Harley Williams was born on the Sarnia Reserve on April 13, 1925, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Williams of the Sarnia Reserve. His father, James Williams, was a member of the Native Council. Born on the Sarnia Reserve, Harley was one of a family of three boys and three girls. Harley’s birth mother had died in 1930, and his father James had re-married. Prior to the war, Harley worked for the Pigott and Kellogg construction companies as a labourer before enlisting in the Canadian Army in 1943. He had trained at London, Chatham, Camp Ipperwash and Debert, Nova Scotia.
Harley Williams went overseas in December 1944, as a member of the Essex Scottish Regiment, R.C.I.C. with the rank of Private. On March 8, 1945, Private Harley Williams would lose his life while fighting on the Western Front, during the Battle of the Rhineland. In late March of 1945, parents Mr. and Mrs. James Williams of the Sarnia Reserve would receive a telegram from Ottawa informing them that their son, Private Harley James Williams, has been killed in action on the Western Front. Exactly two months after Harley Williams’ death, the War in Europe would end.
Harley Williams would later be officially listed as, Overseas casualty, killed in action, in the field (Germany). Harley was the first Native Canadian from the Sarnia Reserve to pay the supreme sacrifice in the Second World War. Nineteen year-old Harley Williams is buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands, Grave III.G.9. There is also a memorial plaque to honour him on one of the entrance pillars of the Chippewas of Sarnia Cemetery, which reads, “In memory of Harley Williams, April 13, 1925-March 8, 1945, who was killed in action during World War II.” Harley Williams’ name is also inscribed on the Aamjiwnaang First Nations cenotaph in Sarnia. The central column of the Aamjiwnaang cenotaph is inscribed, “To our glorious veterans who have served our nation and its’ allies for peace and freedom – Lest We Forget.” One of the side columns is inscribed, “World War II – In memory of the young men and women who loyally served throughout the world 1939-1945 – Harley Williams”.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, N, 2C, 2D, 4D