Williams, Ceril Norman (Bill)
He was born on the 24th of Tammuz (1917) in the city of Kupam, Kent County, England. He came to Palestine in 1938 and served in the British police. After he converted to Judaism and married a daughter of Israel, he enlisted in the British army. He was assigned to the artillery unit of the anti-aircraft artillery unit and his unit served around the Dead Sea, Egypt and Cyprus. When the Jewish Brigade was formed, Lieutenant Williams made great efforts to join her and eventually succeeded. He also headed the anti-aircraft artillery unit. Bill was loved by all his friends and acquaintances, and his commanders and subordinates greatly admired him. He became attached to his wife’s family and tried to celebrate with her on Friday nights and holidays. He quickly acclimatized among the soldiers of the Land of Israel and showed understanding for their requests. Bill was a member of the Cultural Committee of the Brigade and took part in discussions on culture and education with military officers and rabbis. In addition, he served as a culture and welfare officer in his unit, and worked extensively for the welfare of his soldiers. On 27 Tevet, December 7, 1944, while on his way to visit his sister-in-law, an officer in the ATS, who was hospitalized in the city of Bari, Italy, Lieutenant Bill was killed in an accident when the vehicle was in an accident. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in the city of Bari, Italy. He left a wife in Israel and a family in England. His memory was immortalized in the book “The Jewish Brigade.” Location Grave VII.A.2 Unit Royal Artillery Rank Lieutenant Age 33.
