WILLIAMS, F/L Arthur Hugh (142919) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.223 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 6 November 1945. Born 1916 at Shillog, Assam, India; educated at Tawyn County School, South Wales and Welsh National School of Medicine, Cardiff. Enlisted July 1940; trained in Canada and wife living in Toronto (this may be his only Canadian association). Commissioned December 1942; earned Africa Star. Died in Toronto, 19 July 1998. Air Ministry Bulletin 20087/AL.1099 refers. No citation other than 'completed operations with courage and devotion to duty'.

WILLIAMS, S/L Leonard Henry (48727) - Mention in Despatches - awarded as per London Gazette dated 8 June 1944. Born 20 July 1915 at East Plomstead and home given as Chingford, Essex, but educated at Fort William, Ontario, 1923 to 1932. Worked for Great Lakes Paper on paper machines, 1933 to 1938. Enlisted in RAF, 2 November 1938 as 625162 Aircraftman Second Class, Aircraft Hand, under training as Wireless Operator; remustered as Wireless Operator, Group 2, 7 October 1939; Remustered as Wireless Operator under training as Air Gunner, 9 March 1940; remustered as Wireless Operator Air Gunner, 13 April 1940; promoted Sergeant, 27 May 1940; promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 April 1942; commissioned 30 April 1942; promoted Flying Officer, 30 October 1942; promoted Flight Lieutenant, 3 July 1943. Wounded by flak while with No.107 Squadron, 5 August 1941. Transferred to RCAF, 8 January 1945 (C89534); repatriated 18 June 1945; released 13 September 1945. Awarded Bar to DFC as RCAF officer. DHist file 181.005 D.270 lists him as a Canadian in the RAF about January 1940, rank of AC2 (625162); next-of-kin was his brother, living in Fort William. He seems to have been missed when CAN/RAF list found in DHist file 181.005 D.271 was compiled. Stated in June 1945 that his first tour had been 43 sorties (148 hours 50 minutes), 17 June 1940 to 7 February 1942; second tour was 25 sorties (138 hours 18 minutes), 7 February 1944 to 2 January 1945. In application for 1939-1945 Star he gave his first sortie as being 27 August 1940 (Fairey Battle, patrol); in application for Africa Star he gave his first sortie as 24 August 1941 (convoy attack out of Malta, No.107 Squadron); he appears to have spent most of his time between tours at No.17 OTU (where he was stationed when commissioned) and No.12 OTU (to which he was posted on 21 April 1943). RCAF photo PL-42469 (ex UK-19204 dated 9 March 1945) shows him after screening; described as Gunnery Leader of No.424 Squadron. // WILLIAMS, S/L Leonard Henry (48727) Distinguished Flying Cross - No.424 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette of dated 13 October 1944. Air Ministry Bulletin 15917/AL.902 dated 12 October 1944 refers. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.2609 (RG.24 Volume 20627) has recommendation dated 18 July 1944 when he had flown 56 sorties (259 hours five hours). The sortie list shows a very interesting career commencing 14 June 1940. From 31 August 1940 to 26 April 1941 he was flying Fairey Battles on sea patrols (at least part of this was out of Iceland); from 21 June to 8 October 1941 he was on Blenheims attacking shipping, targets in France and then (24 August 1941 to end of tour) targets in North Africa. His second tour (Bomber Command) had run from 13 March to 6 July 1944 and included a fight with a Bf.110 on the raid to Nuremburg (30 March, 1944). // Flight Lieutenant L.H. Williams as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner has completed an outstanding first tour of operations including daylight sorties to France, Iceland, in the Mediterranean theatre of war, and trips on coastal reconnaissance early in the war. In addition he has completed sixteen sorties with this squadron on his second tour consisting of raids on heavily defended German targets, railway marshalling yards in France, and mining operations. Following his first tour, Flight Lieutenant Williams was posted to a training station where he instructed for two years. // His marked ability and efficiency shown as an instructor, together with resourcefulness and outstanding courage displayed while on his first tour of operations, earned him the position of Gunnery Leader in No.424 Squadron. Both on the ground, as a leader of a successful Gunnery Section, and in the air, he has continued to show a marked degree of ability and his work has been an inspiration to the members of his section and to all aircrew in the squadron. // Sorties by L.H. Williams // 14 June 40 - Ensign - Ferry to France (time not noted) // 31 Aug 40 - Battle - Ferry to Iceland (11.20) // 9 Sept 40 - Battle - Coastal Recce (3.45) // 30 Nov 40 - Battle - N. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (2.15) // 1 Dec 40 - Battle - S. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.30) // 6 Dec 40 - Battle - S. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.35) // 12 Jan 41 - Battle - N. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (2.10) // 26 Jan 41 - Battle - N. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.40), low cloud, DNCO // 24 Feb 41 - Battle - S. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.00) // 11 Mar 41 - Battle - S. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.15) // 12 Mar 41 - Battle - S. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (40 minutes, W/T failure, DNCO) // 27 Mar 41 - Battle - N. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.55) // 7 April 41 - Battle - S. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.20) // 8 April 41 - Battle - N. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (2.15) // 19 April 41 - Battle - S. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.20) // 23 April 41 - Battle - S. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.15) // 26 April 41 - Battle - S. Patrol, Iceland, anti-sub (1.10) // 21 June 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, Dutch coast, nothing to report (3.00, day) // 23 June 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, Dutch coast, nothing to report (4.20, day) // 25 June 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, French coast, nothing to report (3.15, day) // 30 June 41 - Blenheim - France, DNCO, weather u/s (3.50, day) // 1 July 41 - Blenheim - France, DNCO, weather u/s (1.30, day) // 2 July 41 - Blenheim - Lille power plant, heavy fighter interception (2.00, day) // 4 July 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, DNCO, engine cutting (1.00, day) // 6 July 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, North Sea, two patrol vessels sunk (4.00, day) // 10 July 41 - Blenheim - Le Havre, shipping and docks attacked (3.40, day) // 12 July 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, attacked convoy (1.40, day) // 19 July 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, shipping attacked off Dutch coast (2.15, day) // 1 Aug 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, E. Channel, 6,000-tonner hit; wounded by shell (1.25, day) // 5 Aug 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, shipping off The Hague (time not shown, day) // 18 Aug 41 - Blenheim - Ferry to Gibralter (7.45, day) // 20 Aug 41 - Blenheim - Ferry to Malta (7.00, day) // 24 Aug 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, convoy attacked south of Lampedosa (2.30, day) // 25 Aug 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, convoy attacked, three ships sunk (5.30, day) // 27 Aug 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, nothing to report (5.00, day) // 28 Aug 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, two ships off Benghazi, one sunk (5.30, day) // 1 Sept 41 - Blenheim - Cottrone, chemical factory attacked (5.00, day) // 12 Sept 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, convoy, 6 destroyers, 4 ships attacked (2.55, day) // 13 Sept 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, Green coast, nothing to report (5.50, day) // 3 Oct 41 - Blenheim - Marina Cantanzaro, power station, successful (4.10, day) // 4 Oct 41 - Blenheim - Sea sweep, Tripoli to Zuara (3.35, day) // 5 Oct 41 - Blenheim - Catania, turntable hit, many enemy aircraft (3.15, day) // 8 Oct 41 - Blenheim - Road sweep, Burata to Cirte, lorries and troops bombed and machine gunned (4.30, day) // 29 Oct 41 - Blenheim - Stabetti, pumping station and railway hit (4.00, day) // 9 Nov 41 - Sunderland - Ferry, Malta to Gibralter, relief gunner (9..45, day) // 11 Dec 41 - Sunderland - Ferry, Gibralter to Mount Batten, relief gunner (9.45, day) // 13 Mar 44 -Halifax- Le Mans marshalling yards (5.50, night) // 15 Mar 44 -Halifax- Stuttgart (8.00, night) // 26 Mar 44 -Halifax- Essen (5.30, night) // 30 Mar 44 -Halifax- Nuremburg, combat with Me.110 (9.00, night) // 20 April 44 -Halifax- Lens marshalling yards (4.25, night) // 21 April 44 -Halifax- Brest, mining (5.35, night) // 22 April 44 -Halifax- Dusseldorf (5.15, night) // 8 May 44 -Halifax- St.Nazaire, mining (5.05, night) // 9 May 44 -Halifax- St.Valery-en-Caux (4.05, night) // 10 May 44 -Halifax- Lorient, mining (5.00, night) // 22 May 44 -Halifax- Le Mans (5.05, night) // 12 June 44 -Halifax- Arras (4.25, night) // 16 June 44 -Halifax- Fruges (4.45, night) // 21 June 44 -Halifax- Oisemont (4.35, day) // 25 June 44 -Halifax- Gorenflos (4.40) // 6 July 44 -Halifax- Siracourt (4.40) // RCAF Pres Release No.8955 dated 23 February 1945 from F/L H.W. Eggleston, transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates, reads: // WITH THE RCAF BOMBER GROUP IN GREAT BRITAIN: -- A lad who came to England to join the RAF in 1938, saw service in Iceland on Fairey Battles, was in the evacuation of France when the ship in which he was travelling was dive bombed by German Stukas and sank, and who finished a tour of “ops” on Blenheim bombers, F/L L.H. Williams, DFC, Fort William, Ontario (1715 Donald Street), recently completed his second tour of operations on Halifax bombers as gunnery leader with the Tiger squadron. // To go back to the beginning of the story which reads like a chapter from fiction, it is a tale of an ambitious youngster who crossed the ocean with his heart set on joining the RAF as a pilot in 1938. // Unable to come up to the required educational standards at the time, but still determined to make the grade. F/L Williams originally joined the RAF as a ground wireless operator when war broke out. After several months on the ground, the ambition to fly was still in his blood and he re-mustered to aircrew as an air gunner, took his training in Scotland and was finally sent to join a RAF squadron in France as an AC2 -- the rank that air gunners then held. // When the evacuation of France came, F/L Williams was returning to England on the ill-fated Lancastrian when she was dive-bombed by German Stukas and sunk. “That was one of the grimmest experience of my life,” said the 29-year-old gunnery leader. “As the ship settled down, I jumped into the water without a life jacket and swam to the nearest piece of debris I could find. For two hours, I clung like grim death to a piece of wood until picked up by a French trawler. Later, I was transferred to a British destroyer and landed safely in England.” // A few weeks after this adventure, the squadron was reformed and posted to Iceland. At that time, F/L Williams had been promoted to sergeant. Flying in Fairey Battles, he made numerous sorties on coastal patrols designed at that time as anti-invasion precautions. // On his return to England once again, F/L Williams had more adventures waiting for him when the squadron was converted to Blenheim bombers which were then being used for low level attacks on enemy shipping off the Norwegian coast. It was on one of these patrols that he was wounded in the left leg, arm and shoulder by cannon shell from the guns of a German flak ship which also blew the wireless set to pieces. // After recovering from his wounds, F/L Williams completed his tour of more than 24 trips on Blenheim bombers. For the next two years, he instructed at an operational training unit, where he was commissioned as a pilot officer in April, 1942. Later, he rose to the rank of flight lieutenant and was appointed Gunnery Leader. // On commencement of his second tour of “ops”, F/L Williams was posted to the Tiger squadron as gunnery leader. As a rear and mid-upper gunner, he completed more than 24 more sorties, including some of the major targets in Germany. “The second tour was comparatively quiet compared to the first,” he related. “One night, over Stuttgart, we were attacked by a Me110. I gave him a burst from my guns and he bogged off. On another occasion, three enemy fighters chased us out of Duisburg but we managed to lose them.” // Awarded the D.F.C. in October, 1944, F/L Williams was a papermaker with the Great Lakes Paper Company before he joined up. He transferred to the RCAF in January of this year. An energetic sort of person, and one of the most popular men on the squadron, F/L Williams made application to make a third tour with Bomber Command. However, the powers that be decided, he has done his part in carrying the fight to the enemy and turned it down. The services of this capable officer will not be lost to the RCAF, however, as at present, he had an application filed to re-muster to the Intelligence Branch of the service. // Surely this is a story of a young man who made good despite the fact that he lacked the required education to take his place at the controls of aircraft operating against the enemy.

