Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Battle of Havrincourt’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Lance-Corporal L. Williams, 2/4th Battalion, West Riding Regiment, late Yorkshire Regiment, who went single-handedly down an enemy trench with his Lewis gun, killing 2 and forcing the rest to surrender. He was twice wounded during the Great War

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (34588 Pte L. Williams. 2/4 W. Rid: R.); British War and Victory Medals (42501 Pte L. Williams. York. R.) with West Riding Regiment cap badge, toned, nearly extremely fine (3) £800-£1,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 16 January 1919:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in operations near Havrincourt between 12th and 15th September, 1918. This man, who was the only Lewis gunner left of his team, went forward with his gun down a trench and fired on a party of the enemy who were attacking another part of our line. He killed two and the remainder surrendered.’

Layland Williams was a native of Paignton, Devon, and was employed as a gardener at Barcombe Hall, Paignton prior to the Great War. He attested for the Royal Artillery at Exeter in September 1916, and transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment in January 1917. Williams was posted to the 9th Battalion later the same month, and served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war from 10 January 1917. He transferred to the 3rd Battalion in April 1918, and was wounded in action the following month.

Williams transferred to the 2/4th Battalion, West Riding Regiment in July 1918. He advanced to Lance-Corporal and suffered a gunshot wound to the forehead, 4 November 1918.