An article appeared in Cymru on 14th July 1916;
“SCROLL OF FAME - FAMOUS WELSH FOOTBALLER
Official news has been received of the death from wounds in France of Captain J.L. Williams.
Welsh Regiment, the famous Cardiff and Welsh wing three-quarters.
From a field card written by him to his wife, it was first concluded that he was not badly wounded,
but on Thursday morning Mrs Williams received a letter stating that he had been hit by shrapnel
and that his left leg had been amputated. He added, however, that he was in good spirits and
progressing favourably. Captain Williams was a member of Messrs Greenslade & Williams, coal
exporters, Cardiff Docks.
Mr Williams was a son of Mr Edwards’ of Llwyncelyn near Whitchurch. He was held in esteem in
Cardiff Docks circles, as a businessman likely to develop into a highly successful merchant. He was
a great footballer, always a trier, and a universal favourite with the crowd.He joined the Cardiff
Club after playing for Whitchurch, and in his first season, when he did not play throughout ,he
scored ten tries. That was in 1903. He developed speed and swerve by assiduous practice, and in
1909-10 “Johnny” as he always was to the rugby enthusiast, captained the club.
His international appearances were frequent and he was generally sure of selection when he was
sound, but he was the victim of several accidents. He was capped against South Africa in 1906,
played against England, Ireland and Scotland in 1907 and 1908, against Australia in 1908, against
England, Ireland,Scotland and France in 1909, against Ireland in 1910, and against England,
Ireland, Scotland and France in 1911. Then he retired. He was a member of the British team that
visited New Zealand and Australia.
Captain Williams was married in January 1915, to the oldest daughter of Mrs Morgan, Archer
Road, Penarth”