Duncan Cenotaph

As part of our project to document the names on the Duncan Cenotaph in Charles Hoey Park, here is a page about Flight Sergeant Lionel Harry Williams, who died 2 October 1942, aged 24, while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force 405 Squadron as an air gunner. He is buried in Noordwijk General Cemetery, Netherlands.

On 2 October 1942, Royal Canadian Air Force 405 Squadron was based at Topcliffe, U.K.

Here is the local Cowichan Leader newspaper report of the death of Flight Sergeant Lionel Harry Williams:

“Saltair Airman

L.H. Williams, R.C.A.F. Sergeant, Presumed Dead

Sgt. Lionel Harry Williams, R.C.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Williams, Saltair, is now officially presumed dead, the air force has announced. he had previously been listed as missing.

From June, 1938, until June, 1939, he was on the staff of the Canadian Bank of Commerce at Duncan, as ledger-keeper.

Sgt. Williams enlisted on July 22, 1941, from Oliver, graduated from the Bombing & Gunnery School, Fingal, Ontario, in January 1942, and went overseas a month later.

Born at Medicine Hat and educated largely at Calgary, he was amateur boxing champion of Alberta in his class and Calgary and district champion.”

(Source: Cowichan Leader, October 1942, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)

Here are some websites with more information about Flight Sergeant Lionel Harry Williams:

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