Idris Williams

Idris Williams (1895–1960) was an Australian politician, political prisoner, trade unionist leader and a member of the Communist Party of Australia. He was notable for being the first communist to serve on the Wonthaggi Borough Council, and for his high-profile role in numerous strikes and labour disputes across Australia.

Williams was depicted in the movie Strikebound (1984) by actor Hugh Keays-Byrne.

Early life Williams was born on 21 June 1895 at Mountain Ash, Wales, Glamorgan, Wales. He began working in a coal mine at the age of 13 and joined the Powell Duffryn miners' lodge.

World War 1 He fought in the World War I and lost his leg at the Battle of the Somme. He then left the UK in 1920 to live in Australia. The movie was based on the novel Dead Men Don't Dig Coal by Wendy Lowenstein.

Williams is the maternal great-uncle of musician Tori Freestone.