WILLIAMSON, George Edward
| Service Numbers: | Q34143, 426933 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 24 March 1941 |
| Last Rank: | Flight Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | No. 186 Squadron (RAF) |
| Born: | Rockhampton Queensland, Australia , 25 July 1916 |
| Home Town: | Bundaberg, Bundaberg, Queensland |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | Flying Battle, Baerl, N.E. of Moers, Germany, 20 November 1944, aged 28 years |
| Cemetery: |
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany Coll. Grave 29. B. 1-16 Local Roll of Honour- Bundaberg Queensland , Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Brandon War Memorial, International Bomber Command Centre Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 24 Mar 1941: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, Q34143, Army Training Units | |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Mar 1941: | Involvement Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, Q34143, Army Training Units, Homeland Defence - Militia and non deployed forces | |
| 15 Aug 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 426933, Aircrew Training Units | |
| 16 Aug 1942: | Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 426933, Aircrew Training Units, Empire Air Training Scheme | |
| 20 Nov 1944: | Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 426933, No. 186 Squadron (RAF), Air War NW Europe 1939-45, Pilot - 186 squadron (RAF) Aircraft and crew lost on raid to | |
| 29 Dec 1944: | Honoured Distinguished Flying Cross, Air War NW Europe 1939-45, 186 Squadron (RAF) |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Graham Padget
Flight Lieutenant George Edward Williamson was the son of George and Lucy Ann Williamson of Bundaberg Queensland Australia.
DFC Citation: “In November 1944, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Hamburg. When approaching the target the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Both the port engines were disabled and only one of the propellers could be feathered. The port petrol tanks were pierced and much of the contents seeped into the wing and fuselage. The aircraft lost height but Flying Officer Williamson continued his run to execute a good bombing attack. Afterwards, course was set for base. The aircraft was still gradually losing height and Flying Officer Williamson was unable to maintain his place with the main bombing force. A little later the aircraft was again hit. The petrol supply was becoming diminished and it was apparent that England could not be reached. Course was altered and eventually FO Williamson effected a masterly landing in a waterlogged field in friendly territory. In most harassing circumstances this officer displayed skill, courage and tenacity of a high standard. (London Gazette 29/12/1944, Page 5954).
Flight Lieutenant George Edward Williamson last air operation:
Lancaster HK622 took off from RAF Tuddenham at 1237 hours on the 20th November1944, detailed to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. A Missing Research & Enquiry team reported later: “The aircraft was shot down by heavy anti-aircraft fire and exploded in the air at Baerl, 4 to 5 kms north east of Moers at 1515 hours on 20th November.” All the crew members were killed.
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