Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War Lancaster bomber Wireless Operator’s Immediate D.F.M. awarded to Sergeant K. P. C. Williams, 550 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for selfless gallantry in attending to wounded crew members when their aircraft was attacked by fighters after a bombing mission against Berlin in March 1944; his luck ran out the following month when his Lancaster was shot down over France by enemy night fighters with the loss of the whole crew

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (908406 Sgt. K. P. C. Williams. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, the first mounted on its original investiture pin, extremely fine (5) £1,800-£2,200

D.F.M. London Gazette 2 May 1944:
‘One night in March, 1944, this airman was the wireless operator (air) of an aircraft which attacked Berlin. Soon after the bombs had been released the aircraft was attacked by fighters and sustained much damage. After the enemy aircraft had been evaded it was discovered that the mid-upper and rear gunners had been wounded. Displaying great promptitude, Sergeant Williams extricated the rear gunner from his turret. He was unconscious and his oxygen mask was damaged. Without regard for his own welfare, Sergeant Williams removed his own mask and fitted it to the face of his injured comrade. He then attended to the needs of the other gunner to whom he rendered efficient first aid. But for his prompt aid it is doubtful whether his injured comrades would have survived the long flight home. Throughout the sortie, Sergeant Williams displayed great co-operation and devotion to duty.’

Kenneth Percy Charles Williams was killed on the night of 10-11 April 1944, when Lancaster I ‘LL836 BQ-E’ took part in a sortie to bomb the railway yards at Aulnoye. Having taken off from North Killingholme at 2325 hrs the aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter and crashed less than a kilometre NNW of Achiet-le-Petit in the Pas-de-Calais, 7 km NW of Bapaume. All seven crew rest in Achiet-le-Petit Communal Cemetery.

Sold with original Air Ministry copy of the D.F.M. citation with covering letter addressed to his wife at Brook Street, Selby, Yourkshire; Buckingham Palace named condolence letter; Central Chancery invitation to Mrs K. P. C. Williams to attend Buckingham Palace on 9 April 1946, in order to receive the D.F.M. awarded to her late husband; and original photograph of his grave marker.