WILLIAMS, Captain Francis George Maxwell - Military Cross, Grade 3 (Greece) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 April 1920. Staff-Sergeant, No.2 Sanitary Section, 2nd Canadian Division from May 1915 onwards. To RFC, 14 September 1915. Listed as a Canadian being commissioned, 16 December 1916 (engineer officer). No citation other than 'for valuable services rendered in connection with the Great War.'

WILLIAMS, 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Frederick - Military Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 16 September 1918. Born 20 October 1885 near Ingersoll, Ontario; home in Woodstock, Ontario (commercial traveller). Working in Calgary when the war began; enlisted in CEF and went overseas with the First Canadian Division. Notes compiled by A.J. Simpson from unknown source (accuracy cannot be guaranteed at this writing, 9 June 2008) state that having served two years in the trenches he was “detailed to get a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the battle lines and surrounding area. The flight whetted his desire to become a flyer so he requested and received a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps.” Taken on strength at Oxford, 15 February 1917; trained at No.26 Squadron, Turnhouse (soloed on Maurice Farman Shorthorns). Posted to No.45 Training Squadron, South Carleton (Monosoupape Avros, DH.5, Nieuports, Bristol Scouts) , 24 September 1917 to 30 May 1918; with No.28 Squadron, 30 May to 1 August 1918; to Home Establishment, 1 August 1918; to RD (RAF) in Canada, 25 September 1918, serving as Examining Officer at School of Aerial Fighting, Beamsville, Ontario; to Home Establishment, 8 February 1919; to Chiseldon, 4 June 1919. Discharged 27 September 1919. Simpson papers stated he had flown 199 combat missions, that he had been shot down three times, and was “officially credited with 14 enemy aircraft destroyed and three probables.” Later with CAF, commercial aviation, and Fleet Aircraft (test pilot, 1939 to 1945); flew until age of 87. Named to Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, 1973. Died 26 July 1985 as per Airforce Magazine, issued of October-November-December 1985.. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He destroyed four enemy aircraft and drove down one. Also, in conjunction with another officer, he was instrumental in forcing an enemy machine to surrender and land. WILLIAMS, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Thomas Frederick - Bronze Medal for Military Valour (Italy) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 November 1918. No citation other than "in recognition of distinguished services rendered". The following taken from Air 1/1786/204/151/1, Combat Reports, No.45 Squadron, copied into Library and Archives Canada MG.40 D.1 Volume 29: 8 November 1917 - 4.05-4.10 p.m. - Northern Offensive Patrol, Westrooseebeke and Houthulst, 6/8,000 feet. Albatross Scouts - one destroyed, two out of control: Whilst on a N.O.P. 2/Lieut. T.F. Williams who was flying high up in the rear of the formation saw a formation of about seven Albatross Scouts approaching from the E. He immediately engaged the nearest one and after firing about 150 rounds into it at a range of 100 too 50 yards it went down in a vertical dive and burst into flames in the vicinity of Westroosebeck at 4.05 p.m. He then joined with the formation and shortly afterwards saw in the dull light a machine dive on a Camel and start firing at it. He immediately dived on the machine which turned out to be an Albatross Scout and put a burst into it. The pilot immediately did an “Immelman” turn and got on his tail and started firing at him at close range, but by means of the same manoeuver reversed the state of affairs and before the other pilot could recover 2/Lieut. T.F. Williams had put about 70 to 80 rounds into him at point blank range. The machine toppled over and over and then went down completely out of control at 4.10 over Houthulst. 2/Lieut. D.W. Ross confirms this. The patrol then joined up with a patrol of Nieuports and attacked two enemy scouts which were obviously lost in the darkness over Houthulst at 4.10. Captain J.C.B. Firth fired a good burst into one at close range and saw either the tail plane or a wing fall off with the machine going down completely out of control and would probably crash. 13 November 1917 - 11.55 a.m., northwest of Westrooseebeke, Northern Offensive Patrol, 1,5500 to 200 feet. Two enemy machines resembling RE-8s, salmon coloured. Patrol led by Captain J.C.E. Firth. One driven down out of control. During the N.O.P the formation was flying about 1,500 feet between two layers of clouds. Two two-seaters were observed through a gap and were immediately dived upon. 2/Lieut. T.F. Williams fired a good burst into one at about 150 yards range, when it turned E. and dived down. He followed it down still firing til the range was about 40 yards, when it was still diving and dense clouds of black smoke issuing from it at a height of only 200 feet from the ground. 2/Lieut. T.F. Williams did not see it crash but as he nearly struck the ground himself it undoubtedly crashed about 20.V.3. Captain J.C. B. Firth and 2/Lieut. G.H. Bush saw 2/Lieut. T.F. Williams follow the E.A. down almost to the ground. 10 January 1918 - 3.45 to 4.15 p.m. Central Patrol, Vazzole-Bortobuffolk [?] - 12,000 to 13,000 feet. Patrol led by 2/Lieut. R.J. Brownell. Four Albatross scouts - one destroyed, two out of control. A general engagement; the following is an excerpt: Meanwhile 2/Lieuts D.W. Ross and T.F, Williams had each singled out an opponent and after a sharp encounter at close quarters drove them down completely out of control, following them down to about 2,000 feet from the ground. 11 January 1918 - 11.45 a.m., Vittorio, escorting an RE-8 of No.42 Squadron on reconnaissance, 11,000 feet. Ten Albatross Scouts “260 h.p. type”, painted various colours. Combat Report signed by 2/Lieut. E, McN. Hand, 2/Lieut. T.F. Williams, and Captain J.C.B. Firth. Four “out of control”. As the formation was in the vicinity of Vittorio it was suddenly attacked by ten E.A. Scouts which dived on the three Camels on either side of the R.E. 8 and a general mix up encounter took place in which the Camels were seriously handicapped through having to stay close to and protect the Reconnaissance machine. 2/Lieut. E, McN. Hand who was higher than the rest was attacked most persistently by two of the enemy machines. He got several good bursts into one at close range and after stalling it went down completely out of control. The other one had by this time got several bursts into him, but he went for it nose on, both firing hard, till they almost collided, and turning round he saw it turning over and over and then falling completely out of control. His machine was seriously damaged, having half of the tail plane shot away, one gun cowling and centre section all badly shot about, but managed to land his machine in vicinity of Villorba. 2/Lieut. T.F. Williams dived on one of the E.A. as it was attacking the R.E. 8 and after firing about 80/100 rounds into it at about 50/60 feet range the machine went down in a dive well past the vertical and when last seen by the crew of the R.E. 8 was close to the ground still in the dive and certainly crashed. Captain J.G. Firth who up to this time had been engaged in guarding the R.E. 8 saw one of the E.A. sitting on a Camel’s tail and immediately dived down firing as hard as he could. He was successful in shooting the E.A. off and when it was last seen was going down completely out of control. The R.E. 8 had by this time turned on a particularly aggressive E.A. and was seen to be more than holding its own when the remainder of the Camels, three in number, closed in again and escorted it safely back to the lines. Owing to the nature of the duty the pilots could not follow the E.A. down to finish them off nor did they see them crash, but the observer in the R.E. 8 saw the Camels shoot down three E.A. completely out of control. The enemy machines were well handled, the pilots most aggressive and put up a good fight, the best encountered on this front. 26 January 1918 - 1.35 p.m. - Central Patrol, Chiarano, 10/11,000 feet. Engaged six Albatross D-III scouts and a 260-h.p. two-seater. Three enemy aircratt destroyed: About 1.20 p.m. one enemy two-seater escorted by six Scouts were observed climbing towards the Lines in the vicinty of Chiarano. 2/Lieut P. Carpenter who was about 5,000 feet above, followed them, keeping the sun at his back till they crossed the Lines and then attacking. 2/Lieut. C.E, Howell engaged the two-seater but it dived away; he then attacked a Scout (260 h,p.) and crashed it at Sette Casoni (confirmed by 2/Lieuts. T.F. Williams and P. Carpenter). 2/Lieut. P. Carpenter destroyed another which crashed at Noventa (confirmed by 2/Lieuts. C.E. Howell and T.F. Williams). 2/Lieut. T.F. Williams dived on another and sent it down in flames in the vicinity of Roncade (confirmed by 2/Lt. P. Carpenter). 2 February 1918 - 12.05 p.m. - Central Patrol, 13,000 feet, southeast of Moriago. Patrol led by 2/Lieut. G.H. Bush. One enemy scout, believed to be a Halberstadt, one two-seater. One enemy machine driven down in British lines: While flying in the direction of Conegliano at 13,000 feet a two-seater and one Scout were observed flying in the direction of Nerbessa at 8,000 feet. The formation dived down from the sun and 2/Lieut. G.H. Bush fired a good burst into the Scout at close range. It dived down for about 5,000 feet and then started a wide spiral but 2/Lieut. T.F. Williams headed it off from the enemy side of the lines and on the formation closing round, the enemy pilot put his hands above his head and glided down and landed on Road 2 on Montello 2. 2/Lieut. [J.] Cottle had engaged the two-seater but an indecisive encounter was the result.

WILLIAMSON, F/O Edward Kitchener (RAF 101596) - Member, Order of the British Empire - No.36 Operational Training Unit, Greenwood, Nova Scotia - Award effective 28 May 1943 as per London Gazette dated 2 June 1943 and AFRO 1459/43 dated 30 July 1943. Flying Officer Williamson has displayed exceptional zeal and devotion to duty whilst carrying out the duties of Electrical Officer in the Maintenance Wing at this Unit. His technical qualifications have proven to be very valuable in connection with forced landings of aircraft, when the Chief Technical Officer's personal inspection of the aircraft has invariably revealed certain defeaction [sic] or causes of trouble. This Unit, in this respect, has been commended for bringing to light the obscure causes of numerous aircraft accidents and means of prevention in the future.

WILLIAMS, F/O Albert Wynn (J86726) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.77 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 5 June 1918. Home in Vancouver; enlisted there 5 May 1942 and posted to No.5 Manning Depot. To No.11 SFTS (guard duty), 22 June 1942. . To No.7 ITS, 15 August 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 4 October 1942 but not posted to No.23 EFTS until 7 November 1942; may have graduated 30 December 1942 but not posted to No.15 SFTS until 9 January 1943; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 30 April 1943. To “Y” Depot, 14 May 1843; to RAF overseas, 26 May 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 30 October 1943. Commissioned 7 May 1944. Promoted Flying Officer, 7 November 1944. Repatriated 27 November 1944. To Western Air Command, 15 January 1945. To Coal Harbour, 25 January 1945. To Prince Rupert, 30 June 1945. To No.3 Repair Depot, 16 September 1945. To No.8 Release Centre, 21 October 1945. Retired 25 October 1945. Award presented in Vancouver, 22 October 1949. No citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9038 has recommendation dated 17 October 1944 when he had flown 36 sorties (166 hours eight minutes), 30 January to 9 October 1944. 30 January 1944 - Berlin (6.10, 2nd pilot) 7 March 1944 - Le Mans (5.12) 13 March 1944 - Le Mans (5.08) 25 March 1944 - Aulnoye (5.37) 26 March 1944 - Courtrai (5.01) 29 March 1944 - Vaires (5.13) 30 March 1944 - GARDENING (4.42) 9 April 1944 - Lille (4.32) 10 April 1944 - Tergnier (5.04) 26 April 1944 - GARDENING (3.11) 27 April 1944 - Aulnoye (4.06) 3 May 1944 - GARDENING (3.17) 22 May 1944 - Orleans (5.34) 24 May 1944 - Beaumont (3.44) 12 June 1944 - Amiens (4.12) 14 June 1944 - Evercy (5.10) 16 June 1944 - Sterkrade (4.24) 22 June 1944 - Laon (4.58) 25 June 1944 - Montorgueil (3.35) 28 June 1944 - Blainville (6.57) 1 July 1944 - St.Martin (3.36) 4 July 1944 - Domleger (3.50) 12 July 1944 - Hauts Boissons (4.15) 17 July 1944 - Caen (4.40) 23 July 1944 - Hauts Boissons (3.55) 24 July 1944 - Stuttgart (8.10) 28 July 1944 - Foret de Nieppe (3.40 8 August 1944 - Chapelle Notre Dame (3.15) 14 August 1944 - TRACTABLE 22 (4.25) 18 August 1944 - Sterkrade (4.55) 27 August 1944 - Homberg (3.55) 31 August 1944 - Lumbres (3.35, DNCO) 3 September 1944 - Venlo (4.10) 12 September 1944 - Munster (4.05) 6 October 1944 - Gladbach (4.15) 9 October 1944 - Bochum (5.40) This officer Captain of Aircraft has completed his first operational tour of 36 sorties over a large variety of targets, having taken part in day and night raids and including minelaying missions in enemy waters. His tour has been marked throughout by a good photographic record, containing numerous Aiming Point photographs, revealing consistency of accuracy. A striking note of Flying Officer Williams's tour is that he never failed to take off on any operation in which he was detailed to take part. It can be said that the methodical preparation which he invariably made did much to ensure his very fine performance, that of 100 percent operational effort without failure. Flying Officer Williams has shown exceptional qualities of leadership and coolness, setting a fine example to his crew, and in recognition of the Captain's splendid all-round ability, and his great devotion to duty, he is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

