WHITE, Ernest George

Known as: 
Knocker
Rank: 
Troop Sergeant Major
Unit / Base: 
3 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
6341647
LSgt Ernest White DCM
Corporal Ernest White was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for "gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy." [1].
Recommendation
Throughout the operations at Vaagso in S. Norway on 27 December 1941, Cpl. White displayed leadership of a very high order couple with a remarkable spirit. When his Troop Commander had been shot, the other Officers in his Troop out of action and the Troop Sgt. Major delayed, Cpl. White took command of the remnants of the troop. He carried out a series of assaults and succeeded in destroying a hotel which was manned as a strong point, and continued in charge until the end of the operation. He personally accounted for some fouteen of the enemy. His gallantry and leadership  were of a high order, and had a direct bearing on the allotted tasks being carried out within the time limit that had been laid down [1a].
  • 19 August 1942 (Sergeant) wounded during operations at Dieppe, France [2].
  • Promoted at Agnone, Sicily, to Troop Sergeant Major of 4 troop [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 35510, page 1506.
[1a] Recommendations for Awards / National Archives file WO373/93/257.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/49.
[3] Storm from the Sea by Brig Peter Young.
 

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