WALES’ most decorated NCO could be immortalised in the name of the new 50-metre high bridge towering over the newly-dualled stretch of the A465 between Gilwern and Brynmawr.

Cabinet secretary for economy and transport, Ken Skates AM and principal contractor Costain, want to honour local soldier John Henry Williams.

Decorated four times for his bravery in WWI, John, better known as Jack, was born in Nantyglo in September 1886.

A colliery blacksmith, he enlisted in the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers in November 1914 and was promoted to company sergeant major on 2 October 1917.

In October 1918, he single-handedly saved his company and an entire village from almost certain destruction and for this selfless act of bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Previously he had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, French Médaille Militaire and the Military Medal and Bar.

His citation for the Victoria Cross describes his initiative and devotion to duty on the night of 7th - 8th October 1918, during the attack on Villers Outreaux, when, observing that his company was suffering heavy casualties from an enemy machine gun, he ordered a Lewis Gun to engage it, and went forward, under heavy fire, to the flank of the enemy post which he rushed single handed, capturing fifteen of the enemy.

These prisoners, realising that Williams was alone, turned on him and one of them gripped his rifle. He succeeded in breaking away and bayonetting five enemy, whereupon the remainder again surrendered. By this gallant action and total disregard of personal danger, he was the means of enabling not only his own company but also those on the flanks to advance.

The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. That, along with the other honours he received, makes Jack Williams the most decorated Welsh non-commissioned officer.  

Dominating the most westerly part of Clydach Gorge, the largest of the structures on the A465 ‘Section 2’ project is a 118-metre span, thrust arch bridge, crossing from north to south, with the A465 split-level carriageway below. The new bridge also crosses the Gorge, which is considered one of south Wales’ most important environmental and ecologically sensitive areas.

Costain’s Bruce Richards said, ‘Both we and the Welsh Government know a bridge of this stature deserves a name symbolising the heritage and culture of the area in which it sits. We have spoken to the many visitors who have come to the centre to watch the progress of the construction of this bridge about the idea to honour Jack, and there was strong support.’

Ken Skates added, ‘Jack Williams was a true hero and naming such an iconic bridge built in the area he lived after him is a fitting tribute to a man whose name should never be forgotten.’

However the final decision on the official name of the new bridge is yet to be made. Welsh Government and Costain want local residents to have their say – either in support of Jack Williams, or an alternative.

There is an opportunity to nominate other local heroes or an appropriate bridge name, with a public vote on the final choice, and any alternative suggestions for the name from the local community will be considered.

To suggest an alternative name for the bridge, the public are invited to go to www.a465.info/iconicbridge (English) or www.a465.info/PontEiconig (Welsh) to the online survey.

In addition, paper nominations will be available by contacting the Project Office on 01873 833100.