Collection relating to WO Arthur Roland Williams (421484), 159 Squadron

Accession Number S06064
Collection type Sound
Object type Recorded letter
Physical description sound disc lacquer (cardboard); 78 rpm; 6 1/2 inch
Maker Williams, Arthur Roland
Date made 3 September 1943
Access Open
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Copying Provisions Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction.
Description

Voice of 421484 Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt) Arthur Roland Williams, 159 Squadron RAF, of Bagotville, NSW. A farmer prior to enlistment, Flt Sgt Williams embarked for training as a wireless operator with the Royal Canadian Air Force in July 1942. While on leave in New York he recorded this letter and addressed it to his sister Daisy Connor. Flt Sgt Williams transferred to 159 Squadron RAF in June 1944, serving with the Squadron in India, and gaining a promotion to Warrant Officer (WO). On 31 January 1945, WO Williams embarked along with eight crew members aboard a consolidated Consolidated B24 Liberator aircraft for operations over Burma. The aircraft crashed with all crew members parachuting out prior to this. Five crew members were taken prisoners of war but WO Williams remained unaccounted for until an official enquiry found that he was killed whilst parachuting from the aircraft. WO Williams was aged 34 years old.

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