Oswald Francis Williams
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 15 Jan 1909 |
| Place of Birth | Coomberdale, Western Australia |
| Death | 4 Nov 1998, aged 89 |
| Place of Death | Mandurah, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 32 years old |
| Description |
5'8½" (1.74 m) tall ; 147lbs 66.678 kg ; medium complexion ; blue eyes ; brown hair ; appendicectomy scare |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Fifth road, Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs Hilda Ada Williams |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 29776 |
| Date of Enlistment | 23 Jan 1941 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | No. 14 Squadron RAAF |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Medals |
War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
On 9 Sep 1930 Oswald married Hilda Ada Harman (1909 - 1998) in Perth. Hilda died at Dawesville on 24 Nov 1999, aged 90. At the time he enlisted, they had five children: Roy Oswald Bertram (19 Aug 1931 - ); Margaret Dora (29 Apr 1933 - ); David Ronald (26 Jul 1935 - 2015); Cecil Francis (9 Nov 1936 - ) and Maureen Hilda (15 Jul 1938 - ). Oswald at time of enlistment was working for the State Government Department of Harbours and Rivers. Another daughter Dorothy Anne (12 Dec 1944 - ) was born while he was serving.
Electoral Roll entries: 1931 at 8 Archer street, West Midland, labourer; 1943 at RAAF Pearce,
War Service
Oswald was enlisted on 23 Jan 1941, mustering as 'Guard' before being sent to the No. 4 Recruit Depot RAAF at Pearce. On the completion of basic training, Oswald was posted to No. 4 Service Flying Training School RAAF at Geraldton from 11 Mar 1941. In December 1941 he returned to Perth and on 17 Dec 1941 he was posted to RAAF HQ Western Area. There, he was appointed as a Leading Aircraftman on 1 Jul 1941, and promoted Temporary Corporal on 1 Mar 1942.
On 29 May 1942 Oswald was posted to No. 10 Stores Depot RAAF at Merredin where he was charged with a breach of conditions relating to security at No. 25 Inland Aircraft Fuel Depot. receiving a Severe Reprimand for his troubles. Oswald was hospitalised from 23 Dec 1942 until 14 Jan 1943 and again briefly on 16 Apr 1943 at the 110th Australian Base Hospital in Perth. On 6 May 1943 he was transferred to No. 5 Embarkation Depot RAAF, and on 26 Jul 1943 he was posted to No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron RAAF. On 7 Sep 1943 his posting changed to No. 4 Stores Depot RAAF where he was promoted Sergeant on 1 Aug 1944, and he remained there until 26 Dec 1944 when he was transferred to No. 4 Recruit Depot RAAF. On 15 Jun 1945 he was transferred to No. 14 Squadron RAAF before being posted again on 18 Oct 1945 to No. 5 Personnel Depot RAAF.
Post War
Hilda died at Dawesville on 24 Nov 1999, aged 90. Electoral Roll entries: 1949 at Gabbin, farm hand; 1958 at Narrogin, farm hand; 1968 - 1972 at School Cottage, Kalinda drive, City Beach, caretaker; 1977 - 1980 at 154 Woodside street, Doubleview, retired.
Notes