7 Feb 1980
Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams KBE, CB, DSO, “Father of the Air Force” died, at the age of 89. His 25 year career with the Air Force included a record 17 year tenure as Chief of the Air Staff. He was the first Air Force member to hold the rank of Air Marshal. In addition to his distinguished Air Force career, Sir Richard completed another nine years as Director-General of Civil Aviation before retiring a second time.