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

 Second Lieutenant William Morley Williams – Welsh Regiment, 14^th (Service) Battalion (Swansea Battalion)

Birth and Family Background

William Morley Williams was born in Swansea in 1896, the son of John and Ann Williams, who lived at Dulais House, Brunswick Place, Swansea. The family’s residence in this established and respected part of the town suggests a comfortable upbringing during the late Victorian and Edwardian years, with William growing up in a stable and supportive household.

Military Service

During the First World War, William was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Welsh Regiment, serving with the 14^th (Service) Battalion)—widely known as the Swansea Battalion. This battalion was one of the locally raised “Pals” units, formed from volunteers across Swansea who enlisted together with the intention of serving alongside friends, neighbours, and workmates. Officers like William carried significant responsibility, often leading men they knew personally into some of the most dangerous operations on the Western Front.

The 14^th Welsh Regiment at the Battle of Messines – 7^th June 1917

In mid‑1917, the 38^th (Welsh) Division, including the 14^th Welsh Regiment, was positioned in the Ypres Salient in preparation for a major offensive aimed at capturing the strategically vital Messines Ridge. This high ground had long given German forces a commanding view over British positions, and its capture was essential for future operations in Flanders.

In the early hours of 7^th June 1917, the British Army launched the Battle of Messines, one of the most meticulously planned and successful operations of the war. The attack began with the detonation of nineteen massive underground mines beneath the German lines—an explosion so powerful it was heard across the English Channel. Immediately afterwards, British and Commonwealth infantry advanced behind a precise creeping artillery barrage.

The 14^th Welsh were positioned north of Messines village, tasked with advancing behind the initial assault waves and consolidating the ground captured in the opening stages. Although not in the very first line of attack, they moved forward soon after zero hour, encountering heavy machine‑gun fire, persistent shelling, and the chaotic aftermath of the mine explosions. The terrain was treacherous, littered with enormous craters, shattered trees, and debris, making movement slow and hazardous.

As the battalion advanced, they were responsible for securing strongpoints, clearing remaining pockets of German resistance, and holding the newly won positions against expected counter‑attacks. Officers like Second Lieutenant William Morley Williams played a crucial role in directing their platoons through the confusion of battle, maintaining momentum, and ensuring that the battalion’s objectives were achieved.

The fighting on 7^th June was intense and costly. Although the overall operation was a major British success, the Swansea Battalion suffered significant casualties during the advance and consolidation phases. It was during this critical stage of the battle that Second Lieutenant William Morley Williams was killed in action, giving his life in one of the most decisive and hard‑fought victories of the war.

Death and Burial

William Morley Williams
Bard Cottage Cemetery, West‑Vlaanderen, Belgium
credit - findagrave

Second Lieutenant William Morley Williams was killed in action on 7^th June 1917, during the opening day of the Battle of Messines. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, West‑Vlaanderen, Belgium, a cemetery close to the Ypres front where many Welsh soldiers who fell in the surrounding battles now rest. His grave stands as a lasting testament to his service and sacrifice