No.7583  Private James Williams
James Williams enlisted in the AIF on 15 June 1917 in Melbourne. He declared that he had previously served eight years with the Worcester Regiment.

Along with his unit, Private Williams embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 4 August 1917.

After a short period in England for initial training, James Williams went to France as a member of the 6th Battalion.  While there he suffered from arthritis in the knee and was, in May 1918, admitted to hospital in England for treatment – firstly, the VAD hospital in Ashford and then the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital in Dartford.

After a period of furlough, James spent a month with the Overseas Training Brigade in England (from 23 August 1918) before proceeding to France (22 September) where he spent time at the Australian Infantry Base Depot (AIBD) in Havre.  On 1 October 1918, he rejoined the 6th battalion in the field.

In January and February 1919, James spent time in hospital receiving treatment for severe gastritis. After leaving hospital, he was granted a period of leave before proceeding to England and returning to Australia.

Private James Williams left England for Australia on 13 July 1919 aboard HT Persic.  He arrived in Melbourne on 29 August 1919 and was discharged from the AIF on 28 September 1919.

Medals and Entitlements:

• British War Medal
• Victory Medal

A.I.F. Project
www.aif.adfa.edu.au

Australian War Memorial
awm.gov.au