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Colin, born on the 20th January 1914 at Semaphore, was the youngest son of Richard Arthur and Tryphina Mabel Williams. He had two older brothers, Ronald and Gilbert Victor. Gilbert later also enlisted in the RAAF.
When Colin was aged eight, the Williams family moved to Renmark to live where the boys flourished, attending the local Renmark School. Colin gained his Qualifying Certificate in ’26, one of 24 of the 27 students to do so. That year during Education Week a competition was held amongst the seven local Primary Schools, competing for the Marcus Shield (sponsored by the local Renmark café.) Colin won his first race, the hurdles, then the 440 yard run, running like a well-trained athlete, opening up a handy lead with his steady pace before then electrifying the crowd by clearing away with a wonderful burst of speed. He and fellow Renmark student, Allan Lund drew with the same number of points at the conclusion of the day, so were each presented with a Cup. A summary was made of each athlete with Colin being praised as having the ‘potential to develop into a well-made young fellow with great stamina, that he runs with a style many athletes envied, and is a good hurdler.’ He was also described as a diligent worker inside the school walls. That year, Colin was also selected to play in the Upper Murray Cricket team which competed against the Albert District team.
During his schooling at the Renmark Agricultural High School, Colin continued to be a talented athlete and sportsman, particularly excelling at cricket and golf.
Post school, Colin was involved in the local Militia with the 48th Battalion whist also working as a clerk with the Renmark Irrigation Scheme. By that stage his parents had moved to live at Port Elliot. By October ’39 the Military Forces had officially gazetted Colin to be a provisional Lieutenant – a mark of the leadership skills he displayed.
With the outbreak of WWII 26-year-old Colin was an early enlistee on the 5th September ‘40 and given the number SX10317. He was placed in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion, little knowing it and he were to become a highly regarded and decorated group. His early days were spent in the pavilions of the Adelaide Showgrounds at Wayville before further training followed at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. As did so many places of work, Colin’s enlistment was supported by his work place, with a guarantee being passed at a Board Meeting in the following weeks that his civilian work would be waiting for him on his return.
During his pre-embarkation leave, Colin married his school sweetheart, Gweneth Yvonne Sales on the 18th October ’40 at the local St. Augustine's Church. Gwen’s friends organised the decorations and as the newly married couple left the church, a guard of honour was formed by Gwen’s fellow members of the Renmark Transport Unit, and men of the 48th Militia Battalion. Colin chose Lieutenant Alfred Sage as his best man. (Alfred enlisted in October ’42 in the Airforce as 437010.) Gen moved into their new home at Renmark.
Colin’s older brother, Gilbert enlisted in March the following year as 416053, a Flying Officer with the 35th Squadron.
Following pre-embarkation leave and just three weeks after his wedding, Colin’s battalion left on the Stratheden on the 7th November, arriving in the Middle East on the 27th December and almost immediately attended a Bren Gun Course. By April he was promoted to Captain, attending a further course on Tactics. Soon after arriving in Tobruk, in October ’41 a photo was taken of officers of the 2/48th Battalion, poignant in that so many gave their lives in the conflict. On Christmas day ’41 a tornado swept over the camp area, with Colin pinned to his stretcher by the centre pole of his tent, a cause of amusement for fellow officer, Ivor Paech and the ranks. (This and other entries about Colin were made in the diary entries, later published by Darren Paech in ‘Adelaide to Alamein’.)
The 2/48th soon moved to North Africa the following year to be involved in the fierce battle for theTel el Eisa Railway Station and then El Alamein in July ‘42. It was during this time that Colin’s bravery and leadership earned him the Military Cross.
The 2/48th were critical in holding the essential Port of Tobruk for over six months. The derogatory term of living like rats, aimed at taunting the troops, was, in typical Aussie manner, claimed as a badge of honour by the soldiers, proudly owning the Rats of Tobruk label.
In late June, 42 with Rommel crossing into Egypt, the 2/48th were in an offensive to capture Trig 33, which was achieved on the 10th July. In doing so, over 400 Italian prisoners were taken. The battalion then advanced south, capturing the Tel el Eisa station and repelling numerous counter attacks.