WILLIAMS, WO2 Alvin James (R188286) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London Gazette dated 25 May 1945 and AFRO 1291/45 dated 10 August 1945. Born 12 May 1923, Home in Penetange, Ontario; enlisted in Toronto, 24 August 1942 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.6 SFTS (guard duty), 21 January 1943. To No.18 Pre-Aicrew Education Unit, 11 April 1943. To No.1 SFTS, 7 May 1943. To No.2 Air Gunner Ground Training School, 28 May 1943. Promoted LAC, 10 July 1943 when posted to No.3 BGS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 20 August 1943. To “Y” Depot, 3 September 1943; to United Kingdom, 12 September 1943. Commissioned 6 May 1945 (J95078). Repatriated 1 June 1945. Retired 13 September 1945. Award presented in Toronto, 30 November 1949. Died in Penetang, Ontario, 5 June 1991 as per Airforce Magazine, issue of April-May-June 1992. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9070 has recommendation dated 20 February 1945 when he had flown 49 sorties (230 hours 20 minutes), 25 March 1944 to 22 January 1945. * denotes sortie counted as one-third 25 March 1944 - Aulnoye (5.36)* 26 March 1944 - Essen (5.00) 18 April 1944 - Le Boorcet (5.00)* 20 April 1944 - Lens (5.00)* 22 April 1944 - Dusseldorf (5.00) 24 April 1944 - Karlsruhe (6.45) 10 May 1944 - Ghent (4.10) 11 May 1944 - Boulogne (2.55), DNCO 12 May 1944 - Louvain (4.45) 19 May 1944 - Le Clipon (4.00) 22 May 1944 - Le Mans (5.00) 24 May 1944 - Aachen (4.25) 27 May 1944 - Bourg Leopold (5.00) 31 May 1944 - Cherbourg (4.25) 4 June 1944 - Calais (3.30) 5 June 1944 - Merville (4.00) 14 June 1944 - Cambrai (4.00) 15 June 1944 - Boulogne (4.00) 16 June 1944 - St.Quentin (3.50) 21 June 1944 - Boulogne (4.25) 25 June 1944 - Hallecourt (4.10) 27 June 1944 - St.Omer (3.55) 28 June 1944 - Metz (6.35) 4 July 1944 - Villeneuve St.George (5.55) 5 July 1944 - Abbeville (3.50) 18 July 1944 - Caen (4.15) 29 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.10) 31 July 1944 - Calais (4.15) 3 August 1944 - Hazelbrook (4.10) 4 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.30) 5 August 1944 - St.Leu d'Esserent (5.00) 7 August 1944 - L'Hogue (4.20) 9 August 1944 - La Leuville (5.45) 14 August 1944 - Aisy (4.25) 15 August 1944 - La Rochelle (6.40) 30 September 1944 - Bottrop (3.10) 5 October 1944 - Saarbrucken (4.40) 6 October 1944 - Sterkrade (3.00) 12 October 1944 - Wanne Eickel (3.25) 14 October 1944 - Duisburg (3.45) 14 October 1944 - Duisburg (3.25) 23 October 1944 - Essen (4.00) 28 October 1944 - Cologne (3.55) 9 November 1944 - Wanne Eickel (3.35) 16 November 1944 - Julich (3.40) 21 November 1944 - Castrop (4.20) 27 November 1944 - Leuss (3.50) 30 November 1944 - Duisburg (4.15) 2 December 1944 - Hagen (5.35) 18 December 1944 - Duisburg (4.20) 5 January 1945 - Hannover (4.30) 22 January 1945 - Duisburg (3.45) Warrant Officer Williams is an experienced and capable Air Gunner, having participated in attacks on such heavily-defended German targets as Cologne, Essen, Dortmund and Karlsruhe. His capabilities, keenness and extreme devotion to duty have in no small way contributed much to the successes attained by his crew. He has now completed 49 operational sorties and has proven himself to be an asset, not only to this squadron, but to the service as a whole.

WILLIAMS, F/L Clifford Frederick (J4867) - Air Force Cross - No.6 SFTS - Award effective 16 April 1943 as per London Gazette of 13 April 1943 and AFRO 1035/43 dated 4 June 1943. Born 8 October 1915. Home in Ottawa. Educated here, and employed by Topographical Surveys Branch, Department of Mines and Resources before the war. Enlisted in Ottawa, 28 September 1940. To No.2 ITS, 14 October 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 2 November 1940; posted next day to No.8 EFTS; graduated 22 November 1940 on posting to No.4 SFTS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 17 March 1941; commissioned 18 March 1941. To No.6 SFTS, date uncertain. Attained rank of Flight Lieutenant, 1 July 1942. To No.7 EFTS, 5 January 1943. To No.5 OTU, 11 September 1944. To No.45 Group (Air Transport), 29 November 1944. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 22 December 1944. Posted for disposal to a Liberator squadron, India, 5 February 1945. Repatriated 3 December 1945. Retired 16 January 1946. RCAF photo PL-60388 (ex UK-19926 dated 12 April 1945) shows crewmen of a Liberator squadron engaged in night bombing of Japanese communications in Burma and Thailand - F/L Cliff Williams on left (pilot, Ottawa) and P/O Hank Dale (bomb aimer, ex-newspaper accountant, Toronto). Described as being in an all-Canadian crew. Award presented 29 March 1944. The following citation found in Governor General's Records, RG.7 Group 26, Volume 57, file for 1943. // Flight Lieutenant Williams, especially as a flying instructor and later as Flight Commander, has at all times been an inspiration to his fellow officers and to all pupils with whom he comes in contact. His devotion to duty, foresight and ability in directing his subordinates has been exceptionally outstanding. In his present position as Examining Officer he has been largely responsible for the output of a goodly number of trained pilots. He has given nearly 900 instructional hours over a period of eighteen months. // WILLIAMS, F/L Clifford Frederick, AFC (J4867) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.159 Squadron -Award effective 15 January 1946 as per London Gazette dated 29 January 1946 and AFRO 322/46 dated 29 March 1946. Award sent by registered mail 7 November 1949. // Throughout a large number of operational sorties this officer has proved to be an excellent captain of aircraft who has always pressed home his attacks with determination and skill. On one occasion during an attack against enemy shipping in Satahib Bay he made a second bombing run in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and destroyed an enemy merchant ship. At all times Flight Lieutenant Williams has displayed outstanding enthusiasm and courage. // An RCAF Press Release dated 2 June 1945, in Directorate of History and Heritage, 74/411, describes the following events: // Taking shipping in the naval anchorage at Satahib, in the Gulf of Siam, completely by surprise, RAF Liberators of Strategic Air Force, yesterday destroyed a 2,700 ton submarine depot ship and a large merchant vessel, hit a naval sloop amidships, strafed a destroyer and attacked other craft in the harbour. // Aircrews on their return from the mission of over 2,300 miles described how their first bombs caused an explosion and started a small fire on the depot ship, which spread rapidly as other bombers hit it from just above mast height, until the vessel exploded with a vivid orange flash and sank. // The submarine depot ship was damaged in a shipping strike at Satahib by Strategic Air Force Liberators on May 30th (No.159 Squadron). // The merchant vessel, 250 feet long, was destroyed by a direct hit and sank in four minutes. Captain of the Liberator which got this direct hit was Flight Lieutenant C.F. Williams, 155 McLeod Street, Ottawa. There was a large explosion followed immediately by fire and dense black smoke, and then the vessel sank. // The raid was part of a widespread sweep against Japanese supply facilities. // RCAF Press Release dated 23 June 1945 by F/L E.M. McVeity, transcribed by Huguette Oates, reads: // SEAC: -- Two and a half minutes after they bombed a Japanese merchant ship in Satahib Bay, it sank out of sight. Such is the record of an RCAF aircrew, captained by F/L C.F. Williams (J4867) of 75 James Street, Ottawa, Ontario, attached to an India RAF Liberator squadron. // “We came down on it below 100 feet, said (J44582) F/O N.G. Kilpatrick, Smithers, B.C., co-pilot, pretty close to the mast heads. They were machine gunning us from the bridge, but their fire was inaccurate, fortunately. We let them have four 1000 pounders, two were direct hits towards the bow and blew the forward hatch. We did one circuit over it for photographs and saw it go down about two and a half minutes after we hit it. We also saw a couple of Jap sailors get away in a row boat.” // Other members of the crew who have a splendid record of bridge busting include Flight Sergeant R. (Bob) Jamieson (R275805), tail-gunner of 2568 Franklin Street, Vancouver, B.C.; Flight Sergeant K.R. Strome (K261939), wireless operator of Deep Cove, B.C. and wife resides in Winnipeg (9 Barrington Avenue); F/O E.R. Cullan, (J45968), navigator of Silvan Lake, Alberta; F/O H. Dale (J45986), bomb-aimer, of 48 Horwood Road, Toronto, Ontario.

