William Williams (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Williams
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| Born | 5 October 1890 Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales |
| Died | 22 October 1965 (aged 75) Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Rank | Seaman |
| Unit | Royal Naval Reserve |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |
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William Williams was a brave Welsh sailor. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM). The Victoria Cross is the highest and most important award for bravery in the British armed forces. It is given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
William Williams was born in Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales, on October 5, 1890. He served as a Seaman in the Royal Naval Reserve during the First World War. He showed incredible bravery when he was 26 years old.
Contents
A Daring Act of Bravery
On June 7, 1917, William Williams was serving on a ship called HMS Pargust. This ship was a special kind of warship known as a Q ship. A Q ship looked like a normal merchant ship, but it secretly carried hidden guns. Its job was to trick enemy U-boats (German submarines) into coming close.
The Torpedo Attack
HMS Pargust was sailing in the Atlantic Ocean when it was attacked. A German U-boat, called SM UC-29, fired a torpedo at the ship. The torpedo hit HMS Pargust and damaged its engine room. The explosion also caused the covers over the hidden guns to shake loose.
Saving the Secret
If the gun covers fell, the U-boat would know HMS Pargust was a warship, not a merchant ship. This would ruin the surprise attack. Seaman Williams quickly reacted. He grabbed the heavy gun covers and held them up with all his strength. He stopped them from falling and showing the hidden guns to the enemy. His quick thinking kept the ship's secret safe.
Tricking the Enemy
After the torpedo hit, a small group of sailors, called the 'panic party', pretended to abandon the ship. They got into lifeboats, making it look like HMS Pargust was sinking and had no crew left. The U-boat believed the trick. It surfaced, thinking the ship was helpless.
The Counterattack
When the U-boat was very close, about 50 yards away, the captain of HMS Pargust gave the order to fire. The hidden guns opened up, and the submarine was quickly destroyed and sank. William Williams' brave action helped make this successful counterattack possible.
How William Williams Got the Victoria Cross
Sometimes, when many people in a group act bravely, it's hard to pick just one person for the Victoria Cross. In such cases, the crew votes secretly. The sailors and officers of HMS Pargust chose William Williams to receive the Victoria Cross for his amazing bravery during this battle.
Awards and Recognition
William Williams received two very important awards for his service and bravery.
Distinguished Service Medal
- On March 23, 1917, William Williams was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. This award recognized his brave actions at sea.
Victoria Cross
- On July 20, 1917, King George V approved the award of the Victoria Cross to William Williams. He was chosen by his shipmates for his outstanding courage.
Images for kids
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A memorial plaque for William Williams VC.
See also
- Ronald Niel Stuart
