Unique Wartime Document Sheds New Light on British Soldier Killed at Overloon

Overloon War Chronicles Foundation recently received a remarkable historical document: the original military ‘paybook’ belonging to British Private Sydney John Gilbert Williamson. Williamson was killed in action on October 14, 1944, during the fierce battles to liberate Overloon.

The document came in our possession following an extraordinary international search. Mr. Malcolm Waterman, the nephew of the fallen soldier, had spent years looking for a worthy home for this personal heirloom. Through one of our researchers, Elaine Gathercole, the paybook eventually made its way from Australia to Overloon.

A portrait photo of the 25-year-old soldier was discovered inside the paybook. This photo will be given a special place: on May 4th and 5th, it will be displayed at his grave at the Overloon War Cemetery. He joins the 224 portraits already collected by the foundation to give a personal face to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The fragile document has been transferred to the ‘Van Postzegel tot Tank’ Museum in Groeningen. It offers valuable new details about the life of Williamson, who, besides being a soldier, was a gifted amateur footballer and had married only a few months shortly before his deployment to north-western Europe.
Interested parties can view the document at the museum by appointment.

Sydney served with the 1st Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment. 

We would like to thank the Waterman family and everyone who helped bring this valuable document back to Overloon. It is a proud addition to our collection and helps us to keep his story alive.

The full biography of Sydney Williamson is published here on our website.