The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (4617) Private George Albert Williams, 32nd Battalion, First World War.

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Craig Berelle, the story for this day was on (4617) Private George Albert Williams, 32nd Battalion, First World War.

4617 Private George Albert Williams, 32nd Battalion
DOW 21 November 1917

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private George Albert Williams.

George Williams was born on 18 March 1891 at Iron Mine, near Burra in South Australia’s mid-north. His parents, Daniel and Emily, were well known in the area, where his father worked as a contractor, farmer, and a member of the local district council. George was educated at Leighton public school, and went on to work the family farm with his father. He was an active member of the local church and Christian Endeavour society, and it was reported that “his help was sought and willingly given to all religious and patriotic functions”. He was a good sportsman, and played football for the Aberdeen football club, and tennis for the Iron Mine club, as well as being a member of the Leighton rifle club.

George enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in August 1916. After suffering from a bout of rheumatism he was forced to defer his service, reenlisting the following October. He underwent a period of training in Adelaide in preparation for overseas service. During this time he married Beatrice Potts in Norwood. Just under six weeks after their wedding, he left Adelaide on board the troopship Berrima with reinforcements to the 32nd Battalion.

Private Williams continued his training in England, and finally joined his battalion on the battlefields of France on 1 August 1917. Nearly two months later the Australians attacked German positions at Polygon Wood in Belgium. Initially a reserve battalion, the day after the attack began, the 32nd Battalion moved into the front lines and over the following days protected their position from several enemy counter attacks under heavy fire.

On 30 September 1917, Private Williams was struck in the head by a shell fragment, and was evacuated from the front line. His skull was fractured, and he was operated on three times to try to relieve pressure on his brain. However, several shell fragments had penetrated too deeply and could not be removed. Three weeks after being wounded, George Williams died of a cerebral abscess in hospital in Etaples, and was buried nearby.

George Williams was deeply mourned in the Burra district, the local newspaper noting that “he gave up a bright and properous future for his King and country and for the cause of righteousness, and for those he loved.” George Williams was 26 years old.

His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

This is but one of the many stories of service and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Private George Albert Williams, who gave his life for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.

Meleah Hampton
Historian, Military History Section