Warrant Officer Class 1 Harold W R Williams

Harold William Royston Williams, commonly known as Bill, enlisted with the Royal Artillery early in the Second World War on 20 March 1940, and was based at Preston Barracks, Brighton and Raglan Barracks, Devonport.

Shortly afterwards, Bill was amongst the earliest volunteers to No 2 Commando later in 1940. He remained with the unit as it was subsequently redesignated 11 Special Air Service, and in late 1941, 1st Parachute Battalion, training at Fort William, Scotland and later on Salisbury Plain. He is recorded on Parachute Course 16 at RAF Ringway in June 1942, although it is possible this was a refresher course following an earlier course, before the formal recording of parachute training.

He served with R Company, 1st Parachute Battalion in North Africa, Italy and Sicily. It is also thought that he may have seen service in North West Europe later in the war. During his service, he was wounded by shrapnel to his chest, and broke his ankle.

Bill Williams rose steadily through the ranks during his service, and was discharged on 20 March 1946 holding the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant (CQMS). He received a Commendation for his Service from Field Marshal Montgomery.

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