The Wartime Memories Project - The Second World War

Those who Served - Surnames beginning with W.

Surnames Index


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World War 2 Two II WW2 WWII 1939 1945

FC Wheeler .     British Army Royal Artillery

FC Wheeler served with the Royal Artillery British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.

Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.




GT Wheeler .     British Army

GT Wheeler served with the British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.

Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.




JE Wheeler .     British Army

JE Wheeler served with the British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.

Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.




John Wheeler .     Royal Air Force

My great uncle John Wheeler was in the RAF during WWII. If anyone has any information about him please contact me.




F/Sgt. Joseph Wheeler .     Royal Air Force 83 Squadron (d.25th July 1944)




JP Wheeler .     British Army

JP Wheeler served with the British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.

Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.




Sergeant Maurice William Wheeler .     RCAF 419 Squadron (d.30th March 1944)

March 29/30, 1944 - 49 Halifaxes from 419, 427, 428, 431, and 434 squadrons were ordered on an attack of the rail yards at Vaires. The crews were over the target at between 12,000 and 13,000 feet, releasing 470,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, this attack took place in a bright moonlight and severe damage was caused. Two ammunition trains blew up with great force.

P/O J. Greenidge RCAF and crew from 419 squadron, flying Halifax II HR-912 coded VR-F, failed to return from this operation.

  • F/L William Sinclair RAF
  • P/O Thomas Bentley Lowe RCAF
  • P/O Vernal Lunney RCAF
  • W/O1 Elmore Humphreys RCAF
  • Sgt. M. Wheeler RCAF, panel 256 Runnymede Memorial.
  • P/O E. Surridge RCAF

    All were lost.

    I hope to get further details in due course.




  • NJ Wheeler .     British Army Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry

    NJ Wheeler served with the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.

    Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.




    Ralph D. Wheeler .     United States Army C Bty 773rd Tank Destroyer Btn

    My father drove a tank (medium) and fought in six major battles under Patton. I remember he talked about the Rhine and also how he had to deal with a massive mumber of bodies, loading them either to or from dump trucks. When some Germans were arrested, my father stood guard at the tent. He said there was nowhere else to put them at the time.




    Sgt. Ray S. Wheeler .     (d.17th Apr 1945)




    Pte. Thomas John Wheeler .     British Army 6th Btn. Durham Light Infantry   from Hornsey Rise, London

    (d.20th Aug 1944)

    Tommy Wheeler signed up, aged 17, to fight with the Durham Light Infantry in 1942. After training, he joined the 6th Btn, part of the 151st Infantry Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division who were preparing to take part in the Normandy landings. He landed at Gold Beach with the 8th and 9th battalions DLI at around 11.00 on 6th June 1944, D-Day. He died on the 20th August during the Battle for Normandy. He is buried at Bayeux.




    William Wheeler .     British Army Coldstream Guards

    CSM Willliam Wheeler served with the Coldstream Guards. Bill died a year ago, he had sent to me a couple of chapters of a "book" which he was writing about his 17 years in the Guards. He was mentioned in despatches for actions in the rearguard at Dunkirk and in the armoured units advance to relieve Arnhem. I would like to know where his "book" ended up.




    Lt. William Wheeler DSC. MID..     Royal Australian Navy HMS Cossack   from Narrabri, New South Wales, Australia.

    (d.23rd Oct 1941)

    William Wheeler was one of two sons of Harold Fearon Wheeler and Thelma Harrard. He would have been born in Australia, possibly Sydney. Sadly his brother James Wheeler was also serving and lost his life in New Guinea in the same year, 1941.




    Fus. Gerard Anthony Whelan .     British Army 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers   from Dublin, Ireland

    My father Gerard Whelan served from 1938 to 1946 in the Royal Irish Fusiliers. He was married to Marie Scicluna in Malta on 23rd of August 1942, they had 7 children. He was liberated from Stalag X1-A in 1945. After the war, in 1954, they moved to Sydney, Australia. Dad passed on in 1993, Mum in April 2009. Dad keep most of his time in the Army to him self. R.I.P. Dad.




    JE Whelan .     British Army East Surrey Regiment

    JE Whelan served with the East Surrey Regiment British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.

    Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.




    F/Sgt. John Whelan .     Royal Air Force (d.6th December 1942)

    Jack Whelan served with the Royal Air Force.




    Cpl. John Whelan .     British Army 14th Indiab Division Royal Corps of Signals   from Birmingham

    John Whelan's Sign up papers were sent on 20th of June 1941 and were signed at his medical examination on 26the of June 1941 at Birmingham Medical Board No. 5. His actual date of enlistment is given as 3rd of Sep 1942 and length of service is duration. His occupation on enlistment was given as telephonist. He was assigned to the General Service Corps Primary Training Corps No 7 at Military Operations, Ossett, Yorkshire.

