Distinguished Conduct Medal GVR (4787 SJT. W. WILLIAMS. M.M. 13/K.R.RIF.C.) Military Medal GVR (4787 SJT. W. WILLIAMS. 13/K.R.RIF.C.); British War Medal (4787 SJT. W. WILLIAMS. K.R.RIF.C.); Victory Medal (4787 SJT. W. WILLIAMS. K.R.RIF.C.) - with original Character Certificate on discharge and a very worn copy of the Orders awarding hi the D.C.M.
William James Williams was born in Silksworth in 1885. He attested circa 1902 for service in the Army and was with the 13th Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corps when WWI broke out. he was twice decorated for gallantry and bravery. On the first occasion he was awarded the Military Medal in the LG of 21 January 1919. No citations exist for these awards but, fortunately, Williams wrote to his wife parts of which were published in the Sunderland Daily Echo of 9 September 1918 which read as follows:
"Mrs Frances William of Ryhope Street South(late of Silksworth) has this morning received a letter from her husband Sergt. William Williams (signaller instructor), of the Kings Royal Rifles, informing her that he has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery in the field. From his letter it appears that a young officer was lying out in the open wounded. From the trenches Sergt. Williams noticed him and, despite a hail of shells and bullets, he went to him, dressed his wounds and carried him back to his own lines. Sergt. Williams who was born at Silksworth, has been in the army for about 16 years. There are six brothers, 5 in the army and one in the navy. Sergt. Williams is married to the only daughter of Mr John Glanville, Guide Post Hotel, Ryhope."
The citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded to him in the LG of 2 December 1919 read thus:
"For most conspicuous gallantry and good work during the attack on Louvignies-lez-Quesnoy, 4 November 1918. He volunteered to go forward with the leading wave to establish the signal communication. Whilst advancing with his section an enemy machine gun post was suddenly encountered. He rushed this post single-handed and captured the crew. He then laid the line, which he mended three times in one hour under heavy shelling."
According to the 1921 census Williams was a Coal Hewer (Miner) at Silksworth Colliery and was living at 80 Ryhope Street South.
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with some copied research.
