William Bernard Williams – Welsh Regiment, attached 14th (Service) Battalion (Swansea)

 Lieutenant William Bernard Williams – Welsh Regiment, attached 14^th (Service) Battalion (Swansea)

Birth and Family Background

William Bernard Williams was born in 1889 in Swansea, the son of Henry Williams and Sarah Williams.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Williams family were residing at 51 Martin Street, Morriston, Swansea. Henry Williams (38) was employed as an accountant, and his wife Sarah (37) managed the household. Their children were Hannah (14); William Bernard (12); Ethel Dorcas (10); and Percival L. (5).
Also present was Sarah’s widowed father, William Williams (77).

1911 Census

The family were still living at 51 Martin Street at the time of the 1911 Census. Henry Williams (49) was recorded as a works manager, and Sarah (48) remained at home. Their children were Hannah (24); William Bernard (22), employed as a draughtsman; Ethel Dorcas (20), a milliner; and Percival L. (15), a pay clerk.

Military Service

William served as a Lieutenant with the Welsh Regiment, and was attached to the 14^th (Service) Battalion (Swansea), a battalion raised locally in 1914 and composed largely of Swansea volunteers.

Welsh Regiment, 14^th Battalion — 20^th October 1918

On 20^th October 1918, the 14^th (Service) Battalion (Swansea) was engaged in the final phase of the Allied advance in northern France, following the breaking of German resistance along the Selle and Sambre river lines. Although German forces were retreating, they continued to mount determined rearguard actions, making progress costly.

The battalion was involved in advances against defended villages, offensive patrols, and the consolidation of newly captured ground. Fighting during this period was characterised by open warfare, with infantry advancing across exposed ground under fire from machine guns, snipers, and artillery positioned to delay the British advance. German resistance often centred on village strongpoints and road junctions, requiring determined infantry assaults to clear.

Despite the imminent end of the war, casualties continued to occur daily. The 14^th Battalion, relying heavily on the experience of its NCOs and junior leaders, sustained losses as it pushed forward through Nord France. It was during these active operations on 20^th October 1918 that Lieutenant William Bernard Williams was killed in action.

Death and Burial

William Bernard Williams
Montay-Neuvilly Road Cemetery, 
Montay, Nord, France
credit - findagrave

William Bernard Williams is buried at Montay-Neuvilly Road Cemetery, Montay, Nord, France.

His death, less than a month before the Armistice, stands as a poignant reminder that the final advance of the First World War continued to claim lives until the very end