Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

12th Battalion, 3rd Australian Brigade, 1st Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

April 26th, 1917

Recommendation:
"For conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy. At the attack on LE BARQUE on 27/2/17, Sergeant WHITTLE'S Company was held up by an enemy strong post at the junction of MISTY WAY and wARLENCOURT ROAD. Sergeant WHITTLE called on his men to follow and rushed the post, 3 Huns being killed there and about 8 shot by Lewis Machine Gun Fire as they retreated towards ALBERT-BAPAUME ROAD."

LG Citation:
"Early in 1917, Sergeant Whittle was involved in the fighting during the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. At dawn on the 27th February 1917, Whittle's battalion attacked the outpost villages of Le Barque and Ligny-Thilloy. On the left flank with Captain J. Newland's 'A' Company, Sergeant Whittle bombed an enemy machine-gun post forcing the Germans to flee."

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

12th Battalion, 3rd Australian Brigade, 1st Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

June 8th, 1917

Recommendation:
"For conspicuous gallantry, heroism and devotion to duty on two occasions.

On 9th April 1917 near BOURSIES Sgt. WHITTLE was in command of a platoon when the enemy, under cover of an untense barrage of artillery smoke and bombs, attacked the small trench he was holding. Owing to weight of numbers the enemy succeeded in entering the trench and it was only by Sgt. WHITTLE'S personally collecting all available men and charging the enemy that the position was regained. This section of trench had only been captured the previous night and was in a commanding position for the defence of BOURSIES.

On 15th April 1917, when the enemy broke through the left of our line to LACHICOURT, Sgt. WHITTLE's own splendid example was the means of keeping the men well in hand. After his platoon was established in its new position, it began to suffer heavy casualties and the enemy endeavoured to bring up a machine gun to enfilade the road. As the enemy machine gunners were fixing the gun, Sgt. WHITTLE single-handed rushed across the bullet swept slope and attacked the gun crew with bombs. He succeeded in killing the whole crew and in bringing back the machine gun to our position.

The action of this N.C.O. cannot be too highly rewarded. His example at all times under the most trying circumstances was certainly a stimulus to the gallant manner in which his platoon successfully drove back the enemy attacks."

LG Citation:
"For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on two occasions ( near Boursies, France ).
When in command of a platoon the enemy, under cover of an intense artillery barrage, attacked the small trench he was holding. Owing to weight of numbers the enemy succeeded in entering the trench, and it was owing to Sjt. Whittle personally collecting all available men and charging the enemy that the position was regained.

On a second occasion when the enemy broke through the left of our line Sjt. Whittles own splendid example was the means of keeping the men well in hand. His platoon were suffering heavy casualties and the enemy endeavoured to bring up a machine gun to enfilade the position.

Grasping the situation he rushed alone across the fire-swept ground and attacked the hostile gun crew with bombs before the gun could be got into action. He succeeded in killing the whole crew and in bringing back the machine gun to our position."

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second Boer War (1899-1902)

"SOUTH AFRICA 1902", "SOUTH AFRICA 1901", "ORANGE FREE STATE", "CAPE COLONY"