Your Memories
26.06.2008 : Sue Perry wrote
Mikey,
Where do I start - there are so many memories, so many laughs and tears (although not as many tears as we've shed over the past 2 days). You had an infectious laugh, the way you walked (mostly with hands in pockets) and that twang, a mixture of every dialect going.
The last time we were together was to watch your beloved Bluebirds (Cardiff City) at the FA Cup Final in Wembley on 17th May. Only you could arrange your leave all the way from Afghanistan just to watch a footy match (well my thoughts at the time but you was determined to do anything to make sure you was at that game) - you were devastated coz they lost but you still made the most of the night and your leave before heading back to Afghan (God we all wish we didn't have to go back but it was the job that you loved doing and you kept reminding me of that).
You will be missed so much, you touched the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting you - you were definately one in a million.
Take care love wherever you are.
Sue P xxx
26.06.2008 : Tim Pascoe wrote
I grew up across the road from Mike and his family and also met him while I was with the Parachute Regiment but on leave in Bedwas. He was a cracking bloke who always looked like he had something hilarious running around his mind. Farewell Mike, I wish I knew you better. Utrinque Paratus.
27.06.2008 : jamie hall wrote
Hiya Bro x, I just want you to know that I am doing my best to look after your Mum,Dad and Claire and be strong for them as I know thats what you'd want me to do,and I will I promise. We are all hurting unbearably and missing you terrible due to our loss of you as we all adore you so much. Lee is staying with your family and your Mum has took great comfort in him doing so as she loves him x. I spoke to Daran and Emerald this evening and we shared great memories of you,which are simply endless,it helped as your an even bigger inspiration to me now that you've left than when you were here with me. I love you so much and am unbelievably proud of you. Rest peacefully now and don't worry, I will speak to you in the Church. My love always, Jammy xxxxxxxxxx - Submitted by Jamie Hall
27.06.2008 : nikki pearson wrote
Hello my darlin...it was an honour to have known you,and my husband was so proud to have worked with you,you were such a good friend and we miss you like mad already,we will miss all the nites out togrther(even tho you couldn keep up on the shots) ill miss you telling me how beautiful my legs are!!!!!!,lee is so proud to do your repatriation service,we are all so sad and you will NEVER be forgotten,ive looked after em for you since tue and will keep doin so for you,we all love you so much. sleep now angel....nikki and lee.....xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
27.06.2008 : dean hall wrote
Mike after meeting you through my brother jamie i knew straightaway you were a very special person and i always had the upmost respect for you,you will be sadly missed but never forgotten always in our thoughts and hearts Dean and Kirsten Hall xxx
Lifelong paratrooper killed in gun battle with the Taliban
Sergeant Major Michael Williams, a warrant officer 2nd class with the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan on 24 June, 2008.
The 40-year-old was leading troops in an operation against the Taliban in the Upper Sangin Valley in Helmand when he was fatally wounded. Another Para, 20-year-old Private Joe Whittaker, was killed by a mine in the area on the same day.
Their deaths brought the total number of British fatalities in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001 to 108. Eleven military personnel from various regiments died in action in Afghanistan during June 2008 alone, five of whom were fellow paratroopers.
Michael Williams, known to friends and colleagues as Mark, was born on 28 November, 1967, in Cardiff. He joined the Army at 18 and joined 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment after completing his training.
During his 22 years with the regiment he had served in operations in Northern Ireland, Macedonia and Iraq, as well as instructing other soldiers in how to use machine guns at the Infantry Training Centre in Brecon.
Sgt Maj Williams was a Welsh patriot and a huge Cardiff City supporter – in May 2008 he organised his leave from Afghanistan early so he could watch his team in the FA Cup Final.
His company commander, Major Adam Dawson, said: “Mark Williams was a rock and a constant. When the situation was swirling around him he would be found level headed and down to earth, able to cut through the cloud of uncertainty and doubt.
“A thoughtful man, when he spoke his words never failed to have impact and his actions always said more than words ever could. He expected high standards, setting only the best example in his own conduct.
“In leadership terms he was the anchor point for his fire support group, pulling them together as a tight knit team, motivated to excel through a desire not to let him down. As far as his trade was concerned, what he did not know about machine gunnery was not worth knowing, he was a true professional and took great pride in his vocation.”
Sergeant Major Karl Mitchell, a great friend of his, said: “Mark the soldier was one of the most professional men I've ever had the honour of working with. He was always meticulous in everything he did, from soldiering to paperwork. He was the type of person that could not rest until everything was just right.
“Mark the friend was more like a brother. He was generous nearly to a fault, he would stop everything to help out in any way he could and nothing was too much to ask.
“There's really too much to be able to put into words when it comes to Mark. He was the classic case of short of height, but tall in stature; a man who was larger than life.”
Defence Secretary Des Browne said Sgt Maj Williams and Pte Whittaker both "died in the most heroic of circumstances".
