In the 1904-5 season he scored 35 tries for Cardiff. When playing for Cardiff v the 1906
Springboks, he became the only player on the tour to beat Springbok Fullback, Arthur Marsberg’s
tackle. Marsberg was so impressed with Williams’ swerve that he shook the Welshman’s hand after
he had scored. He was the top try scorer of the 1908 Anglo-Welsh team in New Zealand. He played
in 14 consecutive Welsh victories 1907-11. John Lewis Williams captained Wales v France in
1911, amongst other reasons, because he could speak French. He scored 150 tries for Cardiff during
the period 1903-1914. Williams was considered one of the best wings of all of the Home Nations.
He was noted for his turn of speed, clever dodging and determined running for the line. John Lewis
Wlliams was part of three Triple Crown winning sides, lost only two matches and scored 17 tries in
his 17 games.
He was a coal exporter at the Coal Exchange Cardiff and he is remembered on their Memorial to
the dead of World War I. He was a partner with Greenslade & Williams, major coal exporters in
Cardiff.
John was married to Mabel Williams (nee Morgan) of Caercady, 12 Archer Road, Penarth, in
January 1915. Mabel lived with her widowed mother, Mary, her brother, a solictor’s articled clerk,
and sister Gladys M. All the children were born in Treorchy.
He enlisted with the Royal Fusiliers on 24th September 1914, and was then commissioned, 2nd
Lieut.,16th Battalion, The Welsh Regiment, (The Cardiff City Battalion), 115th Brigade 28th
Division. The Battalion wore a special “Arms of Cardiff” collar badge. He was promoted to
Lieutenant of “C” Company, in February 1915, and Captain the following month. His Regiment,
part of the 38th (Welsh) Infantry Division, was deployed to the Western Front in December 1915,
and took part in the Battle of the Somme which began on 1st July 1916. The 38th division was
brought into action when it relieved the 7th Division on 5th July to the south of Mametz Wood. On
7th July the 38th attacked German positions in Mametz Wood. Williams was wounded whilst
leading his men in the attack. He was evacuated, but eventually died of his wounds, on 12th July
1916 at No.5. Casualty Clearing Station.