Bleddyn Williams didn't fight in WW1 but he served in WW2 ... thought you maybe interested in this ! Bleddyn Williams Rugby union player | 1923 - 2009 All-time great centre who captained Cardiff, Wales and the Lions Bleddyn Williams, who died on 6 July, 2009, was a Welsh rugby union legend. He was regarded as one of the sport's finest ever players and his exploits for Cardiff, Wales and the British Lions earned him the epithet 'The Prince Of Centres'. His career achievements included captaining both Cardiff and Wales to victory over New Zealand on the same tour in 1953, the last time Wales beat the All Blacks. He was also vice-captain during the Lions' tour of the antipodes in 1950 and stood in for captain Karl Mullen when he was injured for two games. Bleddyn Llewellyn Williams was born in the village of Taff's Well near Cardiff on 22 February, 1923. He played for the Wales Schoolboys side at 14 and was then awarded a scholarship at the great rugby school of Rydal in Colwyn Bay. He served with the RAF in Europe during the Second World War, then joined Cardiff where he established a famous partnership with fellow international Jack Matthews. He was regarded as a complete player, able to tackle and run with equal force. He was also known for his strong leadership. He won 22 caps for Wales and five for the Lions, plus several non-Test appearances on the tour of Australia and New Zealand. He was one of eight rugby-playing brothers who represented Cardiff and his younger brother Lloyd also played for Wales. He retired at the age of 32 in 1955 and became a media commentator. He was given an MBE in 2005. He died at Holme Tower medical centre in Cardiff after a period of illness and was survived by a son, two daughters and four grandchildren.
Annie Not only was he a great man, but his nephew - a Rugby historian - is a regular reader of this website (as well as being a good friend of mine). Gareth
