Lance Corporal C Williams had the regimental number 34075 and served with The Sherwood Foresters during the Great War (1914-18). He was a member of 1/5th Battalion. 

The 1/5th Battalion were mobilised, for the Great War, on the 14th of August 1914 and from then undertook extensive training. The Battalion landed in France on the 25th of February 1915, where they became part of the 139 Brigade of the 46th Division. It is not known when Lance Corporal Williams joined the 1/5th. 

However, we do know that he served very gallantly, particularly in Autumn 1918. 

On the 29th of September, the 1/5th War diary records the operation the Battalion, including Lance Corporal Williams, took part in: ‘46th (North Midland) Division attacked and captured portion of ST QUENTIN Canal and HINDENBURG LINE (SEIGFRIED LINE) North of ST QUENTIN’. It was during this attack that Lance Corporal Williams received his first medal for gallantry, the Military Medal. 

His Military Medal was reported in the London Gazette, on the 14th of May 1919 as follows: 

‘For gallantry and devotion to duty at Lehaucourt on 29th September, 1918, when his platoon came under heavy fire of a hostile battery and machine guns, he continued to lead his men with remarkable coolness. Later he shewed great dash and gallantry in rushing the guns, and killing or capturing the teams. His conduct throughout the day was magnificent.’ 

Lance Corporal Williams further received the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), for another attack made by his division on the 3rd of October. The 1/5th Battalion War Diary described the day as an ‘Attack made by the Division (in connection with operation of ANZACS on left and FRENCH Corps on right) on the villages of RAMICOURT and MONTBREHAIN. 5th SHERWOOD FORESTERS one of leading Battalions.’ 

The London Gazette reported the circumstances that led Lance Corporal Williams to being awarded the DCM (on the 12th of March 1919): 

‘For Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Montbrehain on 3rd October 1918, during a strong enemy counter-attack. In spite of being severely wounded he obtained possession of a Lewis Gun, and, taking it to a very exposed position on the flank, opened fire on the enemy. He remained at this post for six hours holding off the enemy till finally relieved in and exhausted condition. His self sacrifice and devotion saved his company at a very critical time.’ 

Sadly, the Museum holds no more information about Lance Corporal Williams, but it is clear he was a very gallant soldier.