Charles Williams (Royal Navy officer)
Rear-Admiral Charles Bernard Williams CB OBE (19 February 1925 – 11 June 2015) was an officer of the Royal Navy. He was chairman of the Whitbread Round the World Race[1] from 1981 to 1990.[2]
Charles Williams | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Birth name | Charles Bernard Williams' |
| Born | 19 February 1925 Grahamstown, South Africa |
| Died | 11 June 2015 (aged 90) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  Royal Navy |
| Rank | Rear admiral |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Officer of the Order of the British Empire |
Williams was born in Grahamstown, South Africa, in 1925. He joined the Royal Navy soon after the start of the Second World War and became an engineering officer. He worked on ships of the Russian convoys and those providing gun fire support during the Normandy landings.[1]
He was appointed OBE for his work at the shore base HMS Sheba repairing British ships involved in the blockade of Beira. He was made CB on his retirement in 1980 by which time he was Flag Officer, Medway and Port Admiral at Chatham Naval Base.[1]
Williams was involved with the restoration of the Dutch lugger STV Astrid with the financial support of Sir Jack Hayward.[1]
References
- "Rear Admiral Charles Williams". The Times. 30 June 2015. p. 52. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- Barry Pickthall (24 June 2015). "Good bye, old friend". Volvo Ocean Race. Archived from the original on 3 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.