Major George Albanus Williams, 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regt., was killed in action at Tweefontein, in De Wet's attack on Christmas morning, 1901. He was the third son of Gen. J. W. C. Williams, K.C.B., of Morelands, Purbrook, Hants, and was born in Sept., 1860. He entered the 80th Foot in Jan., 1879, was promoted lieut. Feb., 1881, capt. Aug., 1887, and major Nov., 1896. He was adjutant of his battalion from Aug., 1887 to April, 1891, and afterwards adjutant of a provisional battalion from May, 1891, to Nov., 1895. He served in South Africa in 1879, in the Zulu Campaign, and in the subsequent operations against Sekukuni, receiving the medal with clasp. He also took part in the Nile Expedition of 1884-85, and was present at the action of Kirbekan, and received the medal with clasp and the Khedive's star. He went on special service to Ashanti, with the Expedition under Sir Francis Scott, in 1895-96, being mentioned in despatches and receiving the star awarded. Major Williams was Aide-de-camp in India from Sept., 1897, to Dec., 1899, and was afterwards Aide-de-camp to the General Officer Commanding a Division in South Africa, from J an. 2nd, 1900. At the time of his death, he was; second in command of the 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regt. At Tweefontein the Boers attacked the British force by moonlight about two o'clock in the morning. The enemy crept up without their boots on, and in the confusion which ensued some of our men killed each other. Two Boers who put on our helmets were shot by their own men. Major Williams was killed while rallying those under his command. He is buried at Tweefontein, and his name is inscribed on an obelisk which has been erected there in memory of all who fell in this action.
Home 
Gallery 
Search 
Register 
Log in 
