Tributes paid to former Chichester charity leader killed in crash
Malcolm Williams was a Royal Navy veteran for over 30 years
Tributes are being paid to a Royal Navy veteran and former Chichester charity leader who was killed in a crash near the West Sussex border.
Malcolm Williams, who was 69 and of Gains Road in Southsea, was a former chief executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, which supports the welfare of seafarers and fishermen around the world.
He was in a car which collided with another car and a lorry at junction 3 of the A3(M) near Waterlooville at just after 11.40am last Tuesday (April 20th).
Despite the best efforts of medical teams, Malcolm was pronounced dead at the scene.
Paying tribute in a statement released through Hampshire Constabulary, his family said:
"Commodore Malcolm Williams CBE RN was a man of principle, fortitude and compassion and a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.
“Both his naval career and his subsequent work were immensely important to him.
"He will be missed by those that had the privilege to know him.”
Commodore Williams had a naval career spanning 31 years, during which he served as the Operations Officer in HMS Ambuscade during the Falklands War; the navigator of HMS Illustrious; Fleet Navigating Officer; commanding officer of HMS Andromeda, HMS Scylla and then later HMS Fearless during her deployment to the Far East for the handover of Hong King in 1997.
He was awarded CBE in the New Year’s Honours for coordinating the joint response to crises in Sierra Leone, Kosovo and humanitarian responses to natural disasters in Mozambique and Honduras.
Having left the naval service, he was appointed as Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society where he turned his attentions to the welfare of merchant seafarers and fishermen.
With others, he spearheaded the campaign to halt the abolition of the cheque by banks and was a staunch advocate for proper representation and coverage of merchant seafarers during the November Ceremonies.
He later was admitted into the Fraternity of the Younger Brethren of Trinity House.
Officers investigating the exact circumstances of the collision remain keen to speak with anyone who can assist with their enquiries.
Those who witnessed the collision or have dash-cam footage that may assist are asked to call Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting the reference 44210149298.