Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flying Officer

Unit:

No. 159 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

March 5th, 1946

Recommendation:
"Squadron Leader R.W. Williams has set an example to the squadron of the highest order, and his leadership and example has considerably
influenced the squadron to success. On June 1 at Satahib on a shipping strike, finding that the primary target was already beginning to sink, he
saved the bombs for another target. Then making a low level run over another ship his bombs failed to release. Whilst going round to make
another run, this was also hit and sunk by another aircraft. He again sought out another target, this time an enemy sloop, obtaining a direct hit on the stern and severely damaging it.
On another occasion an operation was planned to destroy the Kanchanaburi Bridge on the Bangkok-Moulmein railway by low level bombing. For the successful conclusion of the mission it was essential that the considerable ack-ack defences should be silenced. This officer was selected to lead the flight with that objective in view. He personally remained over the target well within range of all their guns for over an hour, deliberately drawing their fire to distract them from the aircraft at low level, and then bombing them. It was persistent skill and complete lack of regard for his own personal safety that allowed the main force to attack and successfully conclude their mission with very little damage and no loss of life. His consistent devotion to duty and very real courage are worthy of high recognition."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)