Thomas Williams (RAF officer) facts for kids

Air Marshal Sir Thomas Melling Williams (27 September 1899 – 10 June 1956) was a very skilled pilot. He was an "ace" in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, winning nine air battles. He also became a high-ranking officer in the Royal Air Force during and after the Second World War.

Sir Thomas Williams: A Brave Pilot's Story

Sir Thomas Williams had an amazing career in the military, starting in the army and then becoming a famous pilot. He showed great courage and leadership throughout his service.

Early Military Service and Flying Training

Thomas Williams joined the 12th South African Infantry in 1916. He fought in German West Africa in 1916 and 1917. In 1917, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the UK's air force at the time.

After training to fly, Williams was sent to No. 65 Squadron in France. There, he flew Sopwith Camels, which were famous fighter planes.

Becoming a World War I Flying Ace

During the First World War, Thomas Williams became a flying ace. This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. He achieved nine air victories in total.

For his bravery, he received the Military Cross. This award was given for his "great bravery and dedication" in 1918. He destroyed three enemy planes and forced two others to crash.

Later that year, he also received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). An official statement about this award said he was a "very capable and inspiring leader."

A Daring Attack on Enemy Trains

One time, he saw three enemy trains. He flew his plane down low and, even with heavy machine-gun fire, hit one train with a bomb. He damaged it badly. Then, he flew even lower to attack the people running from the ruined train, making them scatter. When he returned to his airfield, his plane was full of bullet holes, showing how dangerous his mission was.

Service After the First World War

By the end of World War I in 1918, Williams was a flight commander, meaning he led a group of planes. He continued this role when he was sent to North Russia. There, he helped forces fighting against a group called the Bolsheviks. For this, he received a Bar to his DFC, which means he got the DFC a second time.

After the war, he led No. 423 Flight and then No. 406 Flight of the Fleet Air Arm. This part of the air force worked with the navy.

World War II and Leadership Roles

In 1938, he became the Station Commander at RAF Andover. He served throughout the Second World War. In 1940, he was one of the last RAF officers to escape from France to Britain, leaving from Brest.

He continued his war service as Station Commander at RAF Watton from 1940. He then became a Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters No. 2 Group from 1941. Later that year, he moved to Headquarters RAF Bomber Command.

After serving in the Far East and India, Williams was appointed Air Officer Commanding the AHQ Bengal in 1943. He became Deputy Commander at Headquarters Eastern Air Command in December 1943. In August 1944, he became the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff for Operations.

Post-War Career and Later Life

After the war, he became the leader of the RAF Staff College, Bracknell. Then, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the British Air Forces of Occupation. In 1951, he became the Inspector-General of the RAF.

Sir Thomas Williams' career in the air force ended early due to health problems. He passed away in June 1956.