Jack Williams (VC)

John (Jack) Henry Williams VC DCM MM & Bar (29 September 1886 – 7 March 1953), was a Welsh recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Williams was born in Nantyglo, Monmouthshire in 1886.

World War I
He is the most decorated Welsh non-commissioned officer of all time.

In November 1914 Williams gave up his employment as a colliery blacksmith and enlisted in the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. He was promoted to Sergeant in January 1915.

His citation for the Victoria Cross:

For most conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty on the night of 7th - 8th October 1918, during the attack on Villers Outreaux, when, observing that his company was suffering heavy casualties from an enemy machine gun, he ordered a Lewis Gun to engage it, and went forward, under heavy fire, to the flank of the enemy post which he rushed single handed, capturing fifteen of the enemy.

''These prisoners, realising that Williams was alone, turned on him and one of them gripped his rifle. He succeeded in breaking away and bayonetting five enemy, whereupon the remainder again surrendered. By this gallant action and total disregard of personal danger, he was the means of enabling not only his own company but also those on the flanks to advance.''

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.

His grave and memorial are at Ebbw Vale Cemetery. The original headstone was removed during cemetery clearance and a new headstone was erected on 21 October 1990.

The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon.