great presence of mind, took the whole weight on himself and physically prevented the covers from falling. He also for over 30 minutes, held in place the starboard gun port prevented premature exposure of the gun until the moment came to open fire when the German submarine eventually surfaced nearby and the order was given to fire and the U-29 submarine was blown up and sank. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on July 20, 1917. Plus in addition his Victoria Cross, his other awards included the Distinguished Service Medal, Great War Service Star, War Medal, Victory Medal, Defense Medal, Coronation Medals and the French Médaille Militaire, making him one of the most highly decorated British serviceman. After the war, he settled in Holyhead, Wales and was a founder member of the local branch of the British Legion serving until his death at age 75.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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