In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described how ‘Captain Williams asked to be permitted to accompany the attack. One platoon moved quietly to the right and the other to the left, while the reserve platoon crossed the line, the attacks on the tanks being made from three sides, with the movements synchronised so that all should converge on the enemy at the same time. The whole front was quiet. The shadowy forms of the men moved closer and closer to the dark shapes of the tanks that stood silhouetted against the lighter sky. The order had been to creep onto the tanks until somebody was forced to open fire. When the troops were almost on the tanks a startled German let go with a burst from his Spandau. The A Company yelling like a lot of mad dervishes, charged the tanks, firing everything they had. The charge from the silence of the night to the hideous yelling of the men charging in from all sides was too much for the tank crews. They pulled out as quickly as they could, grinding away in the darkness.’
‘Diver’ Derrick also mentioned in his diary of the 10th July that “Our Don Coy under Capt Col Williams had been held up by the force we had just capture, they now moved South well out on the flat and towards Aleiza station which they took capturing several guns, MGs and a number of prisoners.’ He continued recounting that “we commenced our advance towards the Aleiza station approx. 1400 yards away. Not a sound was heard as we approached within 150 yards of the railway line, here we went to ground and awaited our OCs order. Maj Tucker, Capt Williams and our Coy Com Capt Shillaker made their plans, and after some considerable time decided to carry on with the attack with the force they had, - A Coy.” Derrick also documented that “I felt sure she was curtains this time, but like the rest of the boys I didn’t say so, no one spoke, just listened to orders and prepared themselves.’
On the 11th July ‘421 2 German tanks attacked D Company. Paech recorded that ‘they charged directly at Captain Col William’s D Company from the east and ran straight through the artillery engagement area to end up right on top of the Australian slit trenches. With no anti-tank ditches or minefields for protection, the infantry had no way of stopping the 30 tonne monsters. The tanks tried to crush many of the slit trenches the Diggers were sheltering in by driving back and forth over them. Several men were badly crushed.’
On the 20th July Col’s depleted D Company were required to hook around and attack West Point 24 from the south – a tough assignment. Ivor Paech described how ‘The German machine gunners were professionals; they would single out any man who appeared to be in charge and pick off the junior leaders of both attacking companies. It was under these circumstances that Captain Col was killed and his D battalion decimated. Aged 28, Colin was just 28 years old, killed in action on the 22nd July ’42.
In his diary of the 22nd July Ivor wrote ‘The attack didn’t succeed and we lost many of the best men, including Col Williams, Lance Heffron and Frank Thredgold. It was a very sad day for our battalion.’ The attack, initially thought to be a massive failure, reconnaissance showed that the Germans had suffered such heavy casualties that they abandoned West Point 24, too.
However, the 2/48th was eventually forced to withdraw, having suffered over 100 casualties. The 2/48th Battalion suffered 215 casualties between the 7th July and 23rd October. Of that number, 64 men were killed and six died of their wounds. 125 other men were wounded but survived the ferocious encounter.
The local Renmark Community were quick to pay a glowing, detailed tribute in the Murray Pioneer to one of their most highly regarded young men.
‘KILLED IN ACTION Capt. Colin Williams Widespread sorrow was felt when it was learnt in Renmark at the weekend that Captain Colin Frank Williams, of Renmark, had been killed in action in Egypt. The flag over the R.S.L. clubroom flew at half-mast in recognition of the passing of a fine young officer. Captain Williams was one of the very first to join the local militia unit when it was formed in January 1939, and no man took a keener interest in soldiering than he did. He passed his military examinations with brilliance. As a corporal he commanded No. 1 platoon, "A" company. He was later promoted to sergeant, and then, together with Lieuts. Sage and Gorrie (since missing in operations) was commissioned in October 1939. Shortly after-wards he was accepted by the A.I.F.