WILLIAMS, F/L David John (J6991) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.408 Squadron - Award effective 5 September 1942 as per London Gazette dated 26 September 1942 and AFRO 1653/42 dated 16 October 1942. Born in Vancouver, 6 January 1919; home there; enlisted there 24 October 1940. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 30 March 1941), No.8 EFTS (graduated 15 May 1941), and No.3 SFTS (graduated 20 August 1941). Commissioned on graduation; Flying Officer and Flight Lieutenant, 20 August 1942; Squadron Leader, 5 August 1943; Wing Commander, 26 July 1944. Reverted to Squadron Leader, 1 October 1946; Wing Commander, 1 January 1950; Group Captain, 1 July 1956. Posted overseas immediately after earning wings; further trained at No.140 OTU, Cottsmore (October 1941 to January 1942). With No.408 Squadron, February to October 1943; the incident that brought his DFC was 27/28 August 1943 (one Ju.88 destroyed, on Hampden "K", P1166, with FS N.C. Turnour, Sergeant L.S. Leech and Sergeant M.P. Hall). At RCAF Overseas Headquarters, November 1942 to April 1943. With No.410 Squadron, 31 May to July 1943 (organizing intruder flight); to No.54 OTU, July and August 1943. With No.406 Squadron, 25 August 1943 to 18 November 1944. With No.5 OTU, Abbotsford, February 1945 to June 1946. Postwar RCAF (19599). On staff of Materiel Command Headquarters, July 1946 to March 1947. Attended Empire Test Pilot School. March to December 1947; at Winter Experimental Establishment, Watson Lake, December 1947 to September 1949. To RCAF Staff College, Toronto, September 1949 to June 1950. On strength of Canadian Joint Staff, Washington, June 1950 to June 1952 (attached to Strategic Air Command units); at AFHQ/VCAS, June 1952 to January 1956; No.1 (F) OTU, Chatham, January to May 1956; No.1 (F) Wing, August 1956 to July 1959; CO of Station Trenton, August 1956 to July 1963; with Northern NORAD Region Headquarters, North Bay, July 1963 to August 1965. Seattle Sector, NORAD, August 1965 to 1968. Retired 1 September 1970. Lived after retirement in Washington State but moved to Richmond, British Columbia where he died, 21 August 2004, soon after meeting author Wayne Ralph. Aerial victories as follows: 27/28 September 1942, one Ju.88 destroyed; 19/20 March 1944, one He.177 destroyed off Guernsey (F/O C.J. Kirkpatrick, observer); 29/30 April 1944, two Do.217s destroyed; 21 July 1944, one Do.217 destroyed alone and one Do.217 destroyed (shared). Also claimed two locomotives, two vehicles and five other targets. Photo PL-28197 shows him beside a Beaufighter nose; PL-28198 (ex UK-8382 dated 23 March 1944) shows him soon after destroying the He.177; PL-29535 with Kirkpatrick beside their Mosquito, "Blackie and Kirk". RCAF Photo PL-31940 (ex UK-14114 dated 19 August 1944) shows F/O C.J. Kirkpatrick (left), W/C Dave Williams (centre) and Air Vice-Marshal Cole-Hamilton who is congratulating them for a double victory scored the day the squadron had bee adopted by the city of Saskatoon. PL-33641 (ex-UK-15922, 19 October 1944) shows W/C D.J. Williams talking to one of his pilots, F/L F.W. Trewin of Amicta, Manitoba; squadron scoreboard in background. DFC presented at Buckingham Palace, 7 February 1943. // This officer has participated in bombing attacks against many of the enemy's important heavily defended targets. One night in August 1942 he was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Kassel. On the outward flight his aircraft was intercepted by a Junkers 88. By skilful tactics Flight Lieutenant Williams enabled his gunners to deliver effective bursts at the attacking aircraft, setting one of its engines on fire. It then dived steeply towards the ground where on impact it exploded. Although his own aircraft had sustained damage, Flight Lieutenant Williams pressed on to his target and bombed it. On the return journey a Messerschmitt 109 was encountered and driven off by a well directed burst of fire. Throughout, this officer has displayed a great determination to complete his allotted task. He has at all times won the confidence of all with whom he has flown. // WILLIAMS, S/L David John, DFC (J6991) - Distinguished Service Order - No.406 Squadron - Award effective 26 September 1944 as per London Gazette of 26 September and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Award presented 14 May 1945. // This officer has completed a large number of sorties, including a number during which he has successfully attacked a variety of targets on the ground. In the air he has destroyed five enemy aircraft at night. He is a brave and resourceful pilot whose fine fighting qualities were well illustrated one night in July 1944, when he destroyed two enemy aircraft in one sortie. In the fighting his own aircraft sustained damage but he flew it safely to base in the face of extremely adverse weather. This officer is a most efficient and inspiring flight commander. // Public Record Office Air 2/9159 has recommendation by W/C R.C. Fumerton (then squadron Commanding Officer) drafted about 22 July 1944. Described as having flown 250 hours on operations, 34 sorties on bombers and 41 as a fighter pilot, 79 operational hours since award of DFC. // Since joining this unit on 25 August 1943 the above mentioned officer has held the appointment of Flight Commander, in which capacity he has been an able and energetic flight commander. // On the night of January 21st, 1944, Squadron Leader Williams attacked three E-boats and despite moonless conditions and foul weather succeeded in damaging one. // On the night of March 19/20 he was scrambled after a “Bogey” which he chased to the vicinity of the Channel Islands and identified as a Heinkel 177 and then shot it down into the sea. // On the night of April 29/30 he destroyed two Dornier 217s which were raiding Plymouth. To attack one of them he flew through a heavy flak barrage. // He has completed six Day Ranger sorties, all of which necessitated a double sea crossing of 130 miles. On one of them he destroyed two lorries, on two of them he damaged trains, and on another he blew up two oil cars on a train which he left burning as well as damaging the locomotive. On this flight he also attacked two heavily laden barges, both of which he left burning and one with the stern shot out. // He scrambled from Bolt Head on one night of very foul weather to patrol the Normandy Beachhead. On this night the squadrons further east were grounded due to weather. On account of this No.406 Squadron was offered the patrol since bases in the sector were possible though the weather was bad. Squadron Leader Williams did not hesitate to avail himself of the opportunity. // On 21st July he put up an outstanding performance with his navigator, Flying Officer C.J. Kirkpatrick when ordered off to patrol as air cover for a convoy of destroyers 30 miles southwest of the Brest peninsula. This patrol involved a double sea crossing of 160 miles in very bad weather which was deteriorating all the time. He had not been long on this patrol when he sighted two Dornier 217s flying at 200 feet and about to attack the destroyers. He succeeded in upsetting their attack by opening fire at them at a range of 1,000 yards, but he attracted thereby very accurate fire from the enemy aircraft and soon received a hit in the starboard engine. Despite this he closed his attack with great determination and at close range shot one of the enemy aircraft down into the sea. White smoke was then seen pouring from his starboard engine, and the coolant temperature rose so that he had to feather the starboard airscrew. Despite this he chased the second Dornier 217 on one engine and closed on it, finally setting it on fire, when members of the crew were seen to bale out. His firing must have been very accurate for only two of his four cannons worked. // He then set course for base; the weather conditions for the return journey were very bad with a ceiling of 200 feet at Predannack with poor visibility and continuous rain. By skilful airmanship and piloting he managed to make base and land safely on one engine. He is quite outstanding as an operational pilot and flight commander. His courage, perseverance and devotion to duty are an inspiration t all under him and with whom he comes in contact. // On 23 July 1944 the Officer Commanding, Station Winkleigh, wrote: // An energetic and courageous pilot. Recommended for the DSO (Immediate). // On 28 July 1944 Ar Commodore A.P.Hope, commanding at Exeter, wrote: // I agree entirely with the above remarkable recommendation. This officer has consistently put up a fine show and his last performance is outstanding as a demonstration of what a keen and determined pilot can achieve under the greatest difficulties. // On 31 July 1944 the Air Officer Commanding, No.10 Group, Air Vice-Marshal J. Cole Hamilton, wrote: // Since this officer was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross he has destroyed one Heinkel 177 and four Dornier 217s. He is a fearless and gallant leader who is imbued with an aggressive spirit. His outstanding courage and magnificent example are deserving of the highest praise. I most strongly recommend the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order to this officer. // On 10 August 1944 Air Marshal Roderic Hill wrote: // Squadron Leader Williams has just been appointed Commanding Officer of No.406 Squadron. As Flight Commander he has done outstanding work and shown exceptional bravery. Recommended for the Immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order. // This was finally approved by Air Chief Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory on 14 August 1944. // RCAF Press Release 4697 dated 2 December 1944 read as follows: // With RCAF in Britain: Two Dornier 217s were making their bombing run over a convoy of Allied destroyers when a lone RCAF Mosquito appeared out of the fog and shot them into the sea. That’s why 25-year old Wing Commander David Williams of Vancouver (1874 West Tenth Street) has put the blue and red ribbon of the DSO up in front of the DFC on his tunic. // Wing Commander Williams, who has just completed a tour as commanding officer of the Lynx Squadron of Mosquito night fighters and intruders, was officially on leave but hadn’t left the airfield when a message arrived from the Navy, calling for air support. A convoy was being attacked and the weather was too thick for the day fighters. Could the night fighters do something ? // Wing Commander Williams, known as “Blackie” because of his dark hair and moustache, hopped into a Mosquito and took off. With him was his navigator, Flying Officer C.J. Kirkpatrick of Saskatoon, who won the DFC for his part in the sortie. // The Mosquito flew in thick cloud until the two-man crew found the Allied convoy, southwest of Brest. Five destroyers were in formation, and Wing Commander Williams saw two German aircraft about five miles away starting a bombing run on them. // He sped in behind them at low level, about 100 feet above the sea. As he came in, the gunners of both Nazi bombers opened up and he was caught in the crossfire. It was a dramatic race to see whether they would get their bombs away before the single Mosquito could interrupt their attack. // “They hit my starboard engine and knocked it out,” said Wing Commander Williams. With only one engine left, he pressed on and went first after the Dornier nearer the convoy. Two of his cannon jammed, but he blasted away with the ones that were serviceable. The Dornier turned over and plunged into the water. // “The other Hun was on the way home,” said Williams, “so I decided to go after it.” On one engine he closed in on the second Dornier and just as it was about to bomb he scored hits that sent it diving into the sea. // RCAF Press Release No.7275 dated 4 November 1944 transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates reads: // WITH RCAF NIGHFIGHTERS IN BRITAIN: -- Two Dornier 217’s were just about to bomb a convoy of Allied destroyers when a lone RCAF Mosquito appeared out of the fog and cloud and shot them into the sea. W/C David Williams of Vancouver, B.C., was the “Mossie” pilot and he now wears the blue and red ribbon of the DSO before his DFC ribbon as a result of his exploit. // W/C Williams, 25-year-old commanding officer of the Lynx Squadron of Mosquito night-fighters and intruders, who recently completed his second tour of “ops” and is now screened, was officially on leave but hadn’t left the airfield when the Navy signalled for air support. A convoy was being attacked and the weather was too thick for the day fighters. Could the night fighters do something? // W/C Williams, known as “Blackie” because of his dark hair and mustache, hopped into a Mosquito and took off with his navigator, F/O C.J. Kirkpatrick of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who won the DFC for his efforts on the sortie. A Beaufighter of the squadron followed immediately after W/C Williams. The Mosquito flew in solid cloud until the two-man crew managed to find the Allied convoy southwest of Brest. Five destroyers were in formation, and W/C Williams saw two German aircraft about five miles away starting a bombing run on them. // He sped in behind them at low level, about 100 feet above the sea. As he came in, the gunners of both Nazi bombers opened up and he was caught in their cross-fire. It was a dramatic race to see whether they would get their bombs away before the single Mosquito could interrupt their attack. “They hit my starboard engine and knocked it out,” said W/C Williams. // With only one engine left, he pressed on and went first after the Dornier that was nearer the convoy. Two of his cannons jammed, but he blazed away with those remaining serviceable. The Dornier turned over and plunged into the water. “The other Hun was on the way home,” said W/C Williams, “so I decided to go after it.” // On one engine, he closed in on the second Dornier and, just as it was about to bomb, he scored the hits that sent it diving into the sea. “I kept right on his tail until he went down,” he said. At that point, he received a call from the Beaufighter on the radio-telephone saying “There are two Dorniers going in to bomb. I’m going after them.” “Too late,” replied W/C Williams. “I just shot them down.” What his squadron mate replied is NOT printable. // W/C Williams and his navigator flew home on their one good engine. At base the weather had closed in. Ceiling was about 100 feet and it was raining hard. The first time they came in to land the wheels wouldn’t come down. They caught their breath and orbited to try again. There was a cliff at one end of the airfield that dropped abruptly to the sea. The only way W/C Williams could pick up enough speed on his one engine to come around again was for him to scrape the top of the cliff and dive almost to the surface of the water. Then he levelled out, came around again, barely clearing the cliff – while F/O Kirkpatrick pumped the wheels down by hand. This time, the W/C set the aircraft down perfectly. // Immediately after landing, a nervous reaction set in, and Williams was unable to smoke a cigarette for two days. Shortly after they returned to the mess, the Royal Navy sent in a message: “Air support adequate.” // W/C Williams won his DFC in an equally intrepid manner in 1942 when he was flying Hampdens in Bomber Command. One night on the way to Kassel, Germany, a Junkers 88 got on the tail of his bomber and opened fire. One way or another, W/C Williams decided he and his crew were for it, so he swung the bomber around and managed to get on the tail of the much faster German night-fighter. The Hampden had only a single machine-gun in the nose, so the W/C (he was a Flying Officer then) decided the only way to dispose of the enemy kite was to ram it. However, he suddenly found himself within 20 feet of it, so he pressed the button of his single machine-gun and the Jerry went blazing into the earth. // Altogether he has destroyed five enemy aircraft at night. He was flight commander for a year with the squadron before he was appointed commanding officer.

