Chaplain Captain Frederic Percy Williams MC was born on the 4th June 1879 at Ballarat East. He was the Acting Vicar of Christ Church in Warrnambool when he was appointed AIF Chaplain 4th Class on March 1st 1916. Just 10 days later he left his wife and son and sailed for France where he served predominantly with the 58th Battalion until he accidentally fractured his right elbow in June 1917. He was evacuated to hospital in England, returning to France in October.
Shortly after this he was awarded the Military Cross on the basis of a recommendation arising from his time in the Somme area in the vicinity of Flers and afterwards at Beaumetz and Bullecourt. ‘Throughout the winter months he did faithful and devoted work in the interest of all members of the Brigade. No matter what the weather conditions and with a supreme contempt for shell fire, he was always present ministering to the material comfort of the men. When their work took them beyond his reach, he always kept them in mind and many a time he has been instrumental in sending them creature comforts when such were least expected. His courage and devotion to duty deserves special recognition.’
He returned to Australia in May 1919, and on November 6th 1919 his AIF appointment was terminated. He was 65 years of age when he died at Ballarat in January 1944.