“The King asks me to assure you of the true sympathy of His Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow —Kitchener.

Such was the kindly message accompanying the official intimation to his parents of the death of Sergt. W.B. Williams.

Of Margaret Street, Ammanford, who was the first to enlist at the Drill Hall in August, 1914, on the outbreak of the war, and who was killed in action on the 7 th August last, at some place not stated in the Dardanelles.

This gallant young man, who was at the time of enlistment just under 21 years of age, gained rapid promotion, being made lance-corporal within a few weeks.

He was in the 13 th Division of the 40 th Infantry Brigade, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and had been in the Dardanelles about eight weeks.

Prior to enlisting he had worked at Ammanford Colliery, and before that had served for a time in the Metropolitan Police Force.

The utmost sympathy is felt in the town and district with the parents, who have another son in the R.F.A., fighting in France. Another brother is employed at London House, Ammanford.

In a letter written by the deceased sergeant, dated July 12 th , he stated:

“I was in the firing line only a few yards from the enemy, but we have got used to them now. You have read about the fighting, which has been fierce, but the troops that were here before us have established such a foothold on the Peninsula that it is next to impossible for the Turks to drive us away.

There are no stores of any description here, so keep on sending me cigarettes. Don't send anything perishable. Those cigarettes you sent saved our lives; I was absolutely without a smoke of any sort. A box of cocoa would be nice. You want me to send you a list of what I want. I am afraid it would fill a book. Use your own judgment; something that will keep.

I had a letter from Dai (his brother) with the same mail as yours. I don't think it is very bad in France now. The worst of it here is the beastly flies. You would laugh if you saw me in short pants, no shave or wash. It is a luxury to get a nice wash, but still we are as happy as little sand-boys.

It is a treat to be in the British trenches and hear the shells rattling above you, bursting a few yards away right in the enemy's lines. On the other hand, they are rotten shots. You ought to see their shots at our aircraft, they are miles wide.

The Bible you spoke about I lent to another man, and he was left in Alexandria. I must tell you the truth, I have not got one now. Don't send me a big one, and by the way, send me the Amman Valley Chronicle .

All the Ammanford boys are quite safe so far as I know at present. I cautioned young Carruthers and Morris about writing home regularly.”

In a later letter, received from Sergt. Williams after news of his death had been received, he states that he had had a letter from his brother Dai, and continues:

“Father would enjoy being out here now, because he is delighted with the rifle. Well, he would have plenty of shell and rifle fire here. You can read more about the fighting here in the papers at home than what I am allowed to tell you.

Suffice for me to say that I am all right up to date. Tell the others I am O.K., and apologise on my behalf. I have no opportunity at present to write about 20 letters.

Cheer up dear mother, the war cannot last for ever, and I will be home so fresh as paint at the end of it. Look on the bright side, mother darling, and please remember me to all.

Cheero, Dad. What cheer, Blodwen and Trevor.”

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT EBENEZER CHAPEL.

Last Sunday evening there was a crowded congregation at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, as it had been announced that a memorial service was to be held to the late Sergeant Williams. The service was conducted by the pastor, the Rev., John Griffiths, B.A., B.D.

It was felt that the service was a great opportunity, and the pastor rose to the occasion in a manner that won general admiration. He based his address on the words in St John xv. 13. and Philippians iii. 10.

Mr. Griffiths showed that we had not yet realised the value of the services of men like the late Sergt. Williams. It is the readiness to offer their services that has saved our country form a similar fate to Belgium; they had been a shield to us.

Out of the 71 that had connections with Ebenezer, and who had joined the ranks, this was the first gap made by death. The pastor read some of the correspondence he had received from the sergeant.

This showed that he felt he was fighting for the sake of the women and children of the country, and for civilisation against barbarism. He often referred to the fact that he knew the friends at Ammanford were praying for the soldiers, and that he knew God would hear them.

The pastor them referred to Christ's sufferings, and to the fact that no proper insight into life was to be had without suffering. We enjoy our greatest blessing through the suffering of our forefathers, and if this war was a war that would end war, then Sergt. Williams would have given his all – his life – towards securing such a blessing.

After the address, the huge congregation stood whilst the organist, Mr. Thomas, played in a fine manner the “Dead March” from “Saul.”

The service was on that will be long remembered. Great sympathy is felt for the father and mother, and the other members of the family of the late sergeant.