Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance Corporal

Unit:

Headquarters, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

"Lance Corporal Whittaker was the NCO commanding an RASC Despatching Crew engaged in the resupply of Airborne Troops at Arnhem, Holland on 19th September 1944

On approaching the Drop Zone, a member of the crew was badly wounded through both of his thighs and bled profusely, LCpl Whittaker had to decide very quickly to leave him and despatch the load. He also had to rally his crew who were badly shaken. This he did with such success that the drill was carried through without a hitch and the load was despatched in one pass over the Drop Zone.

The aircraft subsequently crash landed in Belgium and the wounded man died. LCpl Whittaker and the remainder of the crew returned to their Company after several days. LCpl Whittaker was suffering from shock and had developed a bad stammer, he immediately volunteered to go on another operational sortie but was not allowed to do so.

LCpl Whittaker was given the chance to bail out but decided to stay in the aircraft to look after his wounded comrade."