Post by Administrator on Oct 5, 2021 2:18:01 GMT
VIA:The History of Wales
Born on this day 1890 in Amlwch on Anglesey, William Williams, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his role in the sinking of a German submarine on 7th June 1917.
The award was given to the crew of the HMS Pargust as a whole, the first time a ship's company had been honoured for act of collective gallantry and the citation on Williams's award read;
'selected by the ship's company under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant'. In the case of a gallant and daring act in which all men are deemed equally brave and deserving of the Victoria Cross a secret ballot is drawn. In this case, the crew of HMS Pargust selected William Williams to be the recipient of the award, by secret ballot.
During World War I, the German Navy attempted to blockade Great Britain, using its submarines (U-boats) to cut off food and vital supplies. In response the British used Q-ships, which were armed ships disguised as merchant ships, to encourage enemy attacks and then use their hidden guns against the submarine.
The H.M.S. Pargust was one such Q-ship and when the crew were seen to abandon their vessel a German submarine prepared to attack. However unknown to them, a small number of men were hidden on board and Seaman Williams managed to hold the starboard gun port in place for over 30 minutes even though it had been released from its securing weights. This action allowed the gun to be successfully used against the submarine when it emerged.
Born on this day 1890 in Amlwch on Anglesey, William Williams, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his role in the sinking of a German submarine on 7th June 1917.
The award was given to the crew of the HMS Pargust as a whole, the first time a ship's company had been honoured for act of collective gallantry and the citation on Williams's award read;
'selected by the ship's company under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant'. In the case of a gallant and daring act in which all men are deemed equally brave and deserving of the Victoria Cross a secret ballot is drawn. In this case, the crew of HMS Pargust selected William Williams to be the recipient of the award, by secret ballot.
During World War I, the German Navy attempted to blockade Great Britain, using its submarines (U-boats) to cut off food and vital supplies. In response the British used Q-ships, which were armed ships disguised as merchant ships, to encourage enemy attacks and then use their hidden guns against the submarine.
The H.M.S. Pargust was one such Q-ship and when the crew were seen to abandon their vessel a German submarine prepared to attack. However unknown to them, a small number of men were hidden on board and Seaman Williams managed to hold the starboard gun port in place for over 30 minutes even though it had been released from its securing weights. This action allowed the gun to be successfully used against the submarine when it emerged.