Arthur James Williams
Arthur James Williams | |
|---|---|
| Known for | a pioneering pilot who helped develop aviation in Guyana |
Lt. Col. Arthur "Art" James Williams, USAAF, AAM, OBE was a pilot who helped develop aviation in Guyana, then British Guiana.
He arrived in British Guiana in 1934, flying aIreland N-2C Neptune amphibian biplane. In 1938, he registered British Guiana Airways Limited. Also known as B.G. Airways, Williams was contracted by the government doing mail delivery and survey work.[1] During World War II volunteered for service, performing anti-submarine patrols until he was called up for military service as Major in the U.S. Air force.[2]
Willams was also advisor for the development of Atkinson Field and many hinterland airstrips.[2]
On April 1, 1942, Major Williams, accompanied by Thomas Persaud, flew into the Orinoco Delta and rescued 20 men from a US Army plane which had lost its way, and had crash-landed on the Venezuelan Coast. In May 1943, when a US C54, which was carrying headquarters staff to China with gold bullion, made a forced landing on the Ituribisi River.[2]
After leaving Guiana, Williams moved to Jupiter, Florida to be with wife Inez and his two children.
The Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School in Guyana was named for Williams in 1993.[3]
References
- ^ Williams, G. J. (1935). "Aerial Reconnaissance along the Kaieteurian Escarpment in British Guiana". The Geographical Journal. 86 (6): 518–521. doi:10.2307/1786258. ISSN 0016-7398.
- ^ a b c "An industry takes flight in Georgetown's skies (Part II) : -The first 50 years of aviation in Guyana". Guyana Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-01-06.
- ^ AWHW. "Our History". The Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School. Retrieved 2021-01-06.
External links
- Flier off to Renew Search for Redfern 1936 New York Times article about Williams.