    At Ossett, John had a dental examination on 10th Sep 1942 and was pronounced fit though 2 of his teeth are shown as missing, presumably in the incident when he fell off a tram. A Territorial Army Record of Service paper was also completed which gave his next of kin as his Mother, Margaret Whelan of 13 Gough Road, Birmingham 15 and detailed identification features – height 5ft 6 ¾", weight 112 lbs, eyes blue, hair light brown, chest measurement when fully expanded 34 ¼" with range of expansion 4”. Distinctive marks were a scar on left eyebrow and on the back of left hand.

    On 1942-10-14, he was assigned to the Royal Corps of Signals at the rank of Private Signalman and was posted to 3 Survey Training Centre, Kirkheaton, Huddersfield. On 6th of January 1943 he is reported as passing Trade Test OWL (Operator Wireless and Line) GP E and mustered in that trade.

    On 29th of Jan 1943, John was posted to 8 Corps Signals still in Huddersfield until 3rd of Feb 1943 when the Corps was posted to 9th Armoured Division Signals with location given only as Field.

    On 10th of May 1943, he was reclassified as OWL B3 and posted to 47 Division Signals arriving with them on 15th May. At Parkhurst (which may have been on the Isle of Wight), he received a second dental examination on 22nd Nov 1943 and was again pronounced fit. This was followed by a move to 28th Armoured Brigade Signals at Morpeth on 1st of July 1944 before moving down south to Lackford on 8th of September 1944 with 39th Division Signals.

    It had been 2 years and 60 days since he enlisted. The adventure really began when John embarked for India on 2nd of November 1944 arriving at Bombay on 4th of December 1944 and was posted to Central Command Signals on 29th December 1944 as a Signalman until 7th of January 1945 when he was posted to 14 India Division Signals and based at Mhow India Command.

    A promotion soon followed to the rank of Unpaid and Paid Acting Lance Corporal on 7th of August 1945 as U/A/L/CPL and P/A/L/CPL which then changed to Unpaid and Paid Acting Corporal U/A/CPL and P/A/CPL on 6th of September 1945.

    On 15th of November 1945, he passed OWL B and was reclassified in that trade. Another change of rank followed on 2nd of October 1945 when John was made War Corporal (a rank given for the duration of hostilities) and then promoted to Unpaid and Paid Acting Lance Sergeant on 18th of December 1945. This role was abolished in April 1946 so John reverted to War Corporal while retaining the Acting ranks. 31st of March 1946-03-31 saw 14th Division Signals preparing for release. They embarked aboard HMT Orontes and left Bombay on 5th of July 1946 having spent 1 year and 257 days in India. He was released to Z (T) Territorial Army Reserves on 2nd of Octiber 1946 having spent another 78 days in the service of the Army while travelling home. He was then eligible for recall up to the age of 45.

    A Testimonial was written by Major F Heward on 3rd of June 1946giving Military Conduct as Exemplary and saying:- Cpl Whelan has carried out some excellent work as a Wireless Operator and then as a Section NCO where his duties were largely administrative. He is very efficient and tactful in his dealings with others. He is strongly recommended to any position of trust.




    Frank Christopher Wheldon .     Royal Australian Air Force 460 Squadron   from Sydney, Australia

    Frank Weldon

    My father, Francis (Frank) Christopher Wheldon was a member of the 460 Squadron and flew out of Binbrook in the UK from 1943 until 1945.




    Sgt. Patrick John Whelton .     Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 107 Sqn (d.16th August 1943)




    Sgt. Leonard Garth Whibley .     Royal Australian Air Force 83 Squadron (d.12th Feb 1942)

    My father was 904882 Sgt. John Henry Allen - 83 Squadron, Bomber Command (later DFM & Bar, Pathfinder Force). His first operation was Operation Fuller - The Channel Dash - on board Manchester L7389 OL-M as MU/AG The crew on board the Manchester were:

    • P/O McFarlane Capt.
    • F/S Partridge 2nd Pilot
    • P/O Feirn Navigator
    • P/O Hayes W/Op. A.G
    • Sgt. Ridd 2nd W/Op. & Front Gunner
    • Sgt. Leonard Garth Whibley RAAF Rear Gunner
    • Sgt. Allen M.U. Gunner

    It appears my dad and Len had become friends whilst they were billeted at South Carlton Manor and probably at Gunnery training.

    On 12th February 1942 the RAF along with the Fleet Air Arm were sent after the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and the Prinz Eugen who had left Brest Harbour to pass through the Channel back to Germany. The three German ships were escorted by enemy gun boats and M.E.109 fighter planes. The weather was heavy cloud and rain.

    According to dad's log book they took off from RAF Scampton on 12th February 1942 at 14.50 hrs.

    The Battle Report states:

    "At a position about 10 miles west of the Hook of Holland at 500 feet the Manchester was attacked by two enemy single engined fighters