Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

3985 Corpoal George Henry Williams (1890-1917)

Corporal George Henry (Harry) Williams, was the eldest son of George and Lucy Elizabeth Williams, resident at the time of his enlistment at 109 Queensberry Street, Carlton, Victoria.

In civilian life, Harry was employed as a draper however his passion was music and playing the violin. He was also a keen stamp collector.

Harry joined the AIF a month after his younger brother Clarence, in July 1915.  He was initially allocated to the 7th Infantry Battalion, but arriving too late for service on Gallipoli, he was transferred to the 16th Battalion in early 1916 when the AIF was 'doubled' to create five Divisions.

During his two years and three months of service, Harry was hospitalised twice, the first time with pleurisy and the second time suffering shell shock, caused by the intense shelling during the Battle of Pozieres.

Returning to his unit, Harry was wounded a seconded time however remained on duty as it was considered slight. Not long afterwards, he was prompted. Corporal G. H. Williams was killed in action on the 21st October 1917, during the last phase of the Third Ypres campaign, the Battle of Paschendaele. Harry has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate, the Commonwealth Memorial to the Missing of the Ypres Salient., in Ieper (Ypres).

Footnote - 3985  Corporal George Henry Williams Service had a brother 2687 Lieutenant Clarence Stanley Williams, who served in the AIF during WW1.  He survived the war and later had a son with his wife, Esther Harriet Williams.  They named their son after Clarence's deceased brother George.  In WW2 son George enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy.  He was killed in action on board HMAS Vampire on 8/9 April 1942, in company with HMS Hermes, off Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).