Greg Williams

In the modern world it is unusual for an employee to spend fifty years working for one organisation, but Rockhampton born Greg Williams has done just that.

Wing Commander Greg Williams OAM joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1970 and following an eventful and varied career now works in the Directorate of Historic Unrecovered War Casualties in Canberra.

“My interest in the Air Force started when I lived in Papua New Guinea. The remnants of war were evident wherever I went; the old airfields were littered with abandoned aircraft and the hills where I lived and played as a child still had trenches surrounded by barbed wire,” said Wing Commander Williams.

“Gun emplacements had been left standing and there was unused ammunition everywhere.

“These places became my playground and was the catalyst to my interest in military history.

“Wartime aircraft such as the Dakota and Catalina were still flying but in civilian colours. 

“During my career I have had the opportunity to live in and travel to many places and undertake a wide variety of work I would not have had the opportunity to experience elsewhere,” he said.

The Air Force Search Teams conducted detailed searches at the end of hostilities for several years throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the South West Pacific region as well as Australia.

Today, the Directorate of Historic Unrecovered War Casualties does not actively search for the missing from WWII.  However the team will re-examine cases where there is credible evidence of aircraft wreckage being located that is believed to be one of our missing aircraft with aircrew.

These reports come mainly from the public who have an interest in the field and go searching, or from people who stumble upon wreckage in a remote jungle area.

When a report is received, the evidence is assessed and where it appears highly credible, a reconnaissance of the site may be conducted to determine the identity of the wreck. Once a wreck is positively identified as a missing RAAF aircraft, consideration will be given to conducting a mission to search and recover the remains of the crew.

“The highlight of my Air Force career has been the privilege of working in the field of Historic Unrecovered War Casualties,” said Wing Commander Williams.

“During this time, I have been involved in the recoveries of over 50 missing airmen and soldiers, and have accounted for many more through the discovery and identification of formerly missing aircraft from WWII.”

“The main challenge has been the in-depth research required to correctly identify aircraft, many of which crashed more than 75 years ago. 

“I am proud and privileged to be part of such a great organisation. I have seen the transformation from the 70s Air Force to what is now - one of the most professional, well trained and respected Air Forces in the world. 

“Having joined before the 50^th anniversary, it is a great honour to be still serving and able to commemorate the 100^th anniversary. 

“I believe the RAAF has always been a great Air Force but the changes that have occurred during the past 50 years has made it one of the best,” he said.