The metal plaque is bolted to the east facing brick wall of the changing pavilion at the southern end of Manly Beach. A transcription of the plaque follows:
Squadron Leader John "Willy" Williams, DFC
"Back in the Great Depression days of the early 1930's, this corner of Manly Beach was home to a youngster named John Williams.
"His family lived nearby, he attended the local village school; he was a talented surfboard rider and swimmer, and an Australian champion surfboat rower with Manly Life Saving Club crew; all his skills developed in these waters.
"He was also bright enough to earn entry to Sydney University's School of Medicine, but 18 year old John Williams decided, in 1938, to join Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) and prepare for the inevitable World War 2.
"A talented flyer, he became an instructor to young men preparing for the Battle of Britain. Aged just 21, he was a Flight Lieutenant and eager for action.
"He was sent to the Middle East, serving in three separate RAF units before a dream was realised; "Willy" was appointed Commanding Officer of the Harassers… the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 450 Squadron. In 1942 he shot down four enemy aircraft and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for exemplary gallantry.
"Eventually shot down, "Willy" was a leader among 76 men who escaped Nazi Germany's infamous prison camp Stalag Luft III, in March 1944. He was tracked down and executed, aged just 24. These events were the basis of the movie - 'The Great Escape'.
"History regards Willy as a British flyer… here in Manly, we are proud to remember John Williams as one of ours."
Warringah Australia Remembers Committee - 2018
Unveiled by the Hon. Tony Abbott, MP Member for Warringah on 29 March 2018
Plaque funded by Dee Why RSL sub-Branch
On further researching I found two articles written for the Australian newspaper, the 'Sydney Morning Herald' in 2012, that include direct references to John Williams, and his part in 'The Great Escape', (even though it was not accurately shown in the popular movie - his capture, and subsequent execution was not shown).
From surf lover to war hero; 17 March, 2012
History honours four 'great escapers'; 26 March, 2012
* It was while he was a life saver at Manly Beach that he heard how Germany had potential plans to eventually invade Australia, a year before the commencement of WW2; see the above links. *
Visited: 1719, Wednesday, 26 December, 2018