Three: Lieutenant N. Williams, 8th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, who was killed in action on the first day of the German Spring Offensive on 21 March 1918

1914-15 Star (13945 Cpl. N. Williams, R. Lanc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. N. Williams.) very fine (3) £180-£220

Norman Williams served in the ranks of the Royal Lancaster Regiment in France from 17 July 1915, and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant on 4 August 1916. As a Lieutenant in the 8th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, he was killed in action on the first day of the German Spring Offensive, 21 March 1918, as recorded in the regimental history:

‘Then the Germans began working round both flanks and shortly opened fire with a machine gun from in rear of the trench. From this, and snipers on all sides, heavy losses were incurred. One sniper, in a shell-hole fifty yards in front, was particularly active and deadly. This man was located by Lt. N. Williams who, accompanied by his servant, Pte. J. E. Peters, rushed him with the bayonet, and took him prisoner. As he was returning to the trench, Williams was killed. His gallantry probably saved many lives.’