John Williams (VC)

John Williams (VC) 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.

He was a private in the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 7 October 1916 near Guillemont, France, during an attack, Private Williams saw that the leading waves were checked by very heavy machine-gun fire from an enemy strongpoint. On his own initiative, he worked his way forward and bombed the occupants, killing some and capturing the rest. The strongpoint being cleared, the way was opened for the leading waves to advance. Later he displayed great bravery in clearing a second strongpoint.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the South Wales Borderers Museum in Brecon, Powys, Wales.