| Citation: Queens Birthday Honours. 24096523 Staff Sergeant Robert John Williams, London District Pro Coy. RMP. Unit Search Adviser. March 1988 to Date.
Citation: Staff Sergeant Williams joined as a junior Guardsman in 1967 going on to serve with the Coldstream Guards in the United Kingdom, Berlin and Northern Ireland before transferring to the Royal Military Police in 1974. Since then he has served in Belize, Hong Kong, British Army of the Rhine and in the Close Protection role as driver and bodyguard to the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland in 1979/80.
In March 1988 Staff Sergeant Williams was posted to London District Provost Company. He undertook the task of Unit Search Adviser, at that stage an un-established but necessary position. Using his own initiative and experience gained in Northern Ireland he began to enhance his post as well as crime prevention and search skills within the Company; the latter particularly at a time when all methods were needed to counter terrorism. He systematically developed search teams, encouraging JNCOs to become interested in a facet of work that is often time consuming, tedious and with little glamour or praise attached to it but nevertheless a vital task. It is to his credit that he has passed on his dedication and professionalism to these search teams.
Staff Sergeant Williams justified the enhancement of the Dog Section with extra Arms Explosive Search Dogs and obtained professional equipment and clothing. At all times he sought the advice from both military and civilian experts, gaining their respect as well as building vital and excellent close working relationships with those organisations, particularly the Metropolitan Police Anti Terrorist Branch.
Staff Sergeant Williams coordinates many search tasks at high profile Military and civilian functions attended by Royalty and Prominent Political and Military figures. The time and attention to detail given to such prestigious events is also evident in all the mundane and day to day search tasks. His advice and knowledge is often sought by the civil authorities regarding certain locations particularly the Royal Albert Hall. Taskings may take place in London or all over the country especially when providing assistance to the Royal Navy at High Profile Events.
At a time when the civilian police are becoming ever aware of their vulnerability and lack of knowledge regarding terrorist explosive devices and their means of initiation it is a mark of their respect for Staff Sergeant Williams' expertise that he is asked on many occasions to lecture to Police Constables and Inspectors alike. His skills are also sought by military personnel and their families and whatever the audience he gives up many hours of his spare time in preparation and presentations.
His devotion and unselfish attitude were clearly illustrated during the Mill Hill bombings. Staff Sergeant Williams was one of the first on the scene searching the debris and freeing trapped and injured personnel including the young man who eventually was to succumb to his injuries. This was done unhesitatingly and without any regard for his own safety in view of the precarious nature of the building, or that there might be a secondary device planted. it was typical of his modest nature that he made little of his exploit.
Without prompting, Staff Sergeant Williams through his own initiative, drive and enthusiasm has developed one of the foremost military search facilities. Most of his work, be it supervising a search task prior to a Royal Event, advising WRAC and wives on personal security or lecturing on explosive devices to the Metropolitan Police, is done quietly and professionally and often goes unnoticed and unrewarded. With just over a year left to serve Staff Sergeant Williams might easily be expected to rest on his laurels - it is a mark of the man's devotion that he is taking on more lecture commitments and hopes to see the expansion of the Dog Section to cope with the increase of taskings.
Recommended by: Maj. OC London District Pro Coy. Col. Chief of Staff, London District, Gen. C in C UKLF. |
