Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates AM and principal contractor Costain, who are delivering the A465 ‘Section 2’ dualling scheme which stretches for 8km from Brynmawr in the west to Gilwern in the east, want to honour John Henry Williams who lived in the community in which Costain has worked for the last three years.
Decorated four times for his bravery during the conflict that was to become known as The Great War, local man, John – who was better known as Jack - was born in Nantyglo in September 1886.
A Welsh colliery blacksmith, he enlisted in the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers (part of the 38th (Welsh) Division) in November 1914 and was promoted to company sergeant major on 2 October 1917. In October 1918, he single-handedly saved his company and an entire village from almost certain destruction. For this selfless act of bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Previously he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, French Médaille Militaire and the Military Medal and Bar.
His citation for the Victoria Cross describes his heroic deeds: For most conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty on the night of 7th – 8th October 1918, during the attack on Villers Outreaux, when, observing that his company was suffering heavy casualties from an enemy machine gun, he ordered a Lewis Gun to engage it, and went forward, under heavy fire, to the flank of the enemy post which he rushed single handed, capturing fifteen of the enemy.
These prisoners, realising that Williams was alone, turned on him and one of them gripped his rifle. He succeeded in breaking away and bayonetting five enemy, whereupon the remainder again surrendered. By this gallant action and total disregard of personal danger, he was the means of enabling not only his own company but also those on the flanks to advance.
The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. That, along with the other honours he received, makes Jack Williams the most decorated Welsh non-commissioned officer of all time.
Dominating the most westerly part of Clydach Gorge, the largest of the structures on the A465 ‘Section 2’ project is a 118-metre span, thrust arch bridge, crossing from north to south, with the A465 split-level carriageway below. The new bridge also crosses the Gorge, which is considered one of south Wales' most important environmental and ecologically sensitive areas.
Costain’s Bruce Richards said: “Both we and the Welsh Government know a bridge of this stature deserves a name symbolising the heritage and culture of the area in which it sits. We have spoken to the many visitors who have come to the centre to watch the progress of the construction of this bridge about the idea to honour Jack, and there was strong support.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates AM said: “Jack Williams was a true hero and naming such an iconic bridge built in the area he lived after him is a fitting tribute to a man whose name should never be forgotten. This connection with Jack will create a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy. That we can do it in the centenary year of the end of World War One, marking almost exactly 100 years since Jack acted so bravely, is very moving.”
However the final decision on the official name of the new bridge is yet to be made. Welsh Government and Costain want local residents to have their say – either in support of Jack Williams, or an alternative.
Give your views here - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/26KTKSQ