´óÏó´«Ã½

Nantyglo - born John Henry Williams (or Jack as he was known) started working at the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company when he was just 12 years old.

When World War I broke out in November 1914, the Director of the company, Sir Frederick Mills, actively promoted recruitment amongst the men, and hundreds joined what was fondly referred to as ‘Mills Army’. Jack Williams was amongst them, giving up his employment as a colliery blacksmith and enlisting alongside his fellow workers in the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. He was promoted to Sergeant in January 1915.

Mills Army 10th SWB: this Battalion saw service in France and Belgium; most significantly in July 1916 at Mametz Wood, and at Third Ypres in July-Aug 1917 . They attacked the 'Hammerhead' at Mametz Wood on 7th July, with terrible results, and later on the 10th and 11th July helped secure the wood. They also attacked at Pilckem Ridge on the 31st July 1917 at the commencement of Third Ypres (Passchendaele).

You can track the fortunes of the 10th SWB at Mametz Wood from Michael Renshaw's account of the Battle:

During the Battle of the Somme, Jack was part of the 38th (Welsh) Division sent to clear Mametz Wood.

He was later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for "conspicuous gallantry in action" and received the Military Medal for bravery the following year during the Battle of Passchendaele, The Third Battle of Ypres.

A year later he helped a wounded comrade through a battlefield of shrapnel and bullets at the Armentieres in 1917, which won him an added bar on his Military Medal.

In 1918, at Villers Outreaux, CSM Williams stormed an enemy machine gun post under heavy fire and took 15 prisoners. He secured the position for his regiment - an act that won him the Victoria Cross.

John Henry Williams received the Victoria Cross and three other medals for his bravery during his time in the army.

CSM Williams was medically discharged from the army on 17 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.

Location: No.4 The Dingle, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, NP23 6EQ
Image: No.4 The Dingle Ebbw Vale now with Jack Williams VC
Contributors: Major Martin Everett, MBE and Mrs Ann Page (Jack Williams Granddaughter)

Show less