WILLIAMS, FS Edward Reilly (R54239) - British Empire Medal - No.3 Release Centre - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946. Born 10 May 1910. Enlisted in Ottawa, 5 August 1940 for General Duties. To AFHQ, 16 August 1940. Promoted AC1, 5 November 1940. Promoted LAC, 5 February 1941. Remustered Clerk (General), 1 April 1941. Promoted Corporal, 1 October 1941. Promoted Sergeant, 1 March 1942. Promoted Flight Sergeant and reclassified Clerk (Ad ministration), 1 January 1943. Taken on strength of No.11 (BR) Squadron, 16 April 1943 . To “Y” Depot, 25 May 1943. To RAF overseas, 22 June 1943. Repatriated 25 March 1944. To AFHQ, 24 May 1944. To No.3 Release Centre, 15 October 1944. Discharged 3 April 1946. Award presented 10 December 1947. Died 24 December 1965 as per DVA letter of 4 January 1966. This non-commissioned officer, in charge of the document section at this unit, has applied himself to this exacting task with energy and ability. With devotion to duty and able leadership, he strengthens the arm under which he serves.

WILLIAMS, WO2 Franciscus Charles Ernest (R132091) - Mention in Despatches - Station Gander - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946. Born 18 November 1903. Home in St.Boniface, Manitoba; enlisted in Regina, 25 September 1941 as Stationary Engineer (Works and Buildings) with rank of Sergeant. Posted to Newfoundland, 6 December 1941 and remained there. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 May 1942. Promoted WO2, 1 August 1942. To No.5 Release Centre, 27 August 1945; discharged 31 August 1945. Stationary Engineer. During forty-four months service at this unit, this airman has performed in a manner above that normally expected in assisting in building and operation of the power and heating section of the station. His untiring devotion to duty and his cheerful co-operation have been largely responsible for the degree of efficiency which has been reached by his section. The technical proficiency of airmen under him has been increased by his patient teaching.

WILLIAMS, F/L George Alfred Thomas (J26698) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.35 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born 28 October 1914. Home in Westmount, Quebec; enlisted in London, England, 29 May 1942. Repatriated to Canada via No.31 Personnel Depot, Moncton, 26 December 1942. To No.1 BGS, 8 January 1943; to No.9 AOS, 17 April 1943; graduated and commissioned, 28 May 1943. To “Y” Depot, 11 June 1943. To RAF overseas, 29 June 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 28 August 1943. Repatriated 1 February 1945. To No.1 Air Command, 13 February 1945. To Release Centre, 15 March 1945; retired 6 April 1945. Died 18 December 2000 at Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island as per Royal Canadian Legion “Last Post” website and Legion Magazine of November/December 2001. Award presented in Montreal, 25 November 1949. No citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/8830 has recommendation dated 19 November 1944 when he had flown 53 hours (245 hours), 6 March to 18 November 1944. 6 March 1944 - Trappes 7 March 1944 - Le Mans 15 March 1944 - Stuttgart 18 March 1944 - Frankfurt 22 March 1944 - Frankfurt 24 March 1944 - Berlin 26 March 1944 - Essen 30 March 1944 - Nuremburg 3 May 1944 - Montdidier 6 May 1944 - Nantes 8 May 1944 - Haine St.Pierre 11 May 1944 - Louvain 21 May 1944 - Duisburg 24 May 1944 - Aachen 27 May 1944 - Bourg Leopold 28 May 1944 - Mardick 5 June 1944 - Longues 7 June 1944 - Foret de Cerisy 8 June 1944 - Fougeres 22 June 1944 - Oisemontnaville Bois 23 June 1944 - Coubrounne 24 June 1944 - Middel Statte 4 July 1944 - Villeneuve St.Georges 7 July 1944 - Caen 9 July 1944 - L'Hey 15 July 1944 - Nucourt 18 July 1944 - Wesseling 23 July 1944 - Kiel 24 July 1944 - Stuttgart 25 July 1944 - Stuttgart 28 July 1944 - Stuttgart 14 August 1944 - Falaise 16 August 1944 - Stettin 18 August 1944 - Connantre 25 August 1944 - Brest 26 August 1944 - Kiel 29 August 1944 - Stettin 12 September 1944 - Frankfurt 15 September 1944 - Kiel 23 September 1944 - Neusse 6 October 1944 - Dortmund 12 October 1944 - Duisburg 15 October 1944 - Wilhelmshaven 19 October 1944 - Stuttgart 25 October 1944 - Essen 28 October 1944 - Cologne 30 October 1944 - Cologne 2 November 1944 - Dusseldorf 6 November 1944 - Gelsenkirchen 16 November 1944 - Duel 18 November 1944 - Munster This officer has earned himself a fine reputation as a most accurate operator of special equipment. On Many occasions he has marked targets, the circumstances being such that upon his accuracy depended, to a large extent, the success of the attack. That he is most accurate and reliable is proved by the many excellent photographs he has obtained. This officer shows the same determination to achieve the most precise results and, in recognition of his fine record of devotion to duty, he is recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

WILLIAMS, F/L Gwillym James (J12969) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.427 Squadron - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 July 1945 and AFRO 1558/45 dated 5 October 1945. Born 20 May 1917. Home in Lindsay, Ontario; enlisted in Toronto, 26 August 1941. Granted Leave Without Pay until 17 September 1941 when posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.5 ITS, 23 November 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 16 January 1942 when posted to No.6 AOS; graduated 25 April 1942 when posted to No.6 BGS; graduated 6 June 1942 and posted next day to No.1 ANS; graduated and commissioned 20 July 1942. To RAF Ferry Command, 6 August 1942. To RAF overseas, 20 August 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 20 January 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 20 July 1944. Retained rank of Flight Lieutenant in postwar RCAF, 1 October 1946 (service number 19652). Promoted Squadron Leader, 26 June 1951. Award presented in Montreal, 25 November 1949. Died in Almonte, Ontario, 2 August 1986. No citation other than "in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations against the enemy". DHist file 181.009 D.1729 (PAC RG.24 Vol.20607) has recommendation dated 19 March 1945. It notes that he had flown 43 sorties (273 hours 55 minutes). This included a first tour of 30 sorties or 189 hours five minutes (6 October 1942 to 24 July 1943) and a second tour commencing 4 November 1944 which had run to 13 sorties as of 15 March 1945. // This bomb aimer has completed 43 heavy operational bombing attacks against the enemy and at all times his work has been outstanding. // This squadron does special mining work which places a great deal of responsibility and extra work upon Flight Lieutenant Williams who is the Bombing Leader and he, through his exceptional qualities of leadership and coolness and devotion to duty, contributes in a large measure to the success of these operations. // His work in the air has always been of a very high calibre, the photographs he obtains being excellent and an example to the other Bomb Aimers on the squadron. He displays exceptional fearlessness in the face of danger and is an inspiration to his crew. // The sortie list was as follows: // 6 October 1942 - Osnabruckk (5.35) // 13 October 1942 - Kiel (6.25) // 15 October 1942 - Cologne (6.05) // 9 November 1942 - Hamburg (2.50, duty not carried out) // 10 November 1942 - Gardening (3.55) // 22 November 1942 - Stuttgart (8.00) // 25 November 1942 - Gardening, Brest (7.20) // 6 December 1942 - Mannheim (7.45) // 8 December 1942 - Gardening, Cuxhaven (6.45) // 9 December 1942 - Turin (6.55) // 8 January 1943 - Gardening (35 minutes, duty not carried out) // 9 January 1943 - Gardening (3.55) // 15 January 1943 - Norden (5.00) // 25 January 1943 - Lorient (6.40) // 7 February 1943 - Lorient (7.20) // 5 March 1943 - Essen (5.30) // 12 March 1943 - Essen (5.05) // 26 March 1943 - Duisburg (5.15) // 28 March 1943 - St.Nazaire (6.20) // 4 April 1943 - Kiel (6.30) // 14 April 1943 - Stuttgart (8.00) // 16 April 1943 - Mannheim (30 minutes, duty not carried out) // 27 April 1943 - Duisburg (5.45) // 28 April 1943 - Gardening (5.10) // 4 May 1943 - Dortmund (6.15) // 18 May 1943 - Gardening (6.20) // 19 June 1943 - Le Creusot (7.50) // 21 June 1943 - Krefeld (5.30) // 22 June 1943 - Gardening (3.50) // 3 July 1943 - Cologne (6.30) // 9 July 1943 - Gelsenkirchen (7.30) // 13 July 1943 - Aachen (5.50) // 24 July 1943 - Hamburg (6.00) // First tour total: 30 sorties, 189 hours five minutes // 4 November 1944 - Bochum (5.50) // 16 November 1944 - Julich (5.35) // 18 November 1944 - Munster (6.05) // 28 December 1944 - Opladen (5.45) // 30 December 1944 - Cologne (6.20) // 4 February 1945 - Opladen (6.20) // 17 February 1945 - Wesel (6.25) // 20 February 1945 - Monheim (7.20) // 21 February 1945 - Worms (7.20) // 23 February 1945 - Essen (6.20) // 24 February 1945 - Kamen (1.10, duty not carried out) // 12 March 1945 - Dortmund (6.10) // 14 March 1945 - Zweibrucken (7.05) // 15 March 1945 - Hagen (7.05) // Total over two tours: 43 sorties, 273 hours 55 minutes.

