William Robert Wiliams, 21126, 1st RWF

[Trebrys]

Could the powers that be help me here at all, please?

I'm trying to find out any information at all about the death of William Robert Williams, 1st Btn. RWF who was wounded on 11 January 1917, but who succumbed to his wounds on the 21/22 of the same month. He is buried at Varennes but I know nothing at all about the circumstances of the action i.e. what was going on then with that particular battalion. Would it be possible at all to know who they were facing that day?

He was a native of Cwm-y-Glo and left a six year old daughter.

I am researching on behalf of a colleague who is nearing a big birthday soon and would love to surprise her with information about her great-grandfather. Would the Gwynedd experts know anything about the 1st Battalions actions prior to this? Or whether the War Diary is available for this period?

I've been away for a while now, so forgive my sudden reappearance. I will have a big announcement soon too which might be of interest to some!

Diolch yn fawr/ Thank you very much,

Trebrys.

[Trebrys]

I have since acquired the War Diary of the 1st Battalion of the RWF that covers that period.

Would there be a map of the trenches for the action of January 11th anywhere?

The names Munich Trench, Hardwick Trench and Station Road appear. Are these around Hamel? What do the "Remarks and references to appendices" refer too?

Thanks for any help deciphering these.

Trebrys

[johnboy]

Sometimes maps are shown in war diaries. Sometimes just a sketch, Someone should be able to give you info of location of trenches.Sometimes war diaries give map references.

[johnboy]

The edit won't work.....but to add to previous post. A forum search using Trenches or the name of a trench may get results.

[Hywyn]

Iwan

Below are my notes. The landing date will be of interest as it will enable you to provide the diary for his time with the battalion.Looking at the War Diary I'd say he was in the draft received 3rd Sept (76) or 4th Sept (155) The battalion had taken heavy losses in the preceeding days (see Diary). Many local men to his area i. e inc surrounding villages were killed /wounded in that action including around 7 or 8 from Deiniolen(killed). Those men were on their first tour of duty at the front line having arrived in France about a month before.

I have a photo of the Memorial if you want to remind me via PM of your email.

Hywyn

Is on the ‘Capel Bach’ Memorial as William R Williams Tan y Ffynon.

Roll of Service/Honour in foyer of Capel Bach, Cwm y Glo: Pte RWF Died of wounds received in France

A memorial service was held at the Tabernacle Chapel for the late Pte William R Williams, Tanyffynon. He was wounded in France and taken to a military Hospital where he died on 22^nd January. (C&D H 9/2/1917)

On Tuesday evening the 30^th January at Capel yr Annibynwyr a memorial service was held for Pte William R Williams, Tanffynon who died of his wounds in France on 22^nd January aged 30 years.(HC 13/2/1917)

Commemorated on family grave at St Michael’s Church, Llanrug. GFHS MI L021: William R Williams who fell in France 22^nd January 1917 aged 30 years.

CWGC: Pte 21126 William Robert Williams of the 1^st Bn RWF died 22/1/1917 aged 30 years. Son of Mr and Mrs Robert Williams of Tan y Ffynon, Cwm y Glo. Buried in grave I.F.75 at Varennes Military Cemetery.

SDGW: Born Llanllyfni, enlisted and reside Carnarvon. Died of Wounds.

Medal card; Victory and British.

Medal Roll: 1^st Bn

Nil Service or Pension Records on this number.

Enlisted: beginning January 1915

1^st Bn casualty book: Landed 20/08/1916. Wounded 11/01/1917. Died of Wounds at 11 CCS 22/01/1917, age 30.

War Diary available. Battalion in front line. Heavy shelling etc.

[clive_hughes]

Trebrys,

Croeso'n ol! / Welcome back! Hywyn has said it all I think, but we're all agog now to hear your big announcement!

Clive

[Trebrys]

Thank you very much, johnboy for your response! Will do the trench request tonight!

[Trebrys]

Hywyn and Clive.........diolch yn fawr i chi eto.......a diolch am y croeso!

What does the "Landed 20/08/1916" mean, Hywyn? Does it simply mean that he arrived in France then? You also suggest that he enlisted in January 1915, so what was he doing up until his death two years later then? Am I missing something.....?

I'll make a more formal announcement later on tonight about something quite exciting happening at our school!

Diolch eto,

Trebrys.