Williams Family papers

Genealogy and biographical information about various members of the Williams and Hart families, including William Joseph Williams, Olive Mary Williams, Thomas Edward Williams and Alfred Henry Williams.

Draft versions of Williams Stories, which include typed transcripts of First World War letters. Some draft chapters are named: 14-Mephisto, about Henry Leichhardt Williams; 15-The Vagabond Kind, about John Aloysius(Jack) Williams (1893-1975), and 18-television journalist George Negus (b.1942), a great-great-grandson of Carolina (Barnes) Williams. Draft chapter 14 contains original photographic postcards adhered to the draft pages.

Bound volume of research, letters, stories and photographs about farmer Joseph Williams (1814-1895) and his descendants. Williams owned farms at Coopers Plains and Jimboomba, Queensland.

Bound volume of research, letters, stories and photographs about Henry Leichhardt (Harry) Williams (1859-1928), son of Joseph and Carolina Williams, and his family. Harry spent most of his life in the timber industry, but moved into dairying and farming. He married Eliza Welch and they had eleven children. Harry owned property at Cedar Grove in the Jimboomba area, but ill-health in later years saw a move to the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Bound volume of research, letters, stories and photographs about Herbert Leichhardt Williams (1896-1970), who enlisted in the First World War along with his brothers Albert Edward and Clifford Rupert. Herbert served with 31st Battalion, but was assigned to the Tank Corps, and was one of the 'Tank Boys' who were instrumental in the removal of the Mephisto tank from Monument Wood on 22 July 1918. This volume includes transcriptions of letters and postcards Herbert sent to his family during the war.

Postcard from Herbert to his sister detailing initial training at Frasers Camp, Enoggera Training Camp, Queensland. Herbert also describes a soldier whose overcoat was stolen by a fellow soldier, and who was nearly murdered to cover up the crime.

Herbert writes to his parents from Thompson’s Paddock Training Camp, Enoggera Training Camp, Queensland. He writes with regret that his parents were not able to see him on a visit to the camp, and informs his family of when he is leaving to England and the forwarding address. He admits that he is finding it hard to ignore the violence that is happening in his camp.

Herbert writes to his parents en route to Sydney. He jokes about 'feeding the sharks' and writes about the darker parts of the voyage, namely sickness and leaks in the ship. He reassures his parents, however, that the food is nice and that the atmosphere on board is optimistic.

A small postcard from Herbert’s father addressed to his son. He urges his son not to lose the postcard, and gives cryptic directions to markings.

Herbert writes to his parents en route to England on the HMAT Boorara. He describes the vessel as ‘homely’ place with ‘good food and lots of it’. He compares being at sea to being in jail, with no land in sight. He recounts leaving Australia as beautiful, seeing all the ribbons, but sad.

Herbert writes to his mother from an unidentified training camp in England. He bemoans the weather and asks for the addresses of friends, while joking that he will not be returning home at this point unless seriously injured.

Herbert writes to his parents from Bovington Camp, Plymouth, England. He details the journey to England and some mischief that happened during a two day stop in Cape Town. He tells his family that the only exotic animal he has seen is a flying squirrel.

Herbert writes to his sister Grace from Hurdcott Camp, Salisbury Hills, England. He describes the snow and the sledging that takes place near the training camp. He tells his sister that a soldier she inquired about is still in Cape Town but will be in England shortly, as well as informing her of the date he is leaving for France.

Herbert writes to his mother describing the cold weather and hard drills at Hurdcott Camp, Salisbury Hills, England. He describes the churches as very beautiful, and the beggars as laughable. He also explains complications with writing letters.

Herbert writes to his mother from France, marvelling at their proximity to the front line, and lamenting the terrible conditions in village where his battalion are staying. He tells his mother that he hopes 1917 will be better than 1916.

Herbert writes to his mother from France. He reveals that he has been transferred to a rest camp on the coast of France, comparing it to a beach holiday at Redcliffe. He also offers news of family friends.

Herbert writes to his mother to provide news about family friends and the situation in France. He reveals that one of their family friends, Jim Barnes, was killed by a shell, and urges his mother to tell the Barnes family before the official telegram arrives.

Herbert writes to his sister from France, apologising for his lack of letters. He provides updates about a family friend with trench foot, and describes the difference between the countryside blown to ruins by the Germans, and the pretty countryside still untouched. He describes bitter cold with rain, snow and sleet, and mentions the capture of Bapaume by his Brigade.

Herbert writes to his mother from France, asking about the family holiday and inquiring if his letters have been received. He informs his mother that a family friend with trench foot will most likely be returning to Australia.

Herbert writes to his mother from France, rejoicing in a quiet period of time his battalion has had. He mentions that he has heard from his brothers Albert (Abbey) and Cliff, enquires after family, and describes a training exercise that went awry.

Herbert writes to his sister thanking her for the many care packages and describing the weather. He gives well wishes to the family.

Herbert writes to his mother thanking her for the many letters he had been sent but had not received yet. He tells his mother about a friend who has been writing fewer letters as a result of an injured arm.

Herbert writes to his mother from France admitting that the conditions on the battlefield are worsening. He complains about cold weather and low morale.

Herbert writes to his little sister from Belgium promising that he has been writing to her. He tells her that the conditions can be terrible, but that the troops have a lot of fun as well.

Herbert writes to his mother passing on family news. He is looking forward to ten days' leave, and informs her that nothing has changed for him since he last wrote.

Herbert writes to his mother about the letters he has received and several friends he has lost on the battlefield, including poor Jim Barnes, whose arm and side were completely blown away. He wishes the 'blessed war' was over.

Herbert writes to his mother informing her that he is still in hospital, suffering from scabies. He talks about the cold weather and the injuries of friends.

Herbert writes to his mother reporting the volume of letter he has received. He reveals that the winter in France is cold, but not as cold as 1917’s winter. He reports that a family friend Percy Shirley had returned to the battalion but has since been transported back to hospital.

Herbert writes to his mother reporting that nothing much has changed since he last wrote. He asks about his sister and her husband, and reports news from family friends in his battalion.

A pre-printed postcard. Herbert informs his mother that he is well and hopes to be discharged from hospital soon. He pencils in that he has recently received a letter from her.

Herbert writes to his mother apologising for the lack of letters. He tells his mother that he was unharmed in a recent gas attack, apart from a bad headache. He reports news from siblings and family friends.

Herbert writes to his mother reporting that he was involved in a ‘dickens of a big stunt’, working with the Tank Corps in a ‘rather extraordinary experience’. This was the removal of the Mephisto from the battlefield at Monument Wood. He talks about the lack of water on the front line and sends news that a family member is in hospital in Cairo.

A pre-printed postcard. Herbert indicates that he has been admitted into hospital wounded. He promises to write soon.

Herbert writes to his mother from a hospital in Birmingham. He reports that he has nine wounds and that he is quite seriously injured. He details his treatment at the hospital and talks about the uncertainty of being ill.

Herbert writes to his mother describing the atmosphere when the armistice was declared. He expresses his longing for home but reports that he will be staying in England for surgery. He will be transferred to Harefield Hospital.

Herbert writes to one of his parents delivering news of family friends. He writes about the letters he has received, but regrets that he is ‘short of news’.

A list of the Williams family members, including second names and birth dates.

Miss A. Peterson writes to Herbert's brother Albert 'Abbey', care of Mrs. E. Haussmann in South Brisbane, saying that she regrets missing an opportunity to meet. She reports that she will be leaving soon for Minnie Downs station in the Tambo District, and mentions the hospitality of a Mrs. Walker with whom she is staying. The postcard is an illustration of a munitions factory in Sheffield, England.

Taken by Girard Studio, Fortitude Valley, this portrait may be Herbert Leichhardt Williams or one of his brothers.

Photograph of cars parked under a large tree on a rural property. Possibly the Williams family property at Cedar Grove.