If you can add any information about this soldier, please use the comment form at the bottom of this page.
If you would like to be informed of any additions or amendments to The Great War Project, please join our Facebook group.
The Great War Project navigation
Overview A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P R S T W
Hugh Williams
17507, Private, 15th Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment)
Killed in action, 28 April 1917, aged 25
No known grave (Arras Memorial, France)
CWGC registered (Son of Mary Williams, of 3, East Parade, Llandudno, and the late William Williams)
Born in Llandudno on 31 January 1892, Hugh Williams was the son of William and Mary Williams. William Williams was a joiner and the family lived at 1 Ocean View Terrace. The 1901 Census of Wales records a widowed Mary Williams and three children including Hugh (9) living at 3 East Parade. In 1902, Hugh moved from Lloyd Street School to Craig-y-Don School. In 1911, the family lived at the same address, Hugh being described as a draper’s apprentice.
In early October 1914, Hugh Williams joined the Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) in Manchester. His regimental number was 17507. This was not unusual as the Royal Scots recruited in the city and he was one of approximately 500 recruited from Manchester into the 15th (Service) Battalion (1st Edinburgh) (aka Manchester Scottish) which had formed at Edinburgh in September 1914. The battalion moved to Troon (March 1915), Ripon (June 1915) and Sutton Veny near Warminster (September 1915). The battalion landed at Le Havre on 8 January 1916.
Recorded as a signaller in B Company, Hugh Williams was reported missing in action on 28 April 1917 during the Battle of Arleux, a phase of the Second Battle of Arras. His father made a fruitless enquiry to the Red Cross as to whether Hugh had been taken prisoner. Hugh Williams was officially listed as killed in action on 28 April 1917 aged 25. His body was never knowingly recovered and he is remembered on the Arras Memorial.
Known memorials:
- Arras Memorial, France
- landudno Roll of Honour
- Llandudno War Memorial
- Memorial Chapel, Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno
- Bethania Chapel, Llandudno
Leave a Reply