Williams, Ronald Keith

Collection relating to 19971 Able Seaman (AB) Ronald Keith Williams, who died on 1 March 1942 from wounds received during action involving the sinking of HMAS Perth. Comprises two original letters, and accompanying envelope to one. Both letters were written to Mrs P.M Williams, the wife of AB Williams, after her husband's death. The first letter, dated 7 August 1943 was sent from the Department of Navy, confirming AB Williams' death. The second letter, dated 11 September 1946, was a condolence letter written by Chaplain JKW Mathieson who was with AB Williams when he died.

Transcript of letter sent by Department of Navy, to Mrs Williams, dated 7 August 1943:

Commonwealth of Australia [letterhead]

Department of the Navy
Navy Office, Melbourne, S.C 1.

7 Aug 1943

Dear Madam,

With reference to my letter of 22nd Demember, 1943, I have to inform you that further confirmation has been received of the death of your husband, Able Seaman R.K Williams, O.N. 19971.

In a written report to the Naval Board forwarded through the International Red Cross, Lieutenant J.A.Harper, R.N., and Paymaster Lieutenant-Commander P.O.L Owen, R.A.N., who are prisoners of war at Zentsuji Camp, Japan, state that he is definitely known by them to have died on 1st March, 1942, as the result of wounds received during action between 28th February to 1st March.

Yours faithfully,

for (A.R. Nankervis)
Secretary

Mrs P.M. Williams
415 Glebe Pt. Rd.,
Glebe Pt.,
N.S.W.


Transcript of letter from Chaplain JKW Mathieson to Mrs Williams:

Royal Australian Navy [letterhead]

Chaplain's Office,
Garden Island,
SYDNEY.

11th September, 1946.

Dear Mrs Williams,

It has been on my mind for some time that I should write to you and express my very sincere regret in the loss of your husband at the time of the sinking of H.M.A.S. "Perth".

As you will already have been informed, he did not long survive the battle. He made his way to the carley float on which I already was, and was carefully helped on board. So far as we could tell he was not in any great pain, bu he must have received injuries that were not apparent to us, for during the night he lost consciousness and died. For some time previous to his death he had been lying in my arms, and I can assure you for your comfort that he did not suffer. He was buried at sea in the early morning of March 1st.

Having joined the "Perth" only for her last voyage, I did not know your husband well, but I would have to assure you that he bore himself well and fulfilled his duties manfully.

If I can be of any assistance to you at any time, please let me know. Please accpet [sic] my sincerest sympathy and prayers that in the Divine consolation and the remembrance of your husband's splendid service you may find comfort.

I remain

Yours sincerely,

J.K.W. Mathieson
METHODIST CHAPLAIN