Pte 71214 Edward Williams

• Age: 27
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: MGC (89 COY)
• Died on Thursday 20th September 1917
• Commemorated at: Kemmel Chateau Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: G.58

Edward Williams was born in Everton, Liverpool, on 28th January 1890, the youngest son of John Williams and his wife Ann Kenworthy (née Bond). His father, born in Denbigh, and his mother in Seacombe, Cheshire, married on the 02nd February 1873 at St Peter's Church, Liverpool. John was of full age, a cooper, father William a butcher, whilst Ann was a minor, father Joseph a stevedore, both of Clare St, off Islington. They had ten children, seven of whom appear in censuses, three others died young. Edward had older siblings Margaret (Maggie), William, Gertrude, Owen, and John (Jack), and a younger sister Ellen.

 

He was baptised in St. Ambrose, Everton, on the 06th April 1890, his parents residence given as 49 China Street, and his father’s occupation as cooper.  The family had lived in China Street since at least 1881. On the 1881 census at 71 China Street, his father is listed as aged 32, a cooper, born in North Wales. 

At the time of the 1891 census, the family is living at 69a China Street, with six children.  His father, 43, is a  cooper, his mother, 39, is a charwoman, children Maggie A. 14 a scholar, William 12 a scholar, Gertrude 7 a scholar, John 5, Owen 3, and Edward is 1 year old.   

In 1901 his mother, married, with William, 22, a cooper, Owen, 15, a machine feeder in the tobacco works,  Edward, age 11, and Ellen 5 are in China Street, at no.76.  His father, although he appears in the electoral register at this address in 1898-1900, is not in the household.  

His father John (Jack) died, aged 58, on the 06th December 1907. He was buried on the 15th  December at Kirkdale Cemetery. 

The 1911 Census find the family at 71 China Street where his now widowed mother, 57, is head of household.  Owen, 25, and Edward, 21, are labourers in an oil cake mill (J. Bibby & Sons), and Ellen, 15, is an assistant in a printing works.

 

Edward enlisted in Liverpool on 09th January 1915 as Private 25314, joining the 19th (Pals) Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment. He gave his age as 25 years and his occupation as clerk.  He was described as being 5’ 5 and a quarter inches tall, weighing 130 lbs, 36” chest, with a scar over his left eyebrow. He gave his address as 82 Cornwall Street, and as next of kin, his mother, at the same address.

He was billeted at the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

 

Whilst training at Knowsley near Liverpool, on 05th April 1915, for being absent without leave 24 hours, he was confined to barracks for five days and forfeited two days’ pay. 

Edward embarked with his battalion at Folkestone and disembarked at Boulogne on 07th November 1915.  

 

19/02/1916 to 98th Field Ambulance, sick

 

24/02/1916 rejoined unit

 

26/3/1916 attached 89th Brigade M.G. C.

 

13/11/1916 perm(anently) att 89th brigade M.G.C.

 

05/12/1916 transferred to (89th Coy M.G.C.) Machine Gun Corps as Private 71214

 

The 89th M.G. Coy joined the 89th Brigade, 30th Division on 13th March 1916.  They were in action during the Battle of the Somme, capturing Montauban.

 

04/02/1917 granted leave to the U.K.

 

14/02/1917 returned from leave

 

Edward was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, 25th May 1917). 

War Office 25th May 1917  

The following is in continuation of Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch 9th of April submitting names deserving of special mention published in the London Gazette of Tuesday 15th of May 1917. 

MACHINE GUN CORPS 

Williams, 71214 Pte E. 

In 1917 they saw action during the pursuit of the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, the Arras Offensive and the Battle of Pilkem Ridge, the opening attack of the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele).

 

CWGC shows that Edward died of wounds on 20th September 1917;  SDGW, the Pension Card, and Soldiers Effects show killed in action. He was 27 years of age.

 

His death was reported in the Liverpool Evening Express on 28th September 1917: 

LIVERPOOL’S FALLEN HEROES. 

Edward Williams, K.L.R., aged 28, killed in action, resided at 52 China Street, Liverpool, and was a former employee of Bibby's Oil Cake Mills. He joined at the outbreak of war. 

