Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second-Lieutenant

Unit:

Headquarters, 12th (Eastern) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

2/7th Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment, 169th (London) Infantry Brigade, 56th (London) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

January 27th, 1944

Citation (general):
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy."

WO 373/4/219

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

2/7th Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment, 169th (London) Infantry Brigade, 56th (London) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

April 26th, 1945

Citation:
"San Savino 872842. 13 Sep 44
During the early morning of 13 Sep 2/7 Queens was ordered to attack and secure the O FAMBRI spur (860845).
The attack was supported by a Sqn of 2 RTR which moved ahead of the two leading coys of 2/7 Queens. The movement of these tanks immediately drew extremely heavy DF Fire from the enemy arty, mortars and small arms which caused severe casualties to the two leading inf coys, and stopped all fwd movement.
Immediately Major MacWilliam moved up, and working with great energy and complete disregard of the enemy's defensive concentrations which were falling around him, got "A" and "C" coys re-organised and on the move again.
Major MacWilliam then led his two forward coys until they took over from the tanks on the objective.
Here, he personally deployed the two coys, who were by now almost without Officers, and sited his MG's in preparation for an enemy counter attack.
This work was carried out by Major MacWilliam during a period of extremely heavy shelling and continuously mortaring; he did not allow enemy action to deny him in his task for one moment during this critical period.
It was entirely due to his gallant conduct and personal leadership that the bn, considerably reduced in strength, was able to drive off two counter attacks put in by the enemy during the hour following the attacking of the objective.
This Officer was acting in command of 2/7 Queens throughout the operations in the Adriatic Sector and maintained an outstandingly high standard of personal bravery and leadership.
The incident cited above can regarded as one of several occasions on which he carried his unit through to success at critical periods by his own fearless and inspiring leadership."

Second DSO awarded as a bar.
WO 373/13/205

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

2/7th Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment, 169th (London) Infantry Brigade, 56th (London) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

August 23rd, 1945

Citation:
"Lt Col M.E.M. MacWilliam DSO, MC commanded 2/7 Queen's throughout the recent fighting from the River RENO to VENICE. His own personal gallantry, initiative and dash were throughout of an outstanding nature and were the inspiration behind several remarkable feats of arms performed by his unit.
The chief of this were the break through of the strong German position in the ARGENTA Gap after very severe fighting on the 15 April, the capture of PORTO MAGGIORE and establishment of a bridgehead over the canal to the NORTH of the town on the 19th April, and the establishment of a bridgehead over the river ADIGE and clearing of the NORTH bank on the 27/28 April.
With less brilliant leadership, these formidable obstacles could not have been overcome in the time taken and with such low casualty figures."

Third DSO awarded as a second bar
WO 373/13/205

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Late Infantry

Awarded on:

June 13th, 1970

WO 373/173/459

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)