James Alexander Williams SAAF 420918 (P47642?)

[pzulba]

Looking for Citations for James Alexander Williams SAAF 420918 (P47642?)

Maj 24 Sqd around 1943 - DFC possibly Bar

LtCol then Col 2 Wing SAAF 1944/45 - DSO

Thanks in advance

PZULBA - Out of Africa (Retired)

[dennis_burke]

oh, while I see you there PZULBA

Do you know do the SAAF archives have airframe records, like RAF Form 1180s? Was wondering about a Harvard EX501 that we were looking up in this thread

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/sho...-Leone-in-1944

RAF museum said it was on the strenght of SAAF?

[wwrsimon]

With regards to Williams, have you seen this page?

http://domiks.simplesite.com/441015452

Pop it into Google Translate:

https://translate.google.co.uk/trans...52&prev=search

Regards

Simon

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello,

WILLIAMS, J.A. - D.S.O. LG: 26 Nov. 1943 Lieutenant-Colonel, D.F.C. (P47642), South African Air Force, No.24 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron "for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations."
James Alexander WILLIAMS. (47642) Lt., South African Air Force; Capt.; A/Maj.; No.24 (S.A.A.F.) Sqn. (D.F.C. LG: 18 Sep. 1942 and Flight, 8 Oct. 1942 "Since the squadron first went into action this officer has completed numerous bombing raids, in May, 1941, whilst flying a Maryland aircraft on a long-range fighter escort to H.M. ships south of Crete, he engaged a Me 110 with his front guns and shot it down into the sea*. In December, 1941**, his aircraft was one of a small formation of Bostons which were attacked by 16 Me 109s. His aircraft was shot down, but Maj. Williams and two of his crew escaped by parachute. Although he was slightly wounded he remained on operations, he has led very successful raids on the enemy.") Lt-Col.; CO, No. 24 (S.A.A.F.) Sqn. (D.S.O.); Details appeared in Flight, 30 Dec. 1943: "Since the award of the D.F.C. this officer has completed a large number of operational sorties and on 40 occasions has led the squadron of which he is commanding officer on daylight operations, pressing home his attacks with great, courage and determination at all times. While under his leadership no aircraft has been lost." C.St.J. LG: 28 Jun. 1946.

See:
Companions of the Distinguished Service Order 1920 -2006 - Air Awards.
Hearns,Doug V.P., D.D.
Uckfield:Naval & Military Press,2011,
p.399

* This event took place on 31 May, 1941 (See: HOTMAW/Vol.1/Shores et al/Grub Street/2012/pp.206-7.

**
10 December 1941.
24 Sqn SAAF
Boston III Z2187
Op: Bir el Gubbi.

Took off OLG , LG 130, one of six detailed to attack German ground positions and armour, and shot down by Lt Willi Kothmann (2./JG 27), who was badly wounded by return fire . Lt Alexander is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial.

Lt J A Williams SAAF
Lt B G Alexander SAAF +
2/Lt R A Joiner SAAF Injured
Air Sgt D Newell Injured

Labelled the "Boston Tea Party!" No.24 Sqn SAAF lost 5 of 6 aircraft on this op.

See:
Royal Air Force Bomber Losses in the Middle East and Mediterranean - Vol.1: 1939-1942.
Gunby,David & Pelham Temple.
Hinckley:Midland Publishing,2006.
p.107.

Col

[pzulba]

Cheers

PZULBA - Out of Africa (Retired)

[HughAHalliday]

WILLIAMS, James Alexander, Acting Major (P.47642, South African Air Force) - No.24 Squadron, South African Air Force - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 18 September 1942. Public Record Office Air 2/9596 has citation.

Since the squadron first went into action in May 1941, this officer has completed numerous bombing raids. On 31st May 1941, whilst flying a Maryland aircraft on a long range fighter escort to His Majesty's ships south of Crete, he engaged a Messerschmitt 110 with his front guns and shot it down into the sea. In December 1941 his aircraft was one of a small formation of Bostons which were attacked by 16 Messerschmitt 109s. His aircraft was shot down but Major Williams and two of his crew escaped by parachute. Although he was slightly wounded, he remained on operations. This officer has shown remarkable courage and devotion to duty. He has led very successful raids on the enemy.

WILLIAMS, James Alexander, Lieutenant-Colonel, DFC (P.47642, South African Air Force - No.24 Squadron, SAAF - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 26 November 1943. Pilot. Public Record Office Air 2/8993 noted it was awarded when he had flown 61 sorties and 125 flying hours since previous award.

Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has completed a large number of operational sorties and on 40 occasions has led the squadron of which he is Commanding Officer on daylight operations, pressing home his attacks with great courage and determination at all times. While under his leadership no aircraft has been lost. He is an outstanding officer whose magnificent personal record in all types of operations has been inspiring to those under his command.