Victor White (RAF officer) facts for kids

Victor Rodney Stokes White (1895–1967) was a brave English pilot who became a flying ace during World War I. This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Victor White was credited with six aerial victories. He also served again in the military during World War II.

Early Life

Victor White was born in Exeter, England, in 1895. His father, John White, was a local politician and also worked as a game dealer. In 1911, when Victor was 15, he was studying to work at a bank.

Serving in World War I

Victor White joined the army on March 30, 1915. He became a second lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment. He later became a full lieutenant on November 2, 1915.

Bravery in the Trenches

White served on the Western Front, which was a major battlefield in World War I. He fought in the trenches, which were long, narrow ditches where soldiers lived and fought. He showed great bravery there and was awarded the Military Cross. This award is given for acts of bravery during battle.

His award was announced on May 26, 1917. The official statement said he showed "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." It also mentioned that he moved around openly under heavy enemy fire to gather important information.

Becoming a Pilot

Even before he received his Military Cross, Victor White had joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the air force of the British Army at the time. He became an observer in an airplane on April 28, 1917. An observer helped the pilot by looking for enemy positions and spotting targets. He was promoted to lieutenant in the RFC on August 1, 1917.

First Air Victories

White was assigned to No. 45 Squadron. On July 13, 1917, he achieved his first aerial victory. He was flying in a Sopwith 1½ Strutter plane with pilot Captain Geoffrey Cock. They forced an Albatros D.III enemy fighter plane down near Polygon Wood.

He then moved to No. 20 Squadron. Here, he flew in Bristol F.2b fighter planes. On September 25, with pilot Second Lieutenant N. V. Harrison, he shot down an Albatros D.V fighter plane in flames over Becelaere.

Victor White then teamed up with pilot Captain Harry Luchford. Together, they had an amazing five days in October 1917. Between October 17 and 21, they destroyed four more enemy aircraft. These included two D.V fighters, a DFW, and an LVG reconnaissance plane.

Second Military Cross Award

On November 26, 1917, Victor White received a second Military Cross. This is called a "bar" to his first award. It meant he had shown exceptional bravery again.

His second award recognized his continued courage. The statement said that he and his pilot shot down an enemy scout plane in flames. On another mission, they fought eight enemy planes and destroyed one. They also destroyed other enemy planes on different occasions.

Becoming a Pilot Himself

After his successes as an observer, White returned to England. He trained to become a pilot himself. On March 18, 1918, he officially became a flying officer.

After World War I ended, on August 1, 1919, White was given a permanent position as a lieutenant in the Royal Air Force (RAF). However, he had to retire on December 13, 1922. This was due to health problems he developed while serving in the war.

Victor White's Air Combat Record

Victor White was a skilled airman. Here is a list of his six confirmed aerial victories during World War I:

Service in World War II

As the world prepared for another war, Victor White returned to military service. On February 14, 1938, he joined the Reserve of Air Force Officers. He was given the rank of flight lieutenant.

On July 21, 1939, he was promoted to Squadron Leader. Just days before World War II officially began, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). This was a group of people who volunteered to serve in the RAF during the war.

After the war ended in 1945, White continued to serve in the RAF Reserve. He officially left the RAFVR on February 10, 1954, keeping his rank of squadron leader. He fully retired from military service on February 2, 1956.