‘In December 1940 he married Miss Gwen Sales, daughter of Mr. Fred and the late Mrs. Sales, of Renmark. He sailed with his unit for overseas in November 1940, and after a period of service he was promoted captain and had command of a company. It is understood that he was in command of a company when killed. He served in the siege of Tobruk for about eight months and was in Egypt and Syria. He was a fine type of Australian manhood, and earned the highest respect of his men, who. in the words of a Renmark soldier serving overseas in the same unit, would follow him anywhere.
‘Born on January 21, 1914 Colin was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. R A. Williams, who now reside at Port Elliot. Mr. Williams was for a number of years stationed at Renmark in charge of the pay office for lock construction work in this State. He was a highly respected citizen and was for a time chairman of the Town Council. Colin attended the Renmark Primary and Renmark High schools. He went from high school to a position with the River Murray Commission at Lock 7 and joined the office staff of the Renmark Irrigation Trust. Colin was a very popular young man, and excelled on the sports field, particularly at cricket. He was chairman of the Renmark High School Old Scholars Association and was actively associated with numerous committees.
‘As a cricketer Colin's prowess with the bat will be long remembered. He was one of the best batsmen the River has produced and had many great performances to his credit. His outstanding season was in 1934-35, when for his team in the Upper Murray Association premiership he scored 1,113 runs at an average of 92.7 per innings, and in all matches (including inter-association and country carnival engagements) 1,603 at an average of 76.3 He was also a good bowler, a fine footballer and during his high school days excelled at athletics.’
The chairman of the Renmark Irrigation Trust also heaped high praise on Colin as a reliable and conscientious worker, with enviable bookwork and accuracy. The representative also praised ‘Capt. Williams' prowess and character on the sports field, recalled having assisted in his training during his high school days when he gained numerous trophies at athletics as well as starring as a cricketer and footballer. Mr. Rosenthal also recalled that Don Bradman, when he brought his team to Renmark, described Colin as one at the best country cricketers he had ever seen.’
The Advertiser carried an extensive tribute to him. ‘Private Casualty Advices Cpt. Colin Frank Williams has been reported killed in action in Egypt. Cpt. Williams joined the militia at Renmark when it was formed in January 1939. He gained his commission in October of that year and transferred to the AIF shortly after. Son of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Williams, now of Port Elliot, Cpt. "Williams was born in January 1914. He was educated at the Renmark Primary and High Schools, and at the time of his enlistment was employed in the office of the Renmark Irrigation Trust. Cpt. Williams, as a cricketer, was one of the best batsmen the River has produced. In 1934-35, in the Upper Murray Association, he scored 1,113 runs, at an average of 92.7. In all matches including inter-association and SACA country carnival matches he had an average of 76.5. He was president of the Renmark High School Old Scholars' Association. In 1940 Cpt. Williams was married to Miss Gwen Sales, of Renmark. He sailed for overseas in November, 1940.
Colin was posthumously awarded the Military Cross for his great coolness, leadership & courage at Tel El Eisa. The Citation reads “On 10th July, 1942, Captain Williams' Company was responsible for taking an objective on the Tell El Eisa Ridge. This was carried out by 0600 hours against sharp position and the capture of the feature produced several hundred of prisoners, together with many artillery weapons and other equipment. After this phase Captain Williams swung his Company south and advanced 2200 yards to his next objective, the Tell El Eisa Railway Station to form an anti-tank screen against tank attacks from the south.

‘Before his company could prepare the locality beyond slit trenches it was subjected to several heavy tank attacks - the enemy obviously being determined to retake the Railway Station. ‘Despite the fact that the enemy tanks sat practically on the company locality shelling and machine gunning the post as well as being enfiladed from the west, Captain Williams by his own personal gallantry and example inspired his men and so influenced the battle that what appeared to be an overwhelming attack was successfully beaten off and all positions held.

‘Captain Williams displayed great coolness, leadership and personal courage throughout the action. His determination to fight on against great odds was inspirational and the whole Battalion looks with pride on the devotion to duty and fortitude displayed by Captain Williams and his Company. Captain Williams has since been killed in action. He is commemorated on the Roll of Honour in Renmark SA, also his name is located at panel 64 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial.’
