Michael George Thomas Williams

A Sergeant with 2nd Bn. Michael died on 14th of September 1914 at the age of 32. 

Michael was born at Islington, London, a son of Mabel Emma Williams. By 1901 his mother and sister were living at No. 6 Row 99 Kings Street, Great Yarmouth, later they lived at Rose Cottage, Milton Road, Lowestoft, 48 Lorne Park Road, and then 80 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft.

Michael worked as a labourer. He served with the 7th (Militia) Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps before joining the regular battalions of the Regiment, at Great Yarmouth, on 28 November 1900. 

Michael was posted to the 4th Battalion on 22 February 1901. He saw active service in South Africa from 11 December 1901 and was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion on 31 January 1904.

Michael was promoted to Corporal on 27 February 1908 and Unpaid Lance Sergeant on 1 October 1911. In 1912 he re-engaged to serve 21 years with the Colours. He was promoted Sergeant on 12 March 1913. He arrived in France, with the 2nd Battalion, on 13 August 1914.  

Until 14 September 1914 the 2nd Battalion were only involved in very minor skirmishes as part of the Retreat from Mons. On 14 September they were ordered to the plateau at Troyon and held positions opposite twelve German fields guns that fired on them at a range of 600 yards. In the engagement the Battalion lost 15 officers and 306 men killed, wounded or missing. 

Michael was reported missing between 14 and 17 September 1914. By March 1916 it was determined that he had been killed in action on 14 September 1914.