The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. H G Whittick

Harry George Whittick was born on 31st December 1919 in Norfolk and attended school at Thames Ditton in Surrey. On leaving he took up an apprenticeship with the independent motor company AC Cars.

In early 1938 his family moved to Chislehurst in Kent where his father had been appointed Head Groundsman at Middlesex Hospital Medical School sports ground.

Whittick developed an interest in flying and took lessons at his own expense at the Insurance Flying Club at Gatwick, he was awarded Aero Certificate 19255 on 27th July 1939. He then joined the Civil Air Guard.

He next joined the RAFVR on 5th October 1939, despite his licence he was passed for training as an Air Gunner. After finishing his training he was posted to 604 Squadron, operating Blenheims at Middle Wallop, in August 1940.

Whittick was teamed up with pilot P/O K Geddes and they flew together until February 1941 recording two 'damaged' claims. In March 1941 604 re-equipped with Beaufighters and in April Whittick left the Squadron to train on the more advanced AI equipment. He was posted in turn to 228 Squadron and 209 Squadron before settling with 230 Squadron, operating Sunderlands in the Middle East.

He was commissioned in February 1942. 230 had an anti-submarine and convoy protection role and also supported combined operations, such as the Sicily landings in 1943. He later spent some time in hospital after travelling in a lorry that was strafed by German aircraft.

He returned to the UK in early 1945 and was engaged in gunnery training Courses until he was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant.

Postwar he worked in the timber import trade, moving before his retirement in 1980 to a local government accounting role.

He died on 12th May 2006.