Victor White (aviator)
| Victor Rodney Stokes White | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1895 Exeter, Devon, England |
| Died | 1967 (aged 71–72) Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1919 1938–1956 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit |
South Staffordshire Regiment No. 45 Squadron RFC No. 20 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross & bar |
Squadron Leader Victor Rodney Stokes White MC* (1895–1967) was an English World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. He returned to military service during World War II.
White was born in Exeter, the son of John White, a poulterer and game dealer, and his wife Mary. In the 1911 Census for Exeter White is described as a 15-year-old Student for Bank.
White was commissioned as a second lieutenant (on probation) in 3rd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, on 30 March 1915, and was confirmed in his rank on 2 November.
White served in the trenches of the Western Front, where he won the Military Cross, which was gazetted on 26 May 1917. His citation read:
However, by the time of his award White had been seconded to the Royal Flying Corps, having been appointed a flying officer (observer) on 28 April 1917. He was promoted to lieutenant in the South Staffordshires on 1 July 1917, while remaining seconded to the RFC.
Posted to No. 45 Squadron White gained his first aerial victory on 13 July, flying in a Sopwith 1½ Strutter with pilot Captain Geoffrey Cock, by driving down out of control an Albatros D.III fighter east of Polygon Wood.
On 1 August 1917 White was promoted to the temporary rank of lieutenant in the RFC. He was also transferred to No. 20 Squadron, to fly in Bristol F.2b fighters. On 25 September, with pilot Second Lieutenant N. V. Harrison, he shot down in flames an Albatros D.V fighter over Becelaere. White was then paired with pilot Captain Harry Luchford with whom, in the space of five days between 17 and 21 October, he destroyed four enemy aircraft; two D.V fighters, and DFW and LVG reconnaissance aircraft.
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