WILLIAMS, Sergeant (now P/O) James Mills McKay (R99773/J19979) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.77 Squadron - Award effective 22 June 1943 as per London Gazette dated 6 July 1943 and AFRO 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944. Born 18 May 1916. Home in Ottawa; enlisted in London, Ontario, 20 May 1941 as Guard. Promoted LAC, 20 November 1941. Remustered to aircrew and posted to No.6 BGS; may have graduated 19 July 1942, but not posted to “Y” Depot until 10 October 1942. Invested with award by King George 8 February 1944. Repatriated May 1944. Retired April 1945. // One night in May 1943, Sergeant Williams was rear gunner in an aircraft which took part in an attack on Dusseldorf. During the bombing run over the target the bomber was twice attacked by a Junkers 88. Violent evasive action was taken and the aircraft went out of control but control was regained and course set for base after height of some 5,000 feet had been lost. Later, Sergeant Williams sighted two Messerschmitt 109s flying a parallel course with the bomber, one on the port side and the other on the starboard side and he gave avoiding directions to his captain. As the bomber was turned, Sergeant Williams sighted a third enemy fighter climbing to attack. He brought his guns to bear on the attacker and with a short burst of well directed fire caused the enemy aircraft to break away emitting smoke and flames. The remaining enemy aircraft did not then attack. Sergeant Williams displayed great courage and skill which contributed much to the safe return of his aircraft to base. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/4974 has recommendation drafted by his Commanding Officer on 28 May 1943 when he had flown two sorties (ten hours 53 minutes). // Sergeant Williams was the rear gunner in aircraft Halifax II, DT736, detailed to take part in an attack on Dusseldorf on the night of 25th/26th May 1943. During the bombing run over the target area, his aircraft was twice attacked by a Junkers 88, against which avoiding action was taken, and as a result of which the aircraft was thrown out of control. The situation had become serious enough for the captain to order the crew to “bale out”, but after a drop of some 5,000 feet control was regained and the “Bale-Out” order cancelled, and course was set for Base. At 0220 hours the aircraft was some five miles south of Hertongenbasch, when three track-indicating searchlights were noticed, 4-5 miles to starboard. Sergeant Williams then sighted an Messerschmitt 109 on a parallel course on the port quarter, slightly up at 500 yards range, and another Messerschmitt 109 also on parallel course on the starboard quarter, slightly up, at about 400 yards range. As the enemy aircraft on the starboard quarter dipped his wing to commence an attack, the rear gunner directed his captain to turn to starboard into the attack. As the bomber turned, a third Messerschmitt 109 was sighted some 300 feet below, climbing rapidly to the attack, and Sergeant Williams unhesitatingly brought his guns to bear and opened fire at point-blank range, delivering a short burst. This third Messerschmitt 109 broke away emitting smoke, and was seen by the mid-upper gunner and the flight engineer to burst into flames. This passed unnoticed by the rear gunner as, anticipating further attack from the other two enemy machines, he was swinging his turret to counter such attacks which, however, did not develop, both machines breaking away. Having survived and recovered from an alarming experience during the bombing run over the target, Sergeant Williams’s cool determination in the face of the formidable attack which subsequently developed is held to be mainly responsible for the safe return to base of the aircraft, and his courage and fortitude were an inspiration to the remainder of the crew, who were themselves recovering from the earlier attack over the target area. By his skill and devotion, this Non-Commissioned Officer delivered his crew from a perilous situation, his action being all the more meritorious by the act that only 100 rounds of ammunition was expended. I consider his gallantry in the ace of overwhelming odds fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. // The Officer Commanding, Station Elvington, added his remarks on 30 May 1943: // This Non-Commissioned Officer displayed courage and determination of a high order and in keeping with the best traditions of the Service. Having undergone a very disturbing experience his powers of recovery and his great devotion to duty are most commendable. It is without doubt that his watchfulness and extremely accurate shooting were directly responsible for the safe return of his aircraft. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 50/194 has the following Combat Reports relevant to his career: // 25/26 May 1943: // On the night of 25/26 May, Halifax “M” (DT736) detailed to attack Dusseldorf, had just released its bombs when it was attacked by one Ju.88. Height was 17,000 feet, I.A.S. 170 m.p.h., heading 045̊ Magnetic, I.F.F. off when the enemy aircraft came out of cloud at 700 yards starboard quarter up. The rear-gunner, Sergeant Williams, instructed his captain (P/O Kendrick) to dive to starboard when the range was 300 yards. As the Halifax commenced its dive the Ju.88 opened fire without hitting the bomber; Sergeant Williams replied with two second bursts at 150 yards. Due to the dive the Mid-Upper Gunner was unable to bring his guns to bear and the enemy aircraft broke away port beam down. // Our aircraft resumed course and the fighter attacked again from port quarter up opening fire at 200 yards, as the bomber dived to port and the rear-gunner fired nine short bursts. No apparent damage to the fighter and no damage to the bomber. // At 0220 hours, the same aircraft was now five miles south of Hartengenbosch when six track-indicating searchlights were noticed 4-5 miles to starboard. The rear gunner then spotted a Me.109 parallel course port quarter slightly up at 500 yards range, and a second Me.109 also on parallel course starboard quarter slightly up at about 400 yards range. As this second Me.109 dipped his wing to commence his attack, Sergeant Williams told his captain to turn to starboard (i.e. into the attack). As the bomber turned a third Me.109 climbing to attack from 300 feet below was seen by Sergeant Williams, who immediately brought his guns to bear and opened fire at point-blank range firing a short burst. This third Me.109 broke away emitting smoke and was seen by the mid-upper gunner and the flight engineer to burst into flames. The rear gunner did not notice this as he had swung his turret expecting an attack from the other two Me.109s. The attack never came as they broke away and disappeared without firing. One Me.109 claimed as destroyed. // During these three combats the total number of rounds fired was 100 [?] from the rear turret and nil from the mid-upper. This was Sergeant Williams second operational sortie. // Rear Gunner: Sergeant Williams, J.M.M. - AGS No.6, Mountain View, Canada; OTU, No.10, Abingdon; Conversion Unit; No.1658, Riccall. // Mid-Upper Gunner: Sergeant Wilson, S.J - AGS No.1, Manby; OTU, No.10, Abingdon; Conversion Unit; No.1658, Riccall. // AIR 50/298 also carries this report, adding “Sergeant Williams is to be congratulated on the way be handled the situation when having three aircraft to deal with, and his judgement in selecting the most dangerous of the aircraft before taking his evasive action was sound.” // // 28/29 June 1943: // At 01.35 hours on the night of 28th/29th June, when Halifax L (JD121) of 77 Squadron, detailed to attack Cologne, was heading 103 M at 19,000 feet 40 miles S.W. of the target, the rear gunner (Sergeant Williams, DFM) sighted a Junkers 88 600 yards astern up. As pips were heard in “Monica” before the sighting, Flight Lieutenant Kenrick (captain) started a gentle corkscrew. // A second fighter was the passing from port quarter to starboard quarter at 500 yards. Sergeant Williams told the mid-upper gunner (Sergeant Ledger) to watch the first fighter, now on port quarter, while he watched the second fighter, now on starboard quarter. As the second Ju.88 came into attack, the Halifax did a corkscrew to starboard, and the mid-upper gunner fired s short burst at the other Ju.88. // Both enemy aircraft were lost by the evasive action, and Monica faded out as they went out of range. // Captain - F/L Kenrick // Mid-Upper Gunner - Sergeant Ledger, 24 OTU, 1652 CU // Rear Gunner - Sergeant Williams, DFM, 10 OTU, 1658 CU. // “Sergeant Ledger” is Sergeant (later P/O) William Horace Ledger, RCAF, later decorated. // 13/14 July 1943 // On the night of 13/14th July 1943, Halifax “L”, DT121 of 77 Squadron, detailed to attack Aachen, was flying at 17,000 feet on 220̊ T at 0210 hours at position 20 miles SQ of target. The rear gunner, Sergeant Williams, observed a Ju.88 on the port quarter slightly up at 600 yards. Rear gunner instructed the pilot to corkscrew to port, and enemy aircraft closed to 350 yards, and rear gunner fired two short bursts. Enemy aircraft broke away to starboard below and disappeared. No searchlights or flak preceding or during the combat. Bright moon, port low and good visibility. Monia off. // Captain: F/L Kendrick // Rear Gunner: Sergeant Williams, DFM.

WILLIAMS, F/O John Frederick Hart (J17270) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.198 Squadron - Award effective 25 July 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2052/44 dated 22 September 1944. Born 6 September1921, Toronto; home there (Student Draughtsman). Enlisted there 25 August 1941. To No.1 Manning Depot, 10 September 1941; to Station Trenton, 26 September 1941. Posted to No.6 ITS, 10 November 1941 (graduated 2 January 1942, 78th in a class of 87), to No.10 EFTS on 5 January 1942 (graduated 13 March 1942, 20th in a class of 31) and No.6 SFTS (graduated with the rank of Sergeant, 17 July 1942); posted to Halifax, 31 July 1942. Arrived in Britain, 18 August 1942. On strength of No.3 PRC, 19 August to 29 August 1942. To No.17 (P) AFU, 29 August 1942; to No.55 OTU, 25 September 1942; to No.198 Squadron, 15 December 19242. Commissioned 19 February 1943. Posted to No.193 Squadron, 4 September 1943. Returned to No.198 Squadron, 26 September 1943. On strength of No.84 Group Headquarters, 8 April to 21 June 1944; Returned to No.198 Squadron, 21 June 1944. Credited with the following victories while flying with No.198 Squadron: 30 November 1943, one FW.190 destroyed; 4 December 1943, one Do.217 destroyed (shared with F/O K.F.C. Bowman, RAF); 30 January 1944, two FW.190s destroyed. On 26 March 1943, he taxied Typhoon MM953 into a stationary Hurricane and Tangmere and admitted carelessness. Promoted Flight Lieutenant and posted to No.257 Squadron, 8 July 1944. Killed in action 26 July 1944 with No.257 Squadron (Typhoon MN919). He had been on an armed reconnaissance, Mezidone-Argentan and his formation had dive-bombed marshalling yards at Bernay, 15 miles northeast of Caen. Returning from this mission he was hit by flak at 6,000 feet. He reported being wounded in the back and paralysed. Others pilots tried to coax him back to base, but he lost altitude and at 3,000 feet radioed, “I’ve had it”. The Typhoon half-rolled, dived into the ground and exploded. Award presented to his mother in Toronto, 1 December 1948. Personal effects reported to have been donated to Canadian Warplane Heritage, 1998. This officer has proved himself to be a skilful and resolute pilot. He has taken part in a large number of sorties during which he has attacked a wide range of targets and has achieved much success. In air fighting he has shot down three enemy aircraft. He has always displayed the greatest keenness to engage the enemy. The diary of No.198 Squadron reports his arrival on 16 December 1942 along with five other Canadian pilots. Although commissioned with effect from 19 February 1943, the squadron was not informed until 3 April 1943. Among his sorties are the following: 6 April 1943: nine aircraft escort No.137 Whirlibombers on anti-shipping patrol, Ostende-Boulogne, 0700-0825. Nil action. 26 May 1943: P/O Williams on scramble with P/O Walters (British). Patrol Lancaster, 10,000 feet. Walters waggled wings, broke away, crashed in sea, killed. Williams abandoned patrol due to bad weather, almost hit the sea (cloud base 500 feet and rain), though base itself was clear. 2 September 1943: eight aircraft of No.98 Squadron join No.184, 164, 137 Hurricanes, No.3 Squadron Typhoons, in Ramrod 522 - a Rocket Projectile attack on gates of Welmeldinghe-Hamsweert Canal. Lots of flak, especially after Hurricanes withdrew and Typhoons attacked ships - one Australian pilot lost (FS E.L. Osborne). 30 January 1943: Six aircraft on sweep over Northern France - engage 25-45 FW.190s between Rouen and LaRoche total squadron claim of nine destroyed, one probable, one damaged. The diary of No.257 Squadron included the following entries: 13 July 1944: “S/L W.C. Ahrens led the squadron Dive Bombing Vernevil Railway Yards. On the return we bounced thirty plus ME.109s. FS Shannon claimed one destroyed and the remainder of the squadron claimed one probable and four damaged. FS Marriott was No.2 and F/L Williams damaged a 109. FS Marriot baled out and was attacked by five Huns while he floated down in his 'chute. Six Spitfires seen to be passing gave no assistance. As F/L Williams had run out of ammo he was unable to help his No.2.” 26 July 1944: Typhoon Q - F/L J.F. Williams, DFC (J17270) up at 2000 hours, failed to return. S/L W.J. Johnson, DFC led a section of aircraft on a fighter escort to the R.P.[Rocket Projectile] "gentlemen" at midday. Later W/C Baldwin led our aircraft to Dive Bombing the marshalling yard at Bernay. Bombing was bad and the W/C suggested immediate improvements - or else ! The next sortie led by the CO consisted of our aircraft in an armed recce which was abortive from a MET point of view but we Dive Bombed Bernay marshalling yards with excellent results. Several hits were reported on the line and some trucks were hit. An unfortunate end to this mission occurred when Blue Section led by F/L Williams, DFC was climbing through 8/10 cloud 10 miles east of Caen. Just as the section reached the cloud base heavy flak opened up and almost immediately F/L Williams, DFC reported over R/T that he had been wounded by flak and was paralysed. He was exhorted to try and make base, but a few seconds later he half-rolled and went straight into the ground from 3,000 feet and blew up. F/L Williams, DFC, came to the squadron on 10th July, 1944, and had been decorated with DFC while on No.198 Squadron. He was a very popular member of the squadron and a good leader.” The original recommendation by his Commanding Officer, drafted 15 May 1944, noted that at that time he had flown 98 sorties (112 hours 45 minutes) and listed the following particulars: three FW.190s destroyed one-half Do.217 destroyed two trains, Category “B” two tugs, Category III five barges, Category III one armed trawler, Category III Radar Post attacked at Ostend. Hit on stern of ship with 500-lb bomb. One gun post shot up. Attacked Munsterland in Boulogne This officer in the 15 months he has been with the squadron has done good, steady work besides his achievements and has been a good example to all others in the air. His Wing Commander (Flying) added on 16 May 1944: Flying Officer Williams has proved himself a grear asset to his squadron. Apart from destroying 3 ½ enemy aircraft in the air, he has participated in a very large number of low attack sorties. At all times he has displayed great keenness and dash in the execution of his duties. This was further endorsed on 18 May 1944 by a Group Captain (Gillam ?) who wrote: I endorse the remarks of the Airfield Commander and strongly recommend Flying Officer Williams for an award of the DFC. Further endorsed on 23 May 1944 by an Air Vice-Marshal (“strongly recommended”), on 10 June 1944 by Air Marshal Coningham, and finally approved on 24 June 1944 by Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory.

