WILLIAMS, John Thomas

“DOWLAIS PRIVATE KILLED WHILST CAPTURING LOST ALLIED TRENCHES IN VICTORIA CROSS ACTION”

Private John Thomas Williams, 2685, 2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment

Killed in Action on 29th October 1914, age 21

Commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial. His final resting place is unfortunately known

In the days leading up to the 29th October, the 2nd Manchesters had crossed the Bethune-La Bassee canal, when they came under heavy attack from German forces.

The following is taken from the war diary of the 2nd Manchesters on the 29th October, where they were in the vicinity of FESTUBERT;

“.........At dawn our trenches were heavily shelled after which concealed by the smoke the enemy changed our trenches, capturing one of ‘A’ Companies forward trenches, the remainder holding their own.

At 2pm, 2/Lt Leach, Sgt Hogan and a few men of ‘A’ Company recaptured this trench + 14 wounded prisoners and 6 wounded.

In doing this they showed a great deal of bravery.

Casualties killed - 2/Lt Bentley, A/Sgt Smith & 20 men.

Wounded - 19 Men

Missing - 8 men (one of these was John).

Captain R Hardcastle, DSO, was admitted to hospital with his eye damaged, due to earth thrown up by a bullet…….”

Following this action, a telegram was sent to the front line from General Smith, Officer Commanding, 2nd Army Corps which stated;

“With reference to the action on the 29th October 1914, please convey to the 2nd Manchester Regt & Devons the corps commanders high appreciation of the splendid manner in which these two regiments repelled the enemy’s attack today”

For actions in this assualt, 2/Lt James Edward Leach and Sgt John Hogan were awarded the Victoria Cross, with the citation stating (in the London Gazette on 22nd Dec 1914);

“For conspicuous bravery near Festubert on 29 October, when, after their trench had been taken by the Germans, and after two attempts at recapture had failed, they voluntarily decided on the afternoon of the same day to recover the trench themselves, and, working from traverse to traverse at close quarters with great bravery, they gradually succeeded in regaining possession, killing eight of the enemy, wounding two, and making sixteen prisoners”

Son of David and Mary Williams, 64 Gwladys Street, Caeracca, Dowlais.