Guarlford Village

Photo Gallery

Charles Williams BEM

Charles Williams (centre, pictured with family, and wearing his British Empire Medal) rescued an Australian pilot from a blazing Bristol Beaufighter which crashed near South Wood during WWII. 

For his courageous action, Charles was awarded the British Empire Medal by King George 6th at Buckingham Palace.

Click link to listen to his story.

Daring Rescue (Broadband version)

Daring Rescue (Dial up, mp3 version)

Read full text of story

Read Charles' obituary

Charles showed us some of the brass shell casings that had exploded in the fire. They were much bigger than the .303 ammunition used by the Spitfire. The Bristol Beaufighter was fitted with four powerful Hispano cannons firing 20 mm ammunition, and was one of the heaviest armed fighters of its time.

Note about audio

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