Background
Williams grew up in Portuguese Talbot, where he was a classmate of Richard Burton, and they played together in the school rugby team
Williams grew up in Portuguese Talbot, where he was a classmate of Richard Burton, and they played together in the school rugby team
In 1941 he moved to Portsmouth where he started an apprenticeship in the dockyards as an engineer-fitter. He was a despatch rider in World World War II, and began his speedway career as the war ended, after initially competing in grasstrack. After attending training sessions at Rye House, he was signed by Alec Jackson for the Wembley Lions, and in 1948 got a regular place in the team after injuries to George Wilks and Bill Kitchen.
Williams rode for the Wembley Lions for his entire career, from 1947 until 1956.
Williams represented England in test match series, gaining his first cap in 1949. His two younger brothers, Ian and Eric, were also speedway riders, and Freddie acted as Eric"s mechanic at the 1957 World Final.
Williams finished second behind (Jack Young in the 1952 World Final at Wembley Stadium. Williams died on 20 January 2013, aged 86, in the Great Western Hospital in Swindon following a stroke the previous day.
1951 - London, Wembley Stadium - 9th - 7pts
1952 - London, Wembley Stadium - 2nd - 13pts.