Brief profile of Dyson Williams by Dr.A.K.Hignell

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Player:

DB Williams

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Dyson Williams was a member of the famous family from Killay House who organised `country house` matches in the spacious grounds of their home in the late 19th century.

 

Educated at Malvern School, Williams started to play in these games during his school vacations and also for the Swansea club, and as a result of some impressive innings, the well-connected gentleman made his Minor County debut for Glamorgan in 1901.Despite the demands of his solicitors practice, the right-hander found time to play for Glamorgan on an occasional basis until 1914, before taking over as the county`s Treasurer.

 

During the Great War, Williams served with the Welch Regiment, and was awarded both the Military Cross in 1916 and the D.S.O. in 1916. However, Williams returned home a shattered man, mentally scared by the horrors of War and for the next few years he suffered major bouts of depression. He also lost money gambling and several business deals failed, and as a consequence his solicitors practice closed.

 

He took some solace in his involvement in cricket and in August 1921 he made his Championship debut playing against Hampshire at the Arms Park. Sadly this proved to be his only first-class appearance and within eight months he had taken his own life.

 

Since returning to the U.K., Williams had become a close friend of French boxer Georges Carpentier and at the end of he 1921 season, he resigned from his Treasurer`s post with Glamorgan and went to work in London for a boxing promoter. He hoped for a change of fortune, but he continued to lose money and had further bouts of depression. Tragically, he was found dead in his London office in April 1922 having committed suicide.

 

(December 2003)

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Dr.A.K.Hignell)