Ronald David Williams joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1947, service number NZ112509. During 1947 he served on HMNZS Philomel, Tamaki, & Bellona. During 1949 RD Williams took up training aboard HMNZS Kiwi for his seaman's certificate. He was discharged but then re-engaged. During the Korean War he served aboard HMNZS Taupo - he was away for 15 months during 1950-1951, in Korea, and in Japan for refueling). He subsequently served aboard Philomel and until his discharge from service with the Navy in 1953. RD Williams left the navy to join the air force & later took up employment top-dressing, driving mobile cranes, etc