Arthur James Williams

For the British trade unionist and politician, see Arthur James Williams (politician).

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 pioneering pilot who helped develop aviation in Guyana, then British Guiana.

Art Williams arrived in British Guiana in August 1934 piloting an Ireland N-2C Neptune amphibian biplane, (regn. NC183M), powered by a 450 hp (340 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp, 9-cylinder radial engine, landing on the Demerara River.

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.^{[citation needed]}

The Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School in Guyana was named for Williams in 1993.^[3]

References

1. 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.
2. "An industry takes flight in Georgetown's skies (Part II) : -The first 50 years of aviation in Guyana". Guyana Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-01-06.
3. 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.