White, Harold Edward
- Date of birth:
- May 23rd, 1923
- Date of death:
- March 25th, 1990
- Service number:
- 110508
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
Harold White received a short service commission in 1940 as a pilot and was posted to No. 534 Squadron and subsequently to No. 141 Squadron, flying Beaufighters and was soon taking part in bomber support operations using 'Serrate' as well as AI radar to protect the night bombers from prowling Luftwaffe fighters. By the end of the war his total at 12 Destroyed and four damaged. All this time he flew his missions with his permanent observer/radar operator, Mike Allen.
Retired at his own request, he became Chief Executive of Swale District Council in Kent, retiring from that post in 1988.
Post-WW2 decorations:
January 1st, 1952: Air Force Cross
January 1st, 1954: Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air
January 1st, 1978: CBE
Promotions:
March 26th, 1942: Pilot Officer (emergency/probation)
October 1st, 1942: Flying Officer (probation/war sub)
March 26th, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
April 2nd, 1946: Flying Officer
July 1st, 1946: Flight Lieutenant
July 1st, 1950: Squadron Leader
August 1955: Acting Wing Commander
January 1st, 1957: Wing Commander
January 1st, 1962: Group Captain
? Air Commodore
Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Unit:
- No. 141 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- September 24th, 1943
"This officer has completed numerous sorties over enemy territory and has displayed great skill and determination throughout. In July, 1943, he shot down a Messerschmitt 110, while during another sortie in August, 1943, he engaged 3 hostile aircraft in separate combats. In the latter engagement his opponent's aircraft was seen to spiral towards the ground in flames and explode on impact."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Unit:
- No. 141 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- April 14th, 1944
As observer and pilot respectively these officers have completed many sorties since being awarded ths Distinguished Flying Cross. They have set a fine example of keenness and devotion to duty throughout and have now destroyed at least 5 enemy aircraft at night. Their achievements have been worthy of much praise."
Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Simultaneously awarded to the observer, Flying Officer Michael Seamer Allen.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 141 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- October 13th, 1944
"Since the award of the first Bar to the D.F.C., this officer has destroyed three enemy aircraft and damaged one while flying as a night fighter pilot. His skill and daring in this capacity have been outstanding. On one sortie while patrolling near Aachen, he destroyed a Me. 109, which exploded so near sad with each brilliance that he was blinded for some moments. He has completed a large number of operational missions."
Third DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Sources
- - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36183 published on the 21 September 1943
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36468 published on the 11 April 1944
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36745 published on the 10 October 1944
- Flight Global - Archive
- Air Of Authorities
Photo
Looking for reliable information or news facts about WW2? Do you want to create your own battlefield tour to sights of wars from the past? Or are you interested in war medals and their recipients? TracesOfWar.com tells you more!
More information
© STIWOT, 1999-2024. All rights reserved. Privacy statement, cookies, disclaimer and copyright