WILLIAMS, P/O John William (J15604) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.249 Squadron - Award effective 9 September 1942 as per London Gazette dated 11 September 1942 and AFRO 1535/42 dated 25 September 1942. Born 1 February 1922 in Kamloops, British Columbia. Educated there and in Chilliwack (1936-1940). Name changed from "Larson" to "Williams" following his mother's second marriage. So keen to enlist that he took a six month ground course in aviation by correspondence. Enlisted in Vancouver, 24 October 1940. Attended No.2 Manning Depot, Brandon. Trained at No.2 ITS, Regina (17 January to 20 February 1941, graduated 9th in a class of 115), No.16 EFTS, Edmonton (21 February to 3 May 1941, graduated 11th in a class of 27) and No.32 SFTS, Moose Jaw (4 May to 16 July 1941; graduated as Sergeant, 30th in a class of 61; school mates included J.H. Turnbull and H.J. Everard). The CFI at No.32 SFTS (W/C N.E. Morrison), wrote of him, “General flying good and safe. Has made himself good average by hard work. Should develop into a good fighter pilot”. Arrived in Britain, 30 August 1941. Trained at No.57 OTU, 5 September to 21 October 1941 where he was assessed as being “Average” in most categories (Natural Aptitude, Skill in Landing, Airmanship, Aerobatics/Dogfighting, Cockpit Drill, Formation Flying, and Map Reading). He was judged “Above Average” only in Instrument Flying. With respects to “Personal Qualities” he was again considered average in most respects, but was “Below Average” under the heading “Sense of Responsibility” and “Above Average” in “Dash” (meaning ability to take quick, decisive action). On 21 October 1941 the CFI at No.57 OTU summarised him as follows: “An average pilot who does not take his flying training seriously enough. Inclined to be over-confident and somewhat lacking in discipline”. The course at No.57 OTI had included one hour 40 minutes dual instruction, 52 hours 30 minutes solo (all by day) and one hour 55 minutes on Instrument Flying. He had been involved in 18 hours 40 minutes of formation flying and had spent five hours 55 minutes in the Link. With No.132 Squadron, 21 October 1941 to 30 March 1942 (promoted to Flight Sergeant, 1 February 1942); with No.603 Squadron, 30 March to 28 April 1942; with No.164 Squadron, 28 April to 9 May 1942; with No.249 Squadron, 9 May 1942; commissioned 22 June 1942; to No.2 SPTC, 29 June 1942; to No.145 Squadron, 21 July 1942; to No.1413 Flight, 8 September 1942. NOTE: the last three postings appear in pencil in his file and are questionable. Known in Malta as "Willie the Kid". Killed 31 October 1942 in crash of Liberator AL516 (No.511 Squadron), Gibraltar (E.H. Glazebrook was another member of the RCAF killed in the crash while G.F. Beurling, RAF, was injured) . Award presented to next of kin, 18 May 1944. Aerial victories (as listed by Chris Shores, Aces High) are as follows: 10 May 1942, one Ju.88 damaged; 12 May 1942, one Ju.88 damaged' 14 May 1942, one Bf.109 damaged; 10 June 1942, one Re.2001 destroyed; 15 June 1942, one Bf.109 damaged; 8 July 1942, one Ju.88 destroyed, one Bf.109 destroyed and one Ju.88 damaged; 10 July 1942, one Bf.109 destroyed; 14 July 1942, one Bf.109 destroyed; 27 July 1942, two Bf.109s destroyed; 27 August 1942, one Ju.87 probably destroyed on the ground, Sicily; 5 September 1942, one Bf.109 damaged; 14 October 1942, two Bf.109s damaged; 15 October 1942, one Ju.88 probably destroyed; 16 October 1942, one Ju.88 destroyed; 24 October 1942, one Bf.109 destroyed. This officer has fought the enemy with great determination. Within a short period he has destroyed at least four enemy aircraft, two of which he shot down in one day. Later his aircraft was damaged by enemy fire but he flew it safely to base. His courageous example has been most inspiring.

WILLIAMS, F/O Leslie Douglas (J23124) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.460 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born 26 December 1920. Home in Fort William, Ontario; enlisted in Ottawa, 27 August 1941 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.5 Personnel Holding Unit, 24 October 1941. To No.10 SFTS (guard duty), 20 December 1941. To No.7 ITS, 17 January 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 13 March 1942; to No.2 EFTS, 18 March 1942; may have graduated about 19 June 1942 but not posted to No.12 SFTS until 4 July 1942. Ceased training 1 September 1942 and posted to Trenton; to No.4 BGS, 9 October 1942; to No.5 AOS, 5 December 1942; graduated and commissioned 22 January 1943. To “Y” Depot, 3 February 1943; to RAF overseas, 8 March 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 22 July 1943. Repatriated 8 December 1944. To No.2 Air Command, 20 December 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 22 January 1945. Retired 22 March 1945. Award presented 22 February 1947. No citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/8831 has recommendation dated 10 November 1944 when he had flown 31 2/3 sorties (150 hours 20 minutes) as follows (* denotes 1/3 sortie). 25 March 1944 - Aulnoyenlisted 30 March 1944 - Nuremburg 10 April 1944 - Aulnoyenlisted 11 April 1944 - Aachen 3 May 1944 - Mailly 6 May 1944 - Aubigne Racon 21 May 1944 - Duisburg 22 May 1944 - Dortmund 7 June 1944 - Foret de Cerisy 10 June 1944 - Acheres 11 June 1944 - Evreux 20 July 1944 - Courtrai 25 July 1944 - Ardouval 3 August 1944 - Trossy St.Martin 4 August 1944 - Pauillac 5 August 1944 - Pauillac 7 August 1944 - Fontenay Le Marmion 10 August 1944 - Ferfay 11 August 1944 - Douai 12 August 1944 - La Pallice 18 August 1944 - Ghent 26 August 1944 - Kiel 31 August 1944 - Raimbert 5 September 1944 - Le Havre 6 September 1944 - Le Havre 10 September 1944 - Le Havre 12 September 1944 - Frankfurt 23 September 1944 - Neuss 26 September 1944 - Cap Gris Nez 27 September 1944 - Calais 5 October 1944 - Saarbrucken 7 October 1944 - Emerich 11 October 1944 - Fort Frederic Hendrik Flying Officer Williams is a Canadian Air Bomber who has just completed his first tour of operations. These include attacks on heavily defended targets at Nuremburg, Duisburg, Dortmund, Kiel, Frankfurt and Saarbrucken, as well as attacks on tactical targets in France and Holland. The majority of the operations which this Air Bomber took part in were in close support of the army in France,, and his efficiency and skill in precision bombing materially contributed to making his crew one of the most successful and reliable of the squadron. His courage and determination were such that even in the face of intense enemy opposition he could be relied upon to achieve excellent results and his complete willingness to participate in any operation has been an example to all. His courage and devotion to duty are such that I recommend the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his efficient and outstanding services.