 Also in the Liverpool Evening Express on 18th October 1917: 

DIED OF WOUNDS. 

WILLIAMS – Sept. 20, died of wounds, aged 27 years, Private Edward Williams K.L.R. (Though death divides us, fond memory clings. From his loving brother Bill, in France, also sister-in-law Jin and children, 64 China Street.) 

WILLIAMS – Sept. 20, died of wounds, aged 27 years, Private Edward Williams K.L.R. (Though death has parted us, fond memories still cling. From his brother Jack, of the same company in France, and nephew J. E., 109 Gordon Street.) 

WILLIAMS – Sept. 20, died of wounds, aged 27 years, Private Edward Williams K.L.R., the dearly beloved brother of Nellie Williams, 52 China Street.  

Ere I listened to the chimes  

My thoughts go back to olden times;  

Once again my mind recalls  

A brother beloved – best of all. 

WILLIAMS – Sept. 20, died of wounds, aged 27 years, Private Edward Williams K.L.R., the dearly beloved brother of Mrs Frodsham. (From his sister, and brother-in-law Bob, in France, also children, 52 China Street.)  

That is one thing death cannot sever 

Love and remembrance will last for ever. 

WILLIAMS – Sept. 20, died of wounds, aged 27 years, Private Edward Williams K.L.R. (Too dearly loved to be ever forgotten by his loving brother Owen, in France, also sister-in-law Lily and children, 23 Upper High Street.)  

WILLIAMS – Sept. 20, died of wounds, aged 27 years, Private Edward Williams K.L.R., the dearly beloved youngest son of Ann and the late John Williams. (From his broken-hearted mother, 52 China Street.)  

Some day I hope to meet him,  

Some day I know not when  

To clasp his hand in the better land,  

Never to part again. 

Edward now rests at Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery in Belgium where his headstone bears the epitaph:

PEACE PERFECT PEACE. DUTY NOBLY DONE.

 

Kemmel Chateau was north-east of Kemmel village and the cemetery was established on the north side of the chateau grounds in December 1914. It continued to be used by divisions fighting on the southern sectors of the Belgian front until March 1918, when after fierce fighting involving both Commonwealth and French forces, the village and cemetery fell into German hands in late April. The cemetery was retaken later in the year, but in the interval it was badly shelled and the old chateau destroyed. There are now 1,135 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery and 21 from the Second World War (which all date from the Allied withdrawal ahead of the German advance of May 1940). The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

 

His name appeared in the list of those killed published in the Weekly Casualty List on 21st October 1917. 

His sister Ellen lost her sweetheart Pte W. J. Thomas. His loss was reported in the Liverpool Evening Express on 27th October 1917:

THOMAS - In loving memory of Private W. J. Thomas, Lanc. Fus., who was killed in France, October 21, 1916.  

United in life by friendship sincere,  

In death not divided for memory holds dear.  

From Nellie Williams, 52 China Street. 

His mother Annie received a War Gratuity of £12-10s and was awarded a pension of 9/- from April 1918, increased to 12/6d a year later.

 

Edward was remembered by his family on his birthday in the Liverpool Evening Express on 28th January 1918: 

ROLL OF HONOUR. 

WILLIAMS - In sad but loving birthday remembrance of my dearly-beloved youngest son, Private Edward Williams, who died of wounds in France, Sept. 20, 1917, aged 27 years.  

We do not know what pain he bore, 

We did not see him die, 

But this we know that he has gone  

And never said “Good-bye.”  

- Sadly missed by his mother and sisters Girt and Nell, 52 China street; also brothers Jack, Bill, and brother-in-law Bob, all in France.  

WILLIAMS - In loving birthday remembrance of our dear brother Fred(sic), who died of wounds in France, Sept. 20, age 27 years. - Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten by his brother Owen and sister-in-law Lizzie, 23 Upper High Street. 

Edward earned his three medals. His mother signed for his medals, as well as his Memorial Plaque and Scroll. His 1914-1915 Star was offered for auction in 2014 as part of a set of five (all Liverpool Pals), the lot price £80-£120.

 

In 1919 his mother provided information on Edward’s living relatives:  his sister Mrs. Gertrude Frodsham was living with their mother at 52 China Street; William lived a few houses away; Owen, Jack, and sister Mrs. Ellen Hall are also in Liverpool.

He was remembered by his family in the Liverpool Evening Express on 20th September 1919, which was the second anniversary of his loss: 

ROLL OF HONOUR. 

WILLIAMS - In sad but loving memory of my dear son Edward Williams (our Ted), who died of wounds, Sept. 20, 1917.  

I never thought, dear son,  

When you said your last “Good-bye,”  

That God had willed it 

That in a foreign grave you should lie.  

I have nothing but your memory,  

And all your quaint old ways,  

Which will live with me for ever  

Till God shall end my days. 

- Sadly missed by his loving mother, 52 China Street.  

WILLIAMS - In loving memory of my dear brother, Edward (Ted) Williams, 89th M.G.C. (late 19th Pals), died of wounds, Sept. 20, 1917.  

On the river’s silvery brink  

Christ shall clasp each broken link.  

- Ever remembered by his brother Bill, sister-in-law Jin, and all at 64 China Street.  

WILLIAMS - In loving memory of my dear brother, Pte Edward Williams, M.G.C., died of wounds in France, Sept. 20, 1917. 

Deep in my heart, firm and fast,  

Live golden memories of the past.  

- Sadly missed by Nell.  

WILLIAMS - In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte Edward Williams, M.G.C., who died of wounds in France, Sept. 20, 1917.  

A loving brother, true and kind,  

A beautiful memory left behind.  

Always remembered by his loving brother Owen, and sister-in-law Liz, and children, 23 Upper High Street.  

WILLIAMS - In loving memory of Private E. Williams, who died from wounds in France, Sept. 20, 1917.  

- Ever remembered by his brother Jack, little nephew John Eddie, and Mrs Frodsham and family, all at 109 Gordon Street.  

Silently the shades of evening  

Gather round our lonely door, 

Silently they bring before us  

Faces we shall see no more.  

Though not lost, but gone before us,  

They shall never be forgot,  

Sweet their memory to the lonely,  

In our hearts they perish not.  

WILLIAMS - In sad but loving memory of our dear brother, Edward Williams, 89th M.G.C. late 19th Pals, died of wounds, Sept. 20, 1917.  

Dearer to memory than words can tell  

Are the thoughts of him we all loved so well. 

- Sadly missed by his sister Gert, brother-in-law Bob and children, 52 China Street.  

WILLIAMS - In loving memory of our dear nephew, Edward Williams, died of wounds, Sept. 20, 1917.  

Deep in our hearts, firm and fast,  

Live happy memories of the past.  

- Fondly remembered by Aunt Alice, Uncle Phil, and all at 62 China Street.  

WILLIAMS - In loving memory of Private Edward Williams, died of wounds, Sept. 20, 1917.  

(Never forgotten by his pal, Jim Boardman in Italy. He gave his life for Britain and the honour of his race. Though death divides, fond memories cling.)  

Edward is commemorated on the following memorials - 

Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 31

J. Bibby & Sons

His mother Ann Kenworthy died, aged 72, on the 19th October 1924 and was buried on the 23rd October at Kirkdale Cemetery.  

She was remembered in the Liverpool Evening Express on 19th October 1926: 

WILLIAMS - In loving remembrance of my dear mother who passed away Oct 19, 1924.  

Sunshine fades, shadows fall, 

But a mother’s love outlives all.  

(Sadly missed her daughter Gert, Bob, and grandchildren, 52 China-street, Everton.)  

WILLIAMS - In sad and loving memory of my dear mother ANN, who fell asleep Oct 19, 1924. Also EDITH CAVELL, grand-daughter of the above,  died Oct 22, 1917. (Always in our thoughts.) (From son Owen, Liz and grandchildren, 37 Hurst-street, Old Swan.) 

His brother Owen has service papers, he served as Cpl 031372 Royal Army Ordinance Corps in France.  

Brother John (Jack) served in the same company.  

Brother William (Bill) has service papers, he enlisted as 21922 Lancs Fusiliers and served in France, transferring to the 21st Labour Corps as A/Cpl 113570.  

We currently have no further information on Edward Williams, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.