Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 73 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

December 19th, 1941

"This airman was the rear gunner of an aircraft which carried out a daylight attack on shipping off Borkum. During the operation the aircraft was attacked by a force of 8 Messerschmitt 109s. Displaying great coolness and accuracy of fire, Sergeant Whitwell warded off the first 4 attacks and, in the next one, seriously damaged one of the attackers which was observed to dive steeply away with the engine emitting black smoke. Three further attacks were made by the enemy aircraft and, in the last one Sergeant Whitwell scored a further success. Following a well-aimed burst by him, one of the enemy aircraft turned over and dived vertically. Oh another occasion, when his aircraft was attacked by a Messerschmitt 110, Sergeant Whitwell withheld his fire until the attacker had closed to a range of 50 yards and then shot it down in flames. This airman has displayed great ability, tenacity and courage."