| Williams | Weir de Lancey | | Captain | WILLIAMS, WEIR DE LANCEY, Captain, was born 2 March 1872, son of Sir W J Williams, KCB, of Pembroke, Wales. He was educated at the United Services College, Westward Ho! and entered the Hampshire Regiment, 17 June 1891, becoming Lieutenant 17 September 1892. He took part in the operations on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, with the Tirah Expeditionary Force, and was severely wounded (Medal and two clasps). He became Captain 17 April 1898, and was on Special Extra-Regimental Employment 23 June 1898 to 30 September 1899, and served in West Africa in 1898, in the operations in the Niger Territories, including the Illah (wounded) and Siama Expeditions. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 30 May 1899, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 30 June, 1899]: "Weir de Lancey Williams, Captain, Hampshire Regiment. In recognition of services during the recent operations in West Africa". The Insignia were presented to him by the Queen at Windsor 30 November 1899. Captain Williams served in the South African War in 1900, and was severely wounded. Operations in the Orange Free State, February to May, 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove and Karee Siding. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901], and received the Queen's Medal with two clasps. He was Station Staff Officer, 1st Class, India, 3 September 1903 to 31 May 1904; Brigade-Major, India, 1 June 1904 to 30 June, 1906; DAAG, India, 10 February 1908 to 15 February 1912. He was promoted to Major 3 January 1909, and was GS02, Welsh Division, Western Command, 29 September 1913 to 4 August 1914. He served in the European War, 1914-18, as GS01, 1/1st Welsh Division, Central Force, Home Defence, 5 August 1914 to 2 March 1915; as GS01, Headquarters, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 3 March 1915 to 25 April 1915; became Lieutenant Colonel, Hampshire Regiment, 28 August 1915; commanded the 88th Infantry Brigade, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 28 April 1915 to 26 May 1915; was given the Brevet of Colonel 3 June, 1915; commanded the 80th Infantry Brigade, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and British Armies in France, 21 December 1915 to 29 April, 1917; was Divisional Commander, 30th Division, British Armies in France, 30 April 1917 to 6 January 1919; was promoted to Major General 1 January 1919; was Inspector of Infantry 7 January 1919 to 20 January 1919; Temporary Commander, Southern District, Irish Command, 21 January 1919. For his services in the European War he was mentioned in Despatches; created a CMG in 1917; given the Brevet of Colonel, and promoted to Major General. General Williams married, in 1899, Nina Henrietta, daughter of Colonel Field, late 6th Foot, and they had one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Hampshire Regiment |
