Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

53rd Worcestershire Yeomanry Anti Tank Regiment, 48th (South Midland) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1940

"At COSTCAPEIJE on 28th May, 1940, Major WILLIAMS-THOMAS and Captain B.G. Evers, although practically surrounded by the enemy, continued to fight the one remaining gun of their Anti-Tank Battery after the others had been successfully withdrawn. Two enemy tanks, closely supported by infantry, approached under cover of a house and opened fire on the fun at a point blank range of about 40 yards. While Major WILLIAMS-THOMAS and Capt. Evers kept the enemy infantry at a distance with hand grenades, the detachment engaged each tank in turn and succeeded in putting both of them out of action by direct hits. During this engagement, however, a third enemy tank worked its way round in rear of the gun and, getting in a burst of fire at short range, put the gun out of action, wounded Capt. Evers so seriously that he died shortly afterwards and also wounded Major WILLIAMS-THOMAS and four men out of the detachment of five.

The conspicuous gallantry displayed by Major WILLIAMS-THOMAS, Captain Evers and the gun detachment in this tenacious action against overwhelming odds undoubtedly created a most valuable diversion which delayed the enemy advance and thereby materially assisted other troops in the vicinity in carrying out their withdrawal.

Throughout the Operations Major WILLIAMS-THOMAS gave example of high courage, and resolute tenacity which enabled his battery to inflict heavy casualties to enemy tanks and materially assist the infantry who they were supporting."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Awarded on:

April 29th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Headquarters, 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

1945

Awarded for:

Operation Overlord

"This officer, as GSO2 of 43rd Division was responsible for much of the detailed work which ensured the smooth embarkation of landing of the Division in Normandy. Since 24 June he has been untiring in his work, and his Staff contribution to the Division's operations has been, in a large measure, the cause of its many successful engagements throughout the Battle of Normandy and the subsequent victorious advances."

With silver star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

SHAEF Mission Belgium/Luxembourg, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces

Awarded on:

March 22nd, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

SHAEF Mission Belgium/Luxembourg, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces

Awarded on:

November 19th, 1948

"His work has been particularly concerned with the organization and equipment of the Belgian Liberated Manpower. In carrying out a programme for over 50,000 men he has always been up to date and both the Armies and the Belgian authorities thoroughly satisfied."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)