Frank John WILLIAMS

Regimental number55877
OccupationTelegraphist
Next of kinFather, L J Williams, Lake Road, Hawera
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 31st Reinforcements, Specialist Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington
It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which of two ships members of the Specialist Company in the 31st Reinforcements embarked: HMNZT HMNZT No 97 'Tahiti', embarked Wellington, 16 November 1917, or HMNZT No 95 'Willochara', embarked Wellington, 22 November 1917.
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the field at Briastre on 12th October 1918. This soldier, whilst acting as signaller, during the morning of 12th October, from 5am to 1pm during heavy and continuous shell fire, when the lines were frequently being broken, repeatedly went out and repaired them. During the latter stages of the bombardment telephone cable could not be obtained from the rear Battalion H.Q., and this man immediately went round the village salvaging the necessary cable for repair work, thus maintaining communication with Battalion H.Q. His magnificent coolness in face of great danger was an inspiration to his comrades and of immense assistance to his Company.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 14 May 1919

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 3: Roll 75, p. 19