Independent & Free Press (Georgetown, ON), 11 Apr 2007, p. 7

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`Doc's' descendants visit Vimy to honour decorated war hero Before the war was over, Williams would be promoted to the rank of Captain. He returned to his medical studies, later setting up a longtime medical practice in Georgetown. He died in 1985. His Vimy experiences would be life-changing. Famous Canadian author Pierre Berton interviewed Williams for his book entitled Vimy, and his many letters are quoted in the book 23 times. Unfortunately, he never lived long enough to see the book in print. With the ceremonies at Vimy Ridge Monday, Dave and Gerald agreed they have a new appreciation of their father/grandfather's struggle on the Ridge during that pivotal battle. The infantry then attacked, while "It's overwhelming to see all the Williams and his men covered them goings-on here," said Dave, "The with supporting machine gun fire. shell-holes, the trenches and the Whether they were successful, he monument-- my dad was here, never knew-- but he would be recand right now I'm standing on land ognized for his bravery, commandthat he walked on. I'm overing his men in the midst of extreme whelmed by it all." danger. Gerald agreed, saying, "I'm very Later he would receive a telegraph excited to be here-- it's almost surfrom Buckingham Palace, October 11, 1917 stating: "Your attendance is Longtime Georgetown real-- he was here and walked on required at Buckingham Palace on doctor Claude Williams this land, fought for this land. Friday the nineteenth inst. at ten celebrates his 50th Today, I'm so glad I came on this o'clock a.m. service dress regret that wedding anniversary trip, and today, I'm so very proud no one except those to be invested with his wife Audrey. of my grandfather." Both Williams took part in a can be admitted to the Palace please Williams received the telegraph acknowledgement. Lord Military Cross from King wreath-laying ceremony following the official ceremony attended by Chamberlain, London" George in 1917 for his Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Williams received his Military heroics at Vimy Ridge. Harper, French Prime Minister Cross that day--pinned on his uniDominique de Villepin and Queen form by King George-- and a royal handshake as well. Williams later admitted to his Elizabeth. The wreaths were placed in memory of Captain mother in a letter that he was nervous, and was glad his name ended in `W' as he was at the bot- Claude Williams, as well as in honour of Branch 120 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Georgetown. tom of the list. Continued from pg. 1 spotted us and peppered around the window sending pieces of brick flying around us. We took down the gun and placed it in another opening in the wall. This apparently was not quite so visible to the enemy. We all cowered behind the wall. The gunner was told to keep under cover until the attack started. When it did start he put the gun in action, and he was again spotted, and pieces of brick flew all around him. It was almost suicidal, but we had no choice. I later recommended him for a Military Medal, which he received. I was awarded the Military Cross..."

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