John Edward's Story.
John Edward Williams was born in Crewe 22 December 1879. In 1897 he joined the army, serving for eight years of which seven of them he spent in India.
John, before leaving for India.
John in India.
After leaving the army he was placed on the reserve list for four years and was employed as a clerk at the LNWR works in Crewe. In 1908 John married Margaret and by 1911 the couple were living at 53 Richard Street, Crewe, they had one son, John Richard, born in 1910.
John rejoined the colours in 1915, becoming 27671 Private John Edward Williams, 11th battalion Cheshire Regiment, he embarked for France, 25 September 1915. Exactly two later 25 September 1917, he gained a commission into the Welch Regiment. On the 6 July 1918 he joined the 9th battalion Welsh Regiment.
The battalion war diary confirms John's arrival with the battalion, along with 195 other ranks.
Shortly after joining the battalion John was awarded a Military Cross (MC) the citation was published in the London Gazette 24 September 1918.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. He repeatedly organised parties of men of his own and other units and lead them forward under shell and machine gun fire to reinforce the outpost line, thereby enabling that line to hold out against vastly superior numbers. Further, he organised and lead a successful counter attack against one of our posts which had been entered by the enemy. He showed fine courage and determination.
Nantwich Guardian, October 4, 1918.
John had three brothers.
Standing left to right, Charles and Arthur. Seated left to right Richard and John. (This picture was taken by Bullocks, High Street, Crewe.)
John was granted leave to the UK from the 29 October 1918 to 12 November 1918, the day after the armistice had been signed. After the war John returned to work at the railway works at Crewe.
The Silver Jubilee in Crewe 1935, John sitting in front of the table wearing his Military Cross. His son Ted is seated first on the left, Margaret is on the left wearing the spotted dress.
John with his wife and son, Ted.
In 1984, Ted after making enquires about his father service received a letter from Colonel H. Morrey Salmon, he had carried a camera and had taken some pictures of John. His letter gives the details.
John second from the right taken December 1918, in France.
John on the left with Lieutenant D. J. Davies M.C. December 1918.
Presentation of the Kings Colours, 9th battalion Welch Regiment, John second left back row.
John, before leaving for India.
John in India.
After leaving the army he was placed on the reserve list for four years and was employed as a clerk at the LNWR works in Crewe. In 1908 John married Margaret and by 1911 the couple were living at 53 Richard Street, Crewe, they had one son, John Richard, born in 1910.
John rejoined the colours in 1915, becoming 27671 Private John Edward Williams, 11th battalion Cheshire Regiment, he embarked for France, 25 September 1915. Exactly two later 25 September 1917, he gained a commission into the Welch Regiment. On the 6 July 1918 he joined the 9th battalion Welsh Regiment.
The battalion war diary confirms John's arrival with the battalion, along with 195 other ranks.
Shortly after joining the battalion John was awarded a Military Cross (MC) the citation was published in the London Gazette 24 September 1918.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. He repeatedly organised parties of men of his own and other units and lead them forward under shell and machine gun fire to reinforce the outpost line, thereby enabling that line to hold out against vastly superior numbers. Further, he organised and lead a successful counter attack against one of our posts which had been entered by the enemy. He showed fine courage and determination.
Nantwich Guardian, October 4, 1918.
John had three brothers.
Standing left to right, Charles and Arthur. Seated left to right Richard and John. (This picture was taken by Bullocks, High Street, Crewe.)
John was granted leave to the UK from the 29 October 1918 to 12 November 1918, the day after the armistice had been signed. After the war John returned to work at the railway works at Crewe.
The Silver Jubilee in Crewe 1935, John sitting in front of the table wearing his Military Cross. His son Ted is seated first on the left, Margaret is on the left wearing the spotted dress.
John with his wife and son, Ted.
In 1984, Ted after making enquires about his father service received a letter from Colonel H. Morrey Salmon, he had carried a camera and had taken some pictures of John. His letter gives the details.
John second from the right taken December 1918, in France.
John on the left with Lieutenant D. J. Davies M.C. December 1918.
Presentation of the Kings Colours, 9th battalion Welch Regiment, John second left back row.