WILLIAMS, F/O Maldwyn George (J85826) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.35 Squadron - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 April 1945 and AFRO 918/45 dated 1 June 1945. Born in Nanaimo, 27 February 1920. Home in Nanaimo. Salesman, production worker, employed 1940-1941 by Fairchild Aircraft, having taken a course at Boeing School of Aeronautics, California, January-May 1940. Enlisted in Vancouver, 18 June 1941 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.2 Training Command, 6 August 1941. To No.4 ITS, 31 August 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 3 October 1941; to No.18 EFTS, 8 October 1941; ceased training and posted to Composite Training School, Trenton, 18 November 1941; to No.10 AOS, 10 December 1941; graduated 13 March 1942 and posted next day to No.6 BGS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 25 April 1942. Posted on 26 April 1942 to No.2 ANS. To “Y” Depot, 26 May 1942; to RAF overseas, 14 June 1942. Disembarked in Britain, 24 June 1942. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 25 June 1942. To No.2 (Observer) AFU, 15 July 1942. Attached to Digby, 13 August 1942. To No.19 OTU, 15 August 1942. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 25 October 1942. Attached to No.2 ACD (whatever that is), 1 April to 1 July 1943. To No.10 OTU, 17 July 1943. Promoted WO2, 25 October 1943. To No.41 Base, 21 March 1944. Attached to No.4 Group Battle School, 21-28 March 1944. Attached to No.1658 Conversion Unit, 28 March to 17 May 1944. Commissioned 10 April 1944. To No.35 Squadron, 17 May 1944 (set operator). Attached to Night Training Unit, 17 May to 12 June 1944. Promoted Flying Officer, 1 October 1944. Repatriated 23 April 1945; to Western Air Command, 8 May 1945; to No.5 OTU, 13 June 1945. To No.9 Release Center, 13 September 1945; retired 20 September 1945. Award presented in Vancouver, 22 October 1949. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9060 has recommendation dated 21 January 1945 when he had flown 47 sorties (169 hours), 16 June 1944 to 5 January 1945. 16 June 1944 - Renescure 23 June 1944 - Coubrounne 24 June 1944 - Middel Straete 27 June 1944 - Oisemontneuville 2 July 1944 - ditto 6 July 1944 - Calquerean 7 July 1944 - Caen 10 July 1944 - Nucourt 12 July 1944 - Thiverny 14 July 1944 - St.Philibert 15 July 1944 - Nucourt 16 July 1944 - St.Philibert 18 July 1944 - Mont Cagny 22 July 1944 - L'Hey 23 July 1944 - Foret du Croc 3 August 1944 - Bois de Casson 5 August 1944 - Trossy 7 August 1944 - TOTALIZE 9 August 1944 - Foret de Nieppe 11 August 1944 - Douai 12 August 1944 - Russelsheim 14 August 1944 - Falaise area 16 August 1944 - Stettin 18 August 1944 - Connantre 25 August 1944 - Brest 25 August 1944 - Brest 11 September 1944 - Gelsenkirchen 13 September 1944 - Osnabruck 26 September 1944 - Calais area 30 September 1944 - Bottrop 12 October 1944 - Wanne Eickel 14 October 1944 - Duisburg 14 October 1944 - Duisburg 15 October 1944 - Wilhelmshaven 23 October 1944 - Essen 25 October 1944 - Essen 28 October 1944 - Cologne 2 November 1944 - Dusseldorf 18 November 1944 - Wanne Eickel 21 November 1944 - Worms 27 November 1944 - Neuss 29 November 1944 - Dortmund 5 December 1944 - Soest 6 December 1944 - Merseburg Leuna 12 December 1944 - Essen 15 December 1944 - Ludwigshaven 25 December 1944 - Cologne 2 January 1945 - Nuremburg 5 January 1945 - Hanover This officer has participated in a very large number of bombing operations against the enemy and has been an operator of special equipment in a very successful crew. His cheerful manner and cool determination in the target area has done much to inspire his crew and, in recognition of his services, he is recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Notes: In crew of Whitley AB711, No.10 OTU, 24 December 1942 when the aircraft was returning from an anti-submarine patrol in poor weather. Pilot had difficulty finding runway. Was trying to overshoot landing but Whitley would not climb, port propellor hit ground, and crash-landed, port wing down and wheels up. He was hospitalized until 31 March 1943 (compound fracture, right arm). On repatriation form dated 9 April 1945 he stated he had flown 60 sorties (250 hours 20 minutes), the last one on 20 February 1945. Had also flown 375 hours 15 minutes non-operational. Aircraft experience overseas with Anson (48.45), Whitley (222.15), Martinet (5.20), Halifax (45.20) and Lancaster (303.45). Application for Operational Wing: Drafted 26 February 1945, claimed 55 sorties (211 hours 30 minutes), 16 June 1944 to 21 February 1945. Training: Interviewed in Vancouver, 17 June 1941 - “This candidate in quite keen on flying. He is a trained Aircraftman. Appearance good, Talks freely and accurately. Good aircrew material.” Course at No.4 ITS was 1 September to 3 October 1941. Courses in Mathematics (80/100), Armament, written and practical (65/100), Signals (96/100), Drill (75/100), Law and Discipline (59/60), Hygiene and Sanitation (24/40). Placed 132nd in a class of 234. “Visual Link 65 percent. Posted to No.18 EFTS, Boundary Bay 9-10-41. One year Airframe Mechanic, Fairchilds Aircraft. Alert - quick - studious - responsible - game. Average education.” At No.18 EFTS, 13 October to 10 November 1941. Spent one hour in Link, flew 12.25 dual in Tiger Moth but did not solo. “Pupil made unsatisfactory progress. Was not considered safe for solo. Landings and take-offs were very poor. Flying generally erratic.” Mid-term exams in Ground School showed fair to good marks - Airmanship (72/100), Aero Engines (64/100), Theory of Flight (58/100), Air Navigation (72/100), Armament, oral (66/100). “Consider this pupil average. Did fairly well in mid-term examinations. His conduct and attitude have been good. It is felt that this airman has the ability to succeed as Air Observer.” Course at No.10 AOS was 8 December 1941 to 13 March 1942. Anson aircraft - 29.10 as first navigator by day, 20.40 as second navigator by day, 4.55 as first navigator by night, 8.05 as second navigator by night; 6.10 on bombing. Graded as follows - Proficiency as Navigator (311/500), Proficiency as Bomb Aimer (78/100), DR and DF/WT (written - 112/200), Compasses and Instruments (108/150), Signals (100/100), Bombing (74/100), Maps and Charts (64/100), Meteorology (50/100), Photography (85/100), Reconnaissance (66/100). Under “Navigation” described as follows - “Might make average navigator - very erratic. Warned in 6th and 9th week that he would have to do better.” Under “Bombing” described as follows - “Average bomb aimer, could be more careful.” General remarks as follows - “Works very hard but certainly needs to. A bit childish at times, needs seasoning. Asks a lot of foolish questions.” Placed 22nd in a class of 22. Course at No.6 BGS was 16 March to 25 April 1942. Battle aircraft - 16.20 day bombing, 3.45 night bombing, 14.30 gunnery by day. Dropped 52 bombs high level and 18 low level. Fired 400 rounds in Beam Test (19 percent hits), 600 rounds in Beam Relative Speed Test (three percent hits) and 713 rounds in Under Tail Test (four percent hits). Graded in Bombing, written (111/150), Bombing, practical (107/150), Proficiency as Bomb Aimer (190/300), Gunnery, written (80/100), Gunnery, practical (74/100) and Proficiency as Air Gunner (148/200). An average Bomb Aimer and Gunner. “Good worker. Not much ability as student. Will be an average Air Observer.” Placed 15th in a class of 26. Course at No.2 ANS was 27 April to 25 May 1942. Anson aircraft - 4.00 as first navigator by day, 9.15 as second navigator by day, 3.05 as first navigator by night, 8.45 as second navigator by night. Graded on Proficiency as Navigator (178/250), Astronomical Navigation Plotting (87/150), and Astronomical Navigation, written (64/100). Ground School assessment - “Knows the theory well enough but is careless and makes silly errors. Jumps at conclusions without bothering to think things out.” Air work - “An average navigator - makes hasty decisions. Should be watched. Will improve with experience. Showed up better towards end of course.” Bombing - dropped two bombs - scored 27/50. Placed 91st in a class of 127.

WILLIAMS, WO2 (now P/O) Robert George (R158484/J90457) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944 and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. Born 29 May 1924. Home in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan; enlisted in Saskatoon, 29 May 1942 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.5 BGS, 18 July 1942. To No.7 ITS, 12 September 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 6 November 1942; posted next day to No.3 AOS; graduated and promoted Sergeant 5 March 1943. To “Y” Depot, 19 March 1943; to RAF overseas, 27 March 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 5 September 1943. Commissioned 10 October 1944. Repatriated 21 December 1944; to No.2 Air Command, 31 December 1944; to No.7 AOS, 8 February 1945; to No.3 ANS, 31 March 1945. Promoted Flying Officer, 10 April 1945. To No.6 OTU, 17 August 1945. To Release Centre, 1 November 1945. To United Kingdom, 22 November 1945; repatriated 8 May 1946. Retired 24 June 1946. Award presented 6 May 1950. No citation other than "..in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations against the enemy." Public Records Office Air 2/8882 has recommendation dated 20 September 1944 when, as a Warrant Officer, he had flown 50 sorties (214 hours six minutes), 19 February to 17 September 1944. * denotes counted as 1/3 operation 19 February 1944 - Leipzig (8.20) 2 March 1944 - Moulan-les Mureaux (5.35)* 7 March 1944 - Le Mans (6.05)* 13 March 1944 - Le Mans (5.40)* 15 March 1944 - Stuttgart (4.25), DNCO 18 March 1944 - Frankfurt (6.05) 22 March 1944 - Frankfurt (6.40) 24 March 1944 - Berlin (7.15) 26 March 1944 - Essen (5.45) 30 March 1944 - Nuremburg (7.15) 9 April 1944 - Villeneuve St.George (5.25)* 10 April 1944 - Ghent (4.10)* 20 April 1944 - Lens (4.35)* 22 April 1944 - Dusseldorf (5.25) 24 April 1944 - Karlsruhe (7.05) 26 April 1944 - Essen (4.30) 1 May 1944 - St.Ghislain (4.05) 7 May 1944 - Valery de Vaux (3.35) 9 May 1944 - Valery de Vaux (3.35) 11 May 1944 - Boulogne (3.25) 12 May 1944 - Louvain (4.30) 5 June 1944 - Longues (3.08) 7 June 1944 - Foret de Cerisy (3.25) 16 June 1944 - Rennescure (2.00) 23 June 1944 - Coubronne (1.50) 24 June 1944 - Middle Straete (1.54) 27 June 1944 - Oisemont-au-Bois (2.18) 28 June 1944 - Metz (5.06) 30 June 1944 - Villers Bocage (2.36) 2 July 1944 - Oisemont-au-Bois (2.16) 4 July 1944 - Biennaise (2.19) 5 July 1944 - Watten (1.38) 6 July 1944 - Croixdale (2.25) 7 July 1944 - Caen (2.42) 12 July 1944 - Acquet (2.33) 17 July 1944 - Caen (2.29) 18 July 1944 - Acquet (1.32) 20 July 1944 - Bottrop (3.20) 23 July 1944 - Kiel (5.03) 24 July 1944 - L'Hey (1.46) 25 July 1944 - Foret du Croc (2.22) 28 July 1944 - Stuttgart (6.31) 30 July 1944 - Battle Area (2.16) 1 August 1944 - Belle Croix (1.51) 3 August 1944 - Nieppe (2.02) 25 August 1944 - Russelsheim (7.00) 27 August 1944 - Homburg (3.01) 28 August 1944 - Fromental (2.11) 29 August 1944 - Stettin (8.44) 1 September 1944 - Pourchinte (2.16) 5 September 1944 - Le Havre (2.17) 6 September 1944 - Le Havre (2.12) 8 September 1944 - Le Havre (2.20) 12 September 1944 - Wanne Eickel (3.13) 17 September 1944 - Boulogne (1.55) Warrant Officer Williams is an efficient navigator in a very successful crew. He has taken part in a great many operational sorties and has always proven to be exceptionally reliable, with a high degree of skill. He has shown an excellent offensive spirit, even under the most trying circumstances and has proven himself to be a very valuable member of aircrew. The fine personal example and devotion to duty displayed by this Warrant Officer has contributed greatly to the many successes achieved by his crew.

WILLIAMS, P/O Stanley Smith (J15283) - Mention in Despatches - Koggala - Award effective 1 June 1943 as per London Gazette dated 2 June 1943 and AFRO 1247/43 dated 2 July 1943. Born in Winnipeg, 6 March 1922. Home in Oak Lake, Manitoba; clerk and farm hand. Enlisted in Toronto, 6 June 1940. To No.1 ITS, 24 June 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 19 July 1940 when posted temporarily. To No.2 AOS, 31 July 1940; graduated 26 October 1940 and posted next day to No.2 BGS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 9 December 1940 when posted to No.1 CNS; may have graduated 6 January 1941 but not posted until 26 January 1941 when sent to No.3 Manning Depot; to Embarkation Depot, 27 January 1941; to RAF overseas, 2 March 1941. To No.4 Coastal) OTU, 10 March 1942. To No.210 Squadron, 10 May 1941. To No.413 Squadron, 1 March 1942. Commissioned 26 March 1942. To Far East, 10 May 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 1 October 1942. Drowned accidentally, 20 August 1943; described as Acting Flight Lieutenant at the time. Training: Interviewed by F/O H. Molyneux, 4 May 1940 who recommended him for Air Gunner. “This lad is rather poorly dressed but neat and clean and seems to be a splendid type. Seems very keen and is fond of shooting. His fondness for radio will help him a great deal. Should make a very good gunner.” Course at No.1 ITS was 27 June to 20 July 1940. Courses in Mathematics (85/100), Armament, practical and oral (59/100), Drill (70/100) and Law and Discipline. Placed 83rd in a class of 84. “Good in maths and appears above average in intelligence. Selected for Air Observer Training.” Course at No.2 AOS was 5 August to 26 October 1940. Anson and Lockheed aircraft (20.05 as first navigator by day, 21.00 as second navigator by day, four hours as first navigator by night, four hours as second navigator by night). Courses in DR Plotting (90/150), DR written (81/150), Compasses and Instruments (78/150), DF/WT (64/100), Signals (49/50), Maps and Charts (50/100), Meteorology (64/100), Photography (84/100), Reconnaissance (64/100). “Good appearance and average in studies. Needs more experience.” Placed 35th in a class of 40. Course at No.2 BGS was 28 October to 9 December 1940. Flew 8.25 on bombing and 2.30 on gunnery. Courses in Bombing, written (110/150), Bombing, practical (108/150), Gunnery, written (59/100) and Gunnery, practical (62/100). “An excellent bomb aimer. Some inexperienced pilots. Bombs could not be plotted on B.6 Exercises because of snow.” Placed eighth in a class of 36. “Better at practical work than theoretical. Air work above average.” Course at No.1 ANS was 9 December 1940 to 6 January 1941. Flew in Anson aircraft (7.45 as first navigator by day, 6.20 as second navigator by day, 3.10 as first navigator by night, 11.30 as second navigator by night). “Steady air navigator.” Placed twelfth in a class of 36. Circumstances of death: On the evening of 19 August 1943 set out on a moonlight cruise on Lake Koggala in a collapsible canoe, in company with S/L Clement Awdry Lea, Meteorological Officer, Koggala, who was a more experienced sailor. Boat capsized in a breeze and struggles in the water were to no avail; he could not swim.