Taffy Williams, originally David Hugh Williams, was a Welsh-born South African mercenary renowned for his role during the Biafran War (1967–1970). He fought bravely, rising to the rank of Major in the Biafran Army and becoming notable for his leadership under fire. Williams conducted two tours of duty, displaying exceptional skill in combat despite the Biafran forces often being outmatched.

He initially commanded a group of 100 Biafran commandos and was credited with holding off two battalions of Chadian mercenaries for an impressive twelve weeks using outdated weaponry. His fearless approach—often leading from the front—earned him a reputation as “bullet-proof,” as he survived multiple wounds and was even reported dead on several occasions.

Williams’s tenure with the Biafran Army was marked by intense battles, particularly a critical engagement on August 24, 1968, where he commanded around 1,000 soldiers against two Federal battalions. Unfortunately, as the war progressed and supplies dwindled due to effective Nigerian air blockades, his forces faced severe challenges. Ultimately, Williams was the last white mercenary to leave Biafra, departing just before the state’s collapse.