Initially buried at Tel El Eisa, Colin now rests in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt in Plot XVI Row H Grave 26. His family chose the inscription ‘He Gave His Life For His Country’ for his headstone. He rests with others from his 2/48th Battalion who died on the same day. These included SX13018 21-year-old Private Colin Hanley, SX7979 22-year-old Corporal Lindsay Evans, SX11052 22-year-old Private Walter Shane, WX10144 19-year-old Private Albert Lang, SX7948 24-year-old L/Sgt Keith Trenorden, SX9316, 28-year-old Private Arthur Phillips, SX7343 27-year-old John Miller, SX8670 26-year-old Corporal William Glennon, SX7535 28 year old Cpl Patrick O’Loughlin, WX9817 Pte Gilbert W.B. Lee, WX9858 33 year old Pte Arthur S. Gurney (V.C.), SX13121 23 year old Pte Reginald W.C. Brown, WX9869 31 year old Pte William T. Birchley, SX7483 32 year old Pte Ivan C. Hanel, SX13560 36 year old Pte Herbert J. Hill and SX10317 28-year-old Captain C.F. Williams (M.C.).
Added to their anguish, the family learned that Colin’s older brother, 33 year old Gilbert, a Flying Officer with the 35th Squadron was presumed killed in a flying battle over Germany on the 29th November ’44. The uncertainty of his fate was challenging for many months. His remains were never found.
Although Colin was unaware of his bravery award, his wife, Gwen was presented with his Military Cross at Government House on the 9th May ’45. (In November that year Gwen married SX11827 Lieutenant Rollo Treloar, from Broken Hill.)
His family continued to remember Colin in the ensuing years.
Advertiser Wednesday 19 August 1942 WILLIAMS. —Killed on active service In Egypt on July 22, Captain Colin Frank Williams. A.I.F. dearly beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Williams, of Port Elliot, and dearly loved brother of Ronald and Gilbert.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 22 July 1943, WILLIAMS —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Captain Colin Frank Williams, M.C., who was killed in Egypt on July 22, 1912. His duty nobly done. —Inserted by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Williams and brothers Ron and Gill.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 20 July 1944 WILLIAMS-In loving memory of our dear son, Capt. Colin F. Williams, MC who was kil-led at El Alamein on July 22nd,1942.-Inserted by his loving par-ents, brothers and sisters.
Advertiser Saturday 21 July 1945, WILLIAMS. —In loving memory of our dear son, Capt. Colin Frank Williams. M-C. who was killed at El Alamein on July 22. 1942. His duty nobly done. — Inserted by bis parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Williams. WILLIAMS. Capt. C. F.—ln memory of my brother, killed at El Alamein July 22, 1942.
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946WILLIAMS. —In loving memory of our dear son, Capt. Colin Williams, M.C., 2/48th, who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on July 22, 1942. —Inserted by his parents and brother Ron.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1947, WILLIAMS. —In loving memory of our dear son, Capt. Colin Frank Williams, M.C., who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on July 22, 1942.—Inserted by his parents Ron and Eva. 2/48th.—In memory of my mates, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, July 22, 1942.—Ever remembered by Curly Foster. 2/48TH BATT. —In memory of the boys who fell at El Alamein, July-November, 1942.—"Blue," ex B Coy.

Thirty-six years later, Colin was still remembered by a candidate, Geoff Davey standing for Mayor in Port Lincoln. ‘As a young fellow I grew up with a group of fine young men at Renmark. The late Captain Colin Frank Williams and the late Fl. Lieut. Peter Creighton Gorrie were two of my very good and close friends, Colin got his in the desert and Peter was shot down in the islands.’ ‘They were all fine young men and died fighting for what they believed in. I have always believed that my duty to the community is to put back just that little bit extra for my mates who would have been some of our leading citizens had they been spared. The immortal words I quote seem to express what I mean far better than I can. We hand you the Torch so hold it high If ye break faith with us who die, We will not sleep though poppies grow in Flanders Fields.
In July 2022 Colin’s five medals, the1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45 were sold for $6,000 in Sydney.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.