The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J White

Jack White was born in Glasgow in 1919, the son of William White and Catherine White (nee Sinclair).

He joined the RAFVR about July 1939 as an Airman u/t Aircrew. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training at 1(C) OTU Silloth and then joined 248 Squadron on 25th June 1940.

After this his service is unclear though he was commissioned in August 1944 and was awarded the DFC (gazetted 10th April 1945) while serving as a navigator on Mosquitos with 613 Squadron, the citation read:

This officer has completed a large number of operational sorties. On one occasion he was involved in a crash at sea and his injuries rendered him unfit for flying for a period. By great perseverance he again became fit for operational duty and since July 1944 has participated in many attacks on enemy communications and missions in support of ground forces. In September 1944, while attacking a railway siding near Bremen, his aircraft was continually engaged by searchlights and anti-aircraft fire for over five minutes. This officer also took part in attacks on enemy barracks in support of the airborne landing at Arnhem. He has also completed attacks on landing stages at Flushing and on numerous trains, railway junctions and enemy troop concentrations. Throughout all these operations, Pilot Officer White has displayed outstanding navigational skill and, by his courage and determination, has done much to ensure the success of many missions.

White was killed on 17th March 1945 serving with 417 Repair & Servicing Unit in France.

He was involved in a road accident on the road from Cambrai to Douai.

White, aged 26, is buried at Cambrai (Route de Solesmes) Cemetery.