As we approach Remembrance Day, the tale of James Raphael Williams, a Royal Air Force volunteer originally from Trinidad and Tobago, emerges as a powerful symbol of post-war reconciliation and mutual sacrifice. He is remembered at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln where he trained after arriving in Britain during the Second World War. His contributions as a radio and radar technician were fundamental in keeping Britain’s aircraft operational throughout the war.
In a surprise twist, Williams met and married Roswitha Schlitter, the daughter of a German anti-aircraft gunner, in 1956. Their son, Rolf Williams, is currently a resident of Lincoln who has spent years uncovering the remarkable history of his family. “Their marriage represents a symbol of reconciliation in the aftermath of the war in Europe,” Rolf expressed, remembering how his father and grandfather, in spite of being on different sides of the war, discovered common ground in the wake of the conflict.
Carrying his German grandfather’s name, Rolf Williams is scheduled to speak about his father’s experiences during the war at the IBCC on 8 January 2026. He aims to emphasise the importance of acknowledging the diverse contributions to Britain’s wartime effort, as well as the need to remember the human toll of war. Landmarks like the IBCC and the newly revealed Lancaster bomber statue at Norton Disney represent this shared history, reminding us of the unity that blossomed from the ruins of war.
Originally reported by www.bbc.com, this story has been adapted by The Lincoln Post.
