The Royal Welch Fusiliers Enquiry Team are trying to help an ex-military officer to arrange a reunion with two former military comrades he met during national service.
Michael Charles Williams is a retired 2nd Lieutenant with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers who served in Malaya during National Service in 1956-1958 when he was 22 years old.
He now lives in Colwyn Bay and is searching for both a close friend who was a fellow 2nd Lieutenant; and his former ‘Batman’ – or military assistant.
Michael, 90, would like to invite them for lunch at his golf club to remember old times and find out how their lives continued after military discharge.
What we know so far
Volunteers at the Royal Welch Fusiliers Enquiry Team, based at Wrexham Museum and Archives, have unearthed some information but need help to fill in the gaps. The information they know so far is:
Michael met 2nd Lieutenant Hugh Vaughan Williams, who was possibly the son of the Station Master from Bridgend, during their service in Malaya and they became great pals. Hugh was 18 years old and treated Michael as a mentor through some difficult times during the ensuing conflict.
Hugh continued his education after National Service and attended Cambridge University where he studied law. He was a twin and his brother attended a university in Sussex.
We think Hugh was quite well known as he wrote a film script for BBC Television entitled “The Terrorist” about his recollections of jungle warfare in Malaya. He also became a Circuit Judge in 1983 and worked in Chester and North Wales, but may have gone back to his roots in South Wales later in life.
Michael’s Batman, Fusilier P Jones, we believe came from Colwyn Bay. His initial was ‘P’ and his first name may have been Paul. His father was in the removals business in the surrounding area, and may have owned Harold Jones Removals.
The company is still trading but is no longer owned by the Jones family, the present owners bought it from John Grundy of Prestatyn who was married to Harold Jones’ daughter Hilda.
Any information would be greatly appreciated – please contact museums@wrexham.gov.uk / 01978 297480
The Royal Welch Fusiliers Enquiry Team
The RWF Museum Reserve Collection and RWF Research Library are held at Wrexham Museum and Archives. For more information contact 01978 297480 or email: localstudies@wrexham.gov.uk
Main image: 2nd Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Malaya, 1956.
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