John's Story.
Northwich Guardian 9th February 1917. PRIVATE J. WILLIAMS
News has been received at Northwich of the death from pneumonia of Private John Williams of the Cheshire Regiment. He had seen 18 months service with the colours. (J. Williams is such a well used combination of initials and surname. It require this simple two line article with the date that confirmed which J. Williams to look for.)
The only death as detailed by the C.W.G.C. that falls in the early part of 1917, 1st January to 9th February, of a J. Williams with a Cheshire Regiment is a J. Williams of the 10th Bn., Cheshire Regiment No 13167, who died on the 2nd February 1917 and is remembered at Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France. (l.C.22.) No family details recorded.
The Cheshire Regiment Book; “Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914-19” records the following lad with the 10th Bn., John Williams, b. (born) Witton Ches. e. (enlisted) Northwich, Ches. 13167, Pte. d. (died) F & F 2/2/17.
N.A.M.C. have a medal card for John Williams with the Cheshire Reg’t., Pte., No 13167. Awarded the 15 Star, British and Victory Medals. T.o.W. (1) France D.o.E. 26-9-15. Written on the card is Died 2/2/17.
There are some Service records available for J. Williams, No 13167, including his Attestation Sheet which records John living at 80 Warrington Rd., aged 29yrs 10mths, Chemical Labourer and the form is dated 31st Aug, 1914. The second sheet, includes an address of his family, a brother F. Williams, living off Witton Street and a sister Mrs. Langston of 80 Warrington Road, Northwich. It is reference to Mrs Langston that we find John Williams on the 1911 census. Head of the family is William Langston with his wife Ellen Langston with a daughter and son. John is a boarder, aged 25 single and a Chemical Worker, born Northwich. The family are living at 72 Warrington Road Northwich.
B.M. & Co. record a John Williams at the Winnington Works, Pte. 10th Cheshires who had died
Research Bob H.