Special award for heroic role on rescue missions

AS a Royal Navy reservist and search and rescue winchman and paramedic, Julian “Bungi” Williams has been in the thick of things.

In one of his most dramatic operations against the clock, he rescued three crew members from a merchant vessel who were suffering from greater than 50% burns after an explosion on board.

He has carried out medical evacuations from passenger ferries, fishing boats and the Isles of Scilly, and recovered casualties from around the Cornwall and Devon coastline.

Now the Newquay-based Lieutenant has been honoured for his work by being awarded a cup that commemorates the memory of those who organised or used the escape lines of mainland Europe during the Second World War.

The Escape Lines Memorial Society (ELMS) Cup remembers the many allied soldiers and airmen who found themselves stranded behind enemy lines in returning home during the war.

Many paid with their lives for their selfless acts of courage and humanity towards total strangers.

ELMS was created to recognise those who, since the war, have supported others in challenging, often dangerous circumstances, putting themselves in harm’s way to rescue others.

Lt Williams was selected in recognition of his unstinting commitment to, and demonstration of professionalism and resilience in his civilian and military roles.

After a 26-year career in the Royal

Navy, during which his roles included serving as a search and rescue diver, Lt Williams joined Bristow Helicopters’ search and rescue team in 2014, initially working out of Tanzania.

Since returning to the UK, he has operated as a winchman/paramedic at the HM Coastguard helicopter search and rescue base at Newquay, Cornwall.

He continues to serve as an RN reservist at the Defence SERE Training Organisation (DSTO) at nearby RAF St Mawgan, where he instructs UK Armed Forces personnel in survival techniques.

Lt Williams, 48, said: “I am utterly humbled by the award as it represents the courage and bravery of those who put others ahead of themselves for a fight they believed in and were unwilling to give up.

“Being chosen as the ELMS trophy recipient is particularly appreciated as I was nominated by the staff from the Defence SERE Training Organisation, with whom I work closely.”

Damien Oliver, commercial and programmes director at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, said: “Bungi has completed numerous taskings. Throughout each of these incidents and many more, his motivation has been to ensure that those he rescues may have the best chance of survival.”

Cdr Steve Griffin, Lt Williams’s CO based at RAF St Mawgan, said: “Lt Williams is a superb ambassador for the Royal Navy and HM Coastguard.

He has devoted his life to making a positive contribution to society, excelling first with the Royal Navy in full-time service and now as a reservist alongside his role in the civilian search and rescue community.

“As a naval reservist Lt Williams demonstrates a constant commitment to the SERE Community at every opportunity. He is always willing to help, teach, coach and mentor all personnel as well as acting as the liaison between DSTO and the HM Coastguard helicopter search and rescue service.”