Joseph Thomas was born in Connah’s Quay and was the son of Annie and Captain William Williams. He appeared on the 1901 census living with his family at Golftyn Cottage. Recorded on the census form were Ann Pierce 92 a widow and farmer. Her married daughter Ann Williams, 42, was there with her children Lily 17, Hannah 15 and Joseph 10.
The 1911 census sees Ann still living at Golftyn Cottage. Her family then comprised daughter Annie 25 (Hannah?), son J.T. age 21 single and a Butcher. Eva Williams age 4 was a Granddaughter. Ann described herself as married but did not state how many years she had been married. The form is unclear about whether all the children born to her had survived.
William Williams, Ann’s husband and father to Joseph Thomas is not listed on either of the census forms. (Joseph Thomas’s Obit. in the County Herald – see below, tells us that William Williams was a Captain, therefore probably a Mariner) It is he, however that signed Joseph’s Flintshire Roll of Honour index card in 1919. This card confirms the regimental details and tells us additionally that Joseph had enlisted in 1915 and had served 2 years and 6 months.
COUNTY HERALD 26th April 1918
Roll of Honour – Williams – April 9th, killed in action, Pte. Thomas Williams, the dearly beloved and only son of Capt. and Annie Williams of Golftyn Cottages, Connah’s Quay, near Chester, aged 28 years. Sadly missed. –
“Not now but in the coming years,
It may be in the better land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And then some time we’ll understand.”
UK Soldiers who Died in The Great War confirms the regimental details above and adds that Joseph enlisted in Connah’s Quay. It is this source that tells us he was ‘Killed in Action’.
Joseph Thomas Williams in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that the sole Legatee was his father William who was paid £11. 2s 5d on the 31st July 1918 and his War Gratuity of £9. 10s 0d on the 26th November 919. Joseph’s name is written in this as James Thomas Williams, but every other detail is correct so it must have been a clerical error. (When searching Ancestry.co.uk for this entry, use James Thomas Williams)
Joseph Thomas’s medal card also accessible on ancestry, records his medal details, but not the theatre of war nor date he entered in it.
Joseph Thomas was named on the Memorial Plaque in St.Mark’s Church, Connah’s Quay.
Any information would be gratefully received to help enlarge on this Soldier’s life.
