Clifford Charles Williams – Royal Artillery, 2 Medium Regiment

 Lance‑Bombardier Clifford Charles Williams – Royal Artillery, 2 Medium Regiment

Clifford Charles Williams

Clifford Charles Williams, born in 1908 in Swansea, was the son of Lewis Williams and Jane Griffiths. His early life is clearly traced through the 1911 and 1921 Census returns, which show a growing family rooted in the working communities of Swansea.

Census Background 

1911 Census

In 1911, the Williams family were living at 78 Byron Crescent, Swansea. Lewis, aged 54 and born in Montgomeryshire, worked as a labourer, while his wife Jane, aged 33, was employed as a sack repairer. Their children—Brinley (10), Elsie (4) and Clifford (3)—were all present in the household.

1921 Census

By 1921, the family had moved to 32 Tontine Street, Swansea. Lewis, now 67, was employed as a road repairer with Swansea Corporation, and Jane, aged 43, undertook household duties. Their children included Brinley (20), a cleaner with the Great Western Railway; Elsie M. (14); Clifford C. (13); Haydn (8)—all attending school—and Frederick (7 months). Also living with them were Jane’s brother, Isaac Griffiths (45), a labourer, and a niece, Ann Bryant (27).

Marriage

In 1933, Clifford married Edith Walters in Swansea.

Military Service – Royal Artillery, 2 Medium Regiment

Clifford Charles Williams served as a Lance‑Bombardier with the Royal Artillery, 2 Medium Regiment, a formation responsible for operating medium artillery pieces in support of field operations. His service placed him among the artillerymen who endured some of the most demanding conditions of the early Second World War.

South Wales Daily Post Account

The South Wales Daily Post reported that Clifford C. Williams, aged 33, was a well‑known Swansea motor‑cyclist from Goronwy Road, Townhill, whose life combined civilian service with wartime duty. Before being recalled to the Army, he worked as a bus conductor with the South Wales Transport Company and was recognised locally as an expert motor‑cyclist. During the war he served as a Bombardier with the Royal Artillery, taking part in the retreat to Dunkirk — a testament to his skill, endurance, and courage under extreme conditions.

Clifford Charles Williams
St. Peter's Church, Cockett
credit - findagrave

Fatal Accident at Newmarket

Clifford was tragically killed in a motor‑cycle accident at Newmarket, where he had been stationed. He was found unconscious at the roadside and taken to hospital, where his wife was summoned. The circumstances of the accident were not immediately clear, and his death came as a sudden blow to both his family and the Townhill community.

Burial at Swansea

His body was brought home to Swansea for interment at St Peter’s Church, Cockett. Clifford left behind his wife and one child, and his passing was widely felt — marking the loss of a respected motor‑cyclist, a devoted family man, and a soldier who had already endured one of the war’s most harrowing campaigns.