Private Horace B Williams

Horace Benjamin Williams was the son of William A and Lily Williams, of Birmingham. He enlisted in the Highland Regiment and volunteered for airborne forces.

Private Williams successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway on course number 74 from 23 July to 3 August when he sustained slight concussion, having landed whilst turning. He completed 2 Balloon and 2 Aircraft jumps and was re-scheduled to course number 75A from 26 July to 6 August 1943. His course report stated “Keen, intelligent type. Jumped well. Completed 3 Aircraft and 1 night balloon descent. Will make an efficient paratrooper”. He was posted to C Company, 8th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and took part in Operation Overlord (Normandy).

Pte Williams was killed in action on 25 August 1944, aged 20, and was given a field burial in Quetteville and was re-interred to Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France, on 25 October 1945.

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