Thomas Williams (RAF officer)
| Sir Thomas Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born |
27 September 1899 Dalton, Lancashire |
| Died | 10 June 1956 (aged 56) Ashford, Kent |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |
British Army (1916–18) Royal Air Force (1918–53) |
| Years of service | 1916–53 |
| Rank | Air Marshal |
| Commands held |
Inspector-General of the RAF (1951–52) British Air Forces of Occupation (1948–51) RAF Staff College, Bracknell (1947–48) AHQ Bengal (1943) RAF Watton (1940–41) RAF Andover (1938–39) No. 423 (Fleet Spotter) Flight (1924, 1927–29) No. 406 (Fleet Fighter) Flight (1924–25, 1926–27) |
| Battles/wars |
First World War Russian Civil War Second World War |
| Awards |
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Officer of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Mentioned in Despatches (2) Distinguished Service Medal (United States) Commander of the Legion of Merit (United States) Air Medal (United States) |
| Spouse(s) | Patricia Williams |
Air Marshal Sir Thomas Melling Williams, KCB, OBE, MC, DFC & Bar (27 September 1899 – 10 June 1956) was an ace pilot in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, scoring nine aerial victories, and a senior officer in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and the following years.
Williams was commissioned into the 12th South African Infantry and was in action in German West Africa in 1916 and 1917. He transferred into the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. After training as a pilot, Williams was assigned to No. 65 Squadron in France, flying Sopwith Camels. He achieved nine air victories, and was awarded the Military Cross for his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty" during operations in 1918 in which "he destroyed three enemy aircraft and drove down two out of control." This was followed by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) later that year. The citation for the latter was published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 2 November 1918, reading:
During recent operations this officer rendered most gallant and valuable service, proving himself to be a very capable and inspiring leader. On one occasion, observing three enemy railway trains, he dived, and in face of very heavy machine-gun fire seriously damaged one by a direct hit with a bomb. He then descended almost to the ground, and attacked the personnel escaping from the ruined train, scattering them in all directions. On returning to his aerodrome his machine was found to be riddled with bullets.
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