The Isle of Anglesey County Council is trying to track down the relatives of a decorated war hero.
The County Council, in partnership with the Army, RAF and Navy, will be hosting its own Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 19th. The special event will show support for the brave men and women who serve in the Armed Forces.
Seaman William Williams was awarded Britain’s highest medal for gallantry, the Victoria Cross in 1917, for the prominent role he played in sinking a German u-boat.
Dedication services to honour William Williams VC and Captain John Fox-Russell VC, MC will be held as part of a packed Armed Forces Day events programme.
Both men showed tremendous bravery during hostilities in the First World War. Sadly, however, John Fox-Russell’s VC was awarded posthumously after he fell whilst rescuing injured comrades at Tel-el-Khuwwilfeh in Palestine.
County Council Chairman, Councillor Selwyn Williams, chairs the Armed Forces Day planning committee. He explained, “We know that Capt John Fox-Russell still has relatives living in the Holyhead area and they will be invited to his dedication service at St Seiriol’s Cemetery.
He added, “So far, however, we’ve been unable to track down any of William Williams’ relatives, although we know he has links to Holyhead and Amlwch. He was buried at the Amlwch Town Cemetery after his death in 1965. We are appealing for his relatives to contact us as we obviously wish to hold the dedication ceremony in Amlwch with their full blessing.”
The Armed Forces day event will also include a Spitfire flypast, a visit from Navy mine hunter HMS Shoreham, an Armed Forces Parade through the town of Holyhead, a salute at the Town Hall as well as numerous static displays on Newry Beach.
If you’re related to the late William Williams VC or can help the County Council trace his relatives, please contact Mr Ross Morgan on (01248) 752581 or email [email protected]
