R.J WILLIAMS

Richard John Williams, known as Johnny, was born in Troedrhiwfuwch in 1893 to Edwin & Jane Williams. He lived in 44 High Street with his mother, father, 2 sisters Lilly & Lizzie Jane and 4 brothers Edmund, Oliver, Trevor & Thomas. His father Edwin was listed as a coal miner (Hewer). Johnny and his siblings attended Troedrhiwfuwch school.

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The family then moved to 57 High Street and Edwin, Johnny & his younger brother Edmund worked as Hewers while his older sister Lizzie Jane is assisting at home.

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Johnny was the eldest boy and enlisted for war service at Bargoed. He served in the Welsh Regiment 13th Battalion as Private 18912. It was reported that Johnny was listed as ‘Wounded’ on the casualty list issued by the War Office and was entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of the 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being met by their naming in the list.

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He was Killed in Action July 10th, 1916 at the age of 22 at The Battle of Mametz Wood, Somme, France. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 7A and 10A, France.

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“Richard John Williams was known lovingly by his family as Johnny. He sadly left for war in November 1915 and never returned. He was killed in action aged 22, at Mametz Wood on 10th July 1916. He has no known grave and his name appears on the Thiepval Memorial. His sister Lizzie Jane (who was five years younger) spoke about Johnny for the rest of her life, until she died in 1972, and this continued into the next two generations, so much so that he has continued to feel like a very present member of the family. Lizzie Jane, had a large framed photograph on her parlour wall of her brother and because it was black and white always told people about her brother's beautiful auburn hair. When her own son Edwin, was born fourteen years later, in 1930, she commented how strong a family resemblance there was and how much he resembled her beloved brother Johnny. Sadly, the photograph of Johnny has been lost to the family” Elizabeth Jones – Great Niece.