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On the morning of 15th November, 1944, a Beaufighter aircraft crashed and burst into flames on Kamiri Strip, Noemfoor.

Sergeant WILLIAMS immediately rushed to the aircraft and endeavoured to release the navigator from the cockpit. He was, however, driven back by the flames.

He then made a further attempt, this time directing the fire tender crew to play the hoses and foam extinguishers over him. In company with LAC Walters of the fire crew, who was clad in an asbestos suit, he endeavoured to rescue the navigator. They succeeded after a strenuous effort, and carried him from the scene of the crash.

Whilst endeavouring to effect the rescue, Sergeant WILLIAMS was well aware that the petrol tanks of the aircraft might explode at any moment. He worked with complete disregard for his own life, his heroism and devotion to duty being an inspiration to all who witnessed the crash.

Archival Material

National Archives of Australia

Series No.	Control Symbol	Item Title	Digitised Item	Item ID
A9301	27994	WILLIAMS LEONARD WILLIAM : Service Number - 27994 : Date of birth - 13 Nov 1912 : Place of birth - YORKETOWN SA : Place of enlistment - ADELAIDE : Next of Kin - WILLIAMS JESSIE		4569750