Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 428 (Ghost) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

May 18th, 1943

Citation:
"In April, 1943, this airman was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg.
Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The bomber commenced to vibrate violently, while the rudder bar swung loosely. Despite this, Sergeant Williamson continued his run-up and successfully bombed the target. The situation became critical and Sergeant Williamson gave orders to prepare to abandon aircraft. As no answer was received from the rear gunner, the navigator went to investigate and found that the rear turret had been blown away. The rudder was very badly damaged and all the fuselage to the rear of the beam gun position was stripped of fabric. The hydraulic system
was out of action, causing the undercarriage to sag and the bomb doors to open. In spite of this, Sergeant Williamson kept the seriously damaged bomber headed for home and eventually reached an airfield where he effected a landing. In most hazardous circumstances this airman displayed fortitude and courage of a high degree."