Robert and Ann Williams lived in Llanberis, Caernarfonshire. They had three children, two boys and a girl; because of the war the boys were sent to family members, one to Liverpool and the other to Scotland. The daughter, Mary, (my grandmother), stayed with her mother in Llanberis. Mary was 5 years old when her father was killed.
Robert was shot dead whilst walking to breakfast one morning. I remember seeing the letters and more information about the event from my grandmother, but unfortunately upon her death, the paperwork went to her son. I don’t know where Robert’s medals went but the brass plaque also went to my uncle.
I have some of the paperwork from then and I am keeping them safe. I have photographed them for you and have also typed all the details below.
I also had one photo of Robert, Ann and Mary, but it is undated, although my grandmother says she was around 2-3 years old so would have been taken in 1916/17
Letter sent from Pte Robert Williams No 345654 13th platoon.24th Batt RWF.
E.E.F Egypt
To his wife Ann Williams, Cil Melyn, Warden Street, Llanberis, Caernarfonshire
Undated. Written in pencil and very difficult to read, paper ripped in some areas. Typed by me as written (except where ‘and’ is written as ‘ant’)
‘Dear Ann and little Mary, I have the most pleasure of answering your kind letter which I received quite safe to hand on the 5th day of May and I was very glad of a letter from you and Mary I hope that I shall find you all in the best of health as I am at present I am going back to the lines on the 15th of May. Dear Ann little Mary must sent me little bit of cake the next time ??? she will sent a letter that only thing you will sent me not much ????? for us all the ????? is having cake from home and you and Mary sent me some iff you like. Dear Ann. Don’t (?) no have you all the letter I sent you, iff will sent some writing papper for me I shall sent a letter for you and little, every week will you let me no were is Kate your sister now and I will sent her a letter I have sent one to Dolgelley the same day as you. Hope that my mother will have it safe for her no were I am at present no more is time
from Dad to little Mary xxxxxxxx
Dear Ann xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Letter written to the Record Office on behalf of Mrs Ann Williams, wife of Pte Robert Williams. Dated 19th March 1919
‘ Dear Sir
Excuse me for taking the liberty of writing you these few lines, but I am doing it for the above address, Mrs A Williams wife of the late 345656 Pte Robert Williams of the 24th Batt’n R W Fus.
I saw Pte Williams the day he was killed, and he is buried a the Military Cemetery Dier-el-Belah, Palestine. No of the grave is 281 according to the official report ahe had.
She is very anxious to know is it possible for her to get a photo of his grave, if only for the sake of the little children.
I trust that you will see into the matter if its possible, and she will be very pleased and thankful to you if she can get a photograph of his grave.
I am,
Yours Faithfully
Pierce Ll. Thomas’
Army Form B. 104-121
No. Cas/345654(If replying please quote above No.)
STAMP: INFANTRY RECORD DATED 2 DEC 1920
Madam,
In continuation of the notification sent to you regarding the death of the late (No.) 345654 ( Rank) Private. Name Robert Wlliams. Regiment Royal Welch Fusiliers
I beg to inform you that an official report has now been received that the late soldier is buried at Deir El Belah Military cemetery 8 miles SSW of Gaza
Yours Faithfully
‘Signature’
Officer in Charge of records
Letter from ‘Record Office’ Shrewsbury. Dated 2-6-1922
To Mrs A. Williams
Madam,
I am directed to transmit to you the accompanying British War & Victory Medals which would have been conferred upon
No 345654 Pte. R. Williams, Royal Welch Fusiliers
Had he lived, in memory of his services with the British Forces during the Great War.
In forwarding the Decoration I am commanded by the King to assure you of His Majesty’s high appreciation of the services rendered.
I am to request that you will be so good as to acknowledge the receipt of the decoration on the attached form.
I am, Madam,
Your obedient Servant
‘Signature’
ifc Records
From ‘Imperial War Graves Commission’. Dated 5th June 1924
To A. Williams Esq, Llanberis
Dear Sir(Madam)
I am directed by the Imperial War Graves Commission to ask you to be so good as to forward to the FINANCE DEPARTMENT, IMPERIAL WAR GRAVES COMMISSION, 82 BAKER STREET, LONDON, W1 the sum of 7/10 in payment of the following personal inscription:
‘Yr Hyn a allodd hwn, Efe a’i gwnaeth’
consisting of 27 letters at 3½d per letter, which will be engraved at your request on the headstone of Pte. R Williams. Regiment R Welch Fus in Cemetery Deir El Belha Military.
Cheques, Postal and Money Orders should be crossed and made payable to the Imperial War Graves Commission,
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant
FABIAN WARE
MAJOR-GENERAL,VICE CHAIRMAN
You are particularly requested to return this Form with remittnace, on receipt of which a formal acknowledgment will be sent to you.
Letter from ‘Imperial War Graves Commission’. Dated 5th July 1924
‘Sir,
I am directed by the Imperial war Graves Commission to refer to my communication of the 5th Ultimo requesting payment of the sum of 7/10d, for the cost of personal inscription engraved on the headstone of Pte. R Williams, R. Welch Fus, buried in Deir El Belha Military Cemetery and to request you to be good enough to forward this amount at your earliest convenience, to the FINANCE DEPARTMENT, IMPERIAL WAR GRAVES COMMISSION, 82 BAKER STREET, LONDON, W1
In the event of the original application not having reached you a duplicate giving details of the inscription can be forwarded if desired.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant
‘SIGNATURE’
For MAJOR-GENERAL
VICE CHAIRMAN