WHITE, William
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Known as:
Bill or Chalky
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
3 Independent Company
Regiment/Corps:
Essex Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
6010917
Honours & Awards:
Sergeant William White received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished services in connection with operations in Norway [1]. He was serving with No. 3 Independent Company who embarked for Norway as part of Scissors Force and was wounded during this operation [2]. Later he joined No 2 Commando taking part in operations including Salerno, where he was wounded and evacuated to Phillipville in North Africa [3][4].
Eric Buckmaster of 5 troop No. 2 Commando remembers him, "I did know Sgt Chalky White, I believe that he was in HQ Troop. I also recall that I thought that he was closely linked to Colonel Newman. They both worked for W & C French, Civil Engineering Contractors, at Buckhurst Hill, Essex. before and after the War. However, Sgt Chalky White was with us, in Italy, and was wounded like me at Salerno [4]. We were evacuated to Phillipville in North Africa. When we were released from the field hospital, we made our way to Bizerta, Tunis to get a boat back to Sicily. Chalky White went down with Malaria and we had to leave him behind again in Bizerta."
Read more about his MiD here [Report by Lt. Clibborn].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 35020, page 7202.
[2] British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/13.
[3] Eric Buckmaster No. 2 Commando.
[4] British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/68.
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
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