3 September 1998 Edition

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Tom Williams commemoration

By Laura Friel

It is with some sadness, says Liam Shannon of the National Graves Association, that Republicans will gather in Milltown Cemetery this Sunday to mark the 54th Anniversary of Tom Williams' death.

For over thirty years the National Graves Association has campaigned for the release of his remains which are buried in an unmarked grave within the grounds of Belfast's Crumlin Road Jail. Williams was hanged in the jail on 2 September 1942 after a campaign to commute the death sentence was rejected by the British. His dying wish was to be buried with his comrades but to date that wish has remained unfulfilled.

``When we successfully secured a warrant of remission signed by the British Queen, which releases Tom Williams' remains, we thought the issue had finally been resolved,'' says Liam, ``but despite the best efforts of the National Graves Tom Williams is still buried in Crumlin Road Jail.''

A question mark even hangs over which grave Tom Williams will be finally laid to rest in. There are two possible sites in Milltown cemetery. A plot has been reserved by his comrades in the hope that one day Tom's final wish will be honoured. In a fitting tribute, the plot lies within the County Antrim Memorial beneath a sculptured representation of different phases of struggle throughout Ireland's turbulent history.

The grave of Tom Williams' mother Mary, where two of her infant daughters and father-in-law are also buried, is another possible site. An inscription on the Williams' family grave, erected by Tom Williams' father, reads ``and in proud memory of Lieut. Thomas J Williams, C Coy IRA, executed 2nd Sept.1942 in Belfast Prison age 19 years''. Tom's father not only recognised his son's status as an IRA Volunteer but proudly did so.

The final decision rests with Tom Williams' surviving next-of-kin but clearly, as indicated by the Williams' family plot, Tom's father wanted his son to be recognised and buried as an IRA Volunteer. Perhaps within the context of the current peace process there is an opportunity to set aside any differences and allow Tom Williams' last wishes to be finally realised.

Meanwhile the National Graves Association have sent a formal application to the NIO requesting access to the spot where Tom Williams is currently buried in Crumlin Road Jail. ``We would like to lay a wreath at the site to mark this year's anniversary,'' says Liam. ``I don't expect there could be any objection given the fact that Crumlin Road Jail is now empty and closed.''

A commemoration addressed by Tyrone Assembly member Barry McElduff will be held Sunday 6 September. Assemble at Milltown cemetery 1pm.

An Phoblacht
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Ireland