H.D. Williams MC (Military Cross).
Serial Number: 13/759
RAF Trade: Observer, then Pilot
Date of Birth 9th of December 1893
Date of Enlistment: 13th of July 1914 (just under 21)
Rank Achieved: Major
Flying Hours: 385.40 hours as Pilot
(252.4 hours operational), 100 hours as Observer.
Henry D. Williams joined the 11th Squadron, Auckland Mounted Rifles, at the outbreak of World War One.
After initial training he was shipped with his squadron to Egypt, where they were placed in Zeitoun Camp and trained for the Gallipoli assault.
Over the next year he fought at Gallipoli, gaining promotion to Lieutenant, and in early 1916 he applied for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps as an observer. This was granted and in May 1916 he and a Lt Shand became the first officers in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to transfer to the RFC, being posted to 17 Squadron.
Awarded The Military Cross
On the 17th of January 1918 it was gazetted that Temporary Captain Henry Williams had been awarded the Military Cross. the citation read. “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 27th July whilst carrying out artillery observation. Although attacked by two machines, he carried on with his work, driving one off and destroying the other. He has consistently shown courage and perseverance in carrying out his work and set a fine example to the squadron.”
HD Williams Flying record – A Lucky Break
He became a Flight instructor towards the end of the war.
Enlisted: 13th of July 1914
Demob:20th of December 1918
Return to NZ: 2nd of September 1919
Auckland Museum record aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial
In Scotland (Kinross House Estate, Milnathort –Google Maps) 
See also HD Williams Memoirespages 19-25