Lt. John Frederick Williams was the son of John H. and Annie Williams, Irish immigrants from Dublin. He was born in Peterborough, Ontario on the 23rd December 1915, which he continued to call home into adulthood. Mr. Williams was a production clerk working at a wire factory, but he had completed postsecondary school to work as a motor mechanic.

He had served previously in 1934 as a member of the 4th MG battalion and Prince of Wales Rangers. When he reenlisted on June 20 1939, John Frederick Williams joined the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders as a  Sgt. He was a taller man at 5’11. He was made 2Lt on 22 May 1943. Through his service he was awarded 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France- Germany Star, Defence medal, War Medal, CVSM & Clasp. On May 24th 1944 he would take his final posting to the 48th Highlanders of Canada.

Lt Williams was KIA on the 15th of April 1945. Lt Williams was killed in the second phase of Operation CANONSHOT as the 48th Highlanders advanced to liberate Apeldoorn. Starting on the afternoon of 11 April 1945 Operation CANONSHOT was a division level water crossing operation over the IJssel river that was meant to break the German lines and lead to the eventual liberation of Voorst and Apeldoorn.

Commanding 13 Platoon, Charlie Company, Lt Williams was the last Highlander Officer killed in the war, and his death came when he heroically rushed and destroyed an enemy machinegun nest that had been harassing members of 13 Platoon. Lt Willaims sacrifice was not in vain as Operation CANONSHOT’s success marked the beginning of the liberation of northern Netherlands.

He is buried amongst his comrades in Holten Canadian War Cemetery. His gravestone reads “FATHER, IN THY GRACIOUS KEEPING LEAVE WE NOW OUR LOVED ONE SLEEPING.”

He was only 29 when he was killed

NOK: Son of John H. and Annie Williams, of Peterborough, Ontario.