Digger David Rees Williams remembered for Boer War and WWI service

WHEN the Last Post is sounded this Anzac Day, Graham Davis will be thinking of a man who went on after the fighting had ended to build a lasting legacy.

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WHEN the Last Post is sounded at dawn this Anzac Day, Scarborough’s Graham Davis will be thinking of his grandfather, who served in the Boer War and WWI.

Sapper Albert David Rees Williams enlisted for the AIF on December 13, 1916, at the age of 33 years, to serve his country in WWI.

Sapper Williams was older than most but was a well-trained soldier who was one of 21,000 men and women who had already served in the Boer War.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served our country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

His enlistment in 1916 resulted in a posting to France where he fought in the trenches of the Somme and Passchendaele. It was there he was promoted to sergeant.

WWI ended in 1918 but Albert’s services were still needed. The French asked him to use his experience as a railwayman back in Australia to help them fix their war damaged rail system.

He was discharged in December 1919 and resumed his career in the railways when he returned to Australia. He married, and had three children.

Every Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, Mr Davis places a floral tribute to his grandfather .

“One of my regrets is not sitting down with him and asking about his service,” he said.

THIS story is part of Quest Community Newspaper’s 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile Queensland WWI heroes and families as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during WWI, let us know on our Facebook page or email [e-mail]