WILLIAMS William Ernest

William Williams attended Worcester Royal Grammar School from 1903 to 1906.  In August 1940 his motorship, Upwey Grange, was approximately 200 miles West of Achill Head, County Mayo enroute from Buenos Aires to London when she came under attack from the German submarine U37.  At around 09.50 two torpedoes struck the ship in quick succession.  The resulting explosions caused the vessel to settle by the stern and list to port so orders were given to abandon ship.  It was with some difficulty that the lifeboats got away, watched by the crew of the now surfaced submarine with one member taking photographs.  Bad weather and rough seas led to the boats becoming separated and the captain’s boat was never seen again.  The boat under the charge of the first officer, Mr Ellis, was afloat for 3 days before being eventually picked up by the trawler ‘Naniwa’.  Captain Williams, 33 crew and 3 passengers lost their lives.

Source for additional information: In Dedication to a Future World By Mark Rogers, 1999.

William Williams has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Tower Hill Memorial.