WILLIAMS, Richard

As the first military pilot trained in Australia, Richard Williams went on to achieve an illustrious career with the Air Force, including the establisment of the RAAF in 1922. Born on 3 August 1890 at Moonta Mines. South Australia. he was the eldest son of Richard Williams, a copper miner from Cornwall and wife Emily.

He left the local school at junior secondary level to become a telegraph messenger then bank clerk. Aged 19 he joined the South Australian Infantry Regment, becoming a second lieutenant in the AIF in March, 1911. In August, 1914 he joined the first military flying course at Point at Point Cook being the first pilot to graduate in November 1914. He completed an advanced flying course at Point Cook in July 1915, marrying Constance Esther Griffiths the following month.

In January 1916 Williams was promoted to Captain, then joined the No.1 Squadron AFS as flight commander. In 16 March 1916 the unit embarked for Egypt on the 'Orsova' without aircraft. Initally involved on action with the Royal Flying Corps units No.1 around the Suez Canal, in December No.1 Squadron AFS commeced independent operation supporting the Allied advance on Palestine. Soon after Williams ha a narrow escape following engine failure whilst bombing the Tel el Sheria railway terminus. In April 1917 he landed behind enemy lines to rescue downed Lieutenant Adrian Cole. The previous day he had sucessfully attacked Turkish cavalry whilst under intensive anti aircraft fire. He wsa awarded the DSO for 'conspicuous gallantry', promoted to Major a given command of No.1 Squadron.

In June 1918 Williams was made lieutenant colonel and commander of the RAF's 40th (Army) Wing which included his former No.1 Squadron. His forces took part in th Battle of Armageddon, the final offensive to destroy Turkish columns in Palestine. In November Williams became temporary commander of the Palestine Brigade whc included the RAF's 40th Wing and5th (Corps) Wing. He was awarded the Order of the Nahda by the King of Hejaz.

In February, 1919 he embarked from Port Said on HT Ormonde to the UK where he reported for duty at the AFC headquarters, becoming Staff Officer Aviation atBrinsmead, then inspecting aeroplane works across the UK. He was awarded an OBE in the 1919 New Year Honours.

Williams, accompanied by his wife, returned to Australia in early 1920 to take up the postion of Director of Air Services at Army Headquarters in Melbourne. With the disbandment of the AFC and establishment of the AAC, air force personnel adopted ranks used by the RAF. Williams became awing commander, leading the creation of the Australian Air Force, formed on 31 March 1921. He was instramental in building assets and services of the AAF. He served as Chief of Air Staff times, studied overseas, all part of an exceptional career with the Air Force. He was posted to London during WW2 toset up te RAAF Overeas Heaquarters. Postwar he retired became Australia's Director General of Civil Aviation, a post he held for 10 years.

His wife Constance died in 1948 and he remarried Lois Victoria Cross in February 1950. He was awarded a KBE in the 1954 New Year Honours. Sir Richard Williams died in Melbourne on 5 February 1980.