Distinguished Flying Cross : Flight Lieutenant W V D White, 2 Squadron, RAAF Accession Number: REL/15712

Description

Distinguished Flying Cross. Engraved reverse lower arm '1942'.

Contextual Description

624 Flying Officer William Vyner Duckett White enlisted in the RAAF in January 1940, and qualified as a pilot. He was posted to 2 Squadron at, Darwin, flying Hudson bombers, in August 1940. In December 1941 the squadron moved to Ambon. From their base at Laha the squadron flew continuously against the advancing Japanese forces. By late January 1942 the invasion force was closing in on the island. The citation for the award of White's Distinguished Flying Cross reads, in part; 'His constant devotion to duty and the skill and daring displayed by him whilst flying against the enemy in the Celebes-Ambon area proved a shining example to his crew and the other members of his Squadron. On the 29th and 30th January 1942, immediately preceding the Japanese invasion of Ambon, Flying Officer White carried out an almost continuous reconnaissance of the large enemy invasion fleet. The enemy force was strongly supported by fighter aircraft but, despite frequent attacks, Flying Officer White courageously, persistently and with outstanding skill continued his reconnaissance until the enemy were within ten miles of their objective. As a result of repeated attacks his aircraft was so seriously damaged that it could no longer be flown but his successful reconnaissance enabled the land forces to occupy the most favourable positions possible prior to the attack. Flying Officer White's actions during this trying and difficult period constituted and epic story of courage, determination, skill and devotion to duty.' Most members of 2 Squadron managed to escape the advancing Japanese but White chose to remain in an attempt to repair his plane and fly out as many remaining ground staff as he could. This proved impossible, so White, the 2 Sqn Commanding Officer (Wing Commander Ernest Scott AFC) and ten ground staff made their way north over the mountainous centre of Ambon. The group were attempting to escape the island by canoe when they were captured by the Japanese. After interrogation, they were executed between 17 and 20 February 1942 at Laha, along with members of 'B' Company, 2/21 Battalion and some other troops, a total of 234 men.