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Auction: 21001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 780

The impressive K.C.B., O.B.E., M.C., D.F.C. and Bar mounted group of fifteen miniature dress medals and Log Books of Air Marshal Sir T. M. Williams, Royal Air Force

Williams cut his teeth and gained 'ace' status during the Great War on the Western Front, notching up no less than nine kills along the way with No. 65 Squadron, and an M.C. and D.F.C. for his work, before transferring to North Russia and adding a Bar to his D.F.C.

Joining the Fleet Air Arm in 1919, Williams continued his rise through the ranks and was in France with the Advanced Air Striking Force at the start of the Second World War, becoming A.O.C. Bengal Command in 1943 and ending the war as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Ops); he retired with a K.C.B. in 1952 having been Inspector General of the Royal Air Force

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, K.C.B. Badge; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd Type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) Badge; Military Cross, G.V.R.; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; United States of America, Legion of Merit; United States of America, Distinguished Service Medal; United States of America, Air Medal; France, Legion of Honour, with rosette upon riband; France, Croix de Guerre, with Palme upon riband, mounted as worn, good very fine (15)

K.C.B. London Gazette 8 June 1950.

M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he destroyed three enemy aircraft and drove down two out of control. He showed great skill and courage in his attacks, and set a fine example to all.'

D.F.C. London Gazette 2 November 1918:

'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.'

Second Award Bar to D.F.C. London Gazette 22 December 1919.

American Legion of Merit London Gazette 15 March 1946.

American Distinguished Service Medal London Gazette 12 December 1950.

American Air Medal London Gazette 28 July 1944.

Thomas Melling Williams was born on 27 September 1899 at Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire and was educated at Germiston, South Africa. Serving with the 12th South African Infantry in German East Africa in 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps and served with No. 65 Squadron on the Western Front and thence in North Russia. He served with great distinction during the Second World War and was one of the last Officers to escape from France in 1940 via Brest.

Post-war he accompanied the crew of the York which carried the millionth ton of freight in Berlin during the Airlift, earning the American Distinguished Service Medal in the process. He was due to be appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Far Eastern Air Force in 1952 but was forced to retire due to poor health and died on 10 June 1958.

Sold together with the following items:

(i)
Army Book 425, Pilot's Flying Log Book, with entries from 2 September 1917-18 December 1921, entries in ink. Covering the complete time of his training, before active service on the Western Front including his aerial victories and service in North Russia. Includes a number of newspaper cuttings pasted in by the recipient.

(ii)
Royal Air Force Form 414, Pilot's Flying Log Book, inscribed 'Book No.4', covering dates of 6 August 1928-15 April 1931.

(iii)
Royal Air Force Form 414, Pilot's Flying Log Book, covering dates 6 October 1931-8 June 1937, with 2745 hours Total Time.

(iv)
His cloth RAF wings and a silver sweetheart brooch.

(v)
A quantity of copied research and extracts related to his career.

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Sold for
£1,500

Starting price
£800