John Edwin Ashley Williams

John Edwin Ashley Williams
Flight Lieutenant John Williams, c.1941–42
Nickname(s)"Willy"
Born(1919-05-06)6 May 1919
Wellington, New Zealand
Died29 March 1944(1944-03-29) (aged 24)
near Sagan, Germany
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
BranchRoyal Air Force
Years of service1938–1944
RankSquadron Leader
UnitNo. 112 Squadron RAF
No. 94 Squadron RAF
No. 260 Squadron RAF
CommandsNo. 450 Squadron RAAF
Battles / wars
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross
Mentioned in Despatches

Squadron Leader John Edwin Ashley "Willy" Williams DFC (6 May 1919 – 29 March 1944) was an Australian air ace during the Second World War. He served in the Middle East and North Africa with the Royal Air Force (RAF), and was among the Allied prisoners of war (POWs) murdered by the Gestapo following "The Great Escape" in 1944. He commanded No. 450 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force for three days, before he was captured in 1942.