Williams, F H (Francis (Frank) Howard)

Williams, F H (Francis (Frank) Howard)
Flying Officer Francis (Frank/Willy) Howard Williams was the son of Ernest and Mary Elizabeth Williams, of Ovingdean, Sussex. LL.B. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) during January 1942, which he received for 21 sorties he flew between August and October 1941 over enemy territory at Alkmaardermeer, Ijmuiden and Rotterdam in occupied Holland.
On the 7th of May 1942, Frank was performing training exercises over the river Foyle just outside Londonderry. He was flying Supermarine Spitfire, W3969,[1] and performing attacks on a Wellington bomber. Unfortunately, due to an error of judgement and against orders he performed a low flying manoeuvre that caused his fighter plane to lose control and he was unable to pull up, crashing into mudflats on Lough Foyle. He died instantly.
On the 12th of May 1942, Flying Officer Francis Williams was laid to rest. Two of his brothers attended the military funeral, one a Pilot Officer and the other a Flight Sergeant.
Date of Death: Died 07/05/1942 (Aged 29)
Service: Flying Officer (Pilot), 152 Squadron., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service Number: 101488
Burial Location: Faughanvale (Saint Canice) Church of Ireland Churchyard, Grave 22.
[1] The Supermarine Spitfire made its first flight during March 1936. It would remain in production until 1948.