Air Marshal Sir Thomas Melling Williams, KCB, OBE, MC, DFC & Bar (27 September 1899 – 10 June 1956) was an ace pilot in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, scoring nine aerial victories, and a senior officer in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and the following years.
[1] He achieved nine air victories,[2] and was awarded the Military Cross for his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty" during operations in 1918 in which "he destroyed three enemy aircraft and drove down two out of control.
The citation for the latter was published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 2 November 1918, reading:[4] During recent operations this officer rendered most gallant and valuable service, proving himself to be a very capable and inspiring leader.
On one occasion, observing three enemy railway trains, he dived, and in face of very heavy machine-gun fire seriously damaged one by a direct hit with a bomb.
[1] He continued his war service as Station Commander at RAF Watton from 1940, as Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters No.