Watkin Lewis Griffies Williams was born in 1800 at the family estate Llwynywormwood, Carmarthenshire in Wales.

During his service under the East India Company, he was mentioned in despatches for his conduct during the First Anglo-Burmese War by Lieutenant Colonel Pepper: "and from Lieutenant Williams, commanding 3rd Regiment P.L.I.

not only for his anxiety and zeal, but from the able assistance I have derived from his perfect knowledge of the Burmese language.".

[1] He was retrospectively awarded the Army of India Medal with Ava clasp in recognition of his service during the campaign.

[8] The Baronetcy ended with him, and his nephew Major Edmund Watkin Kent was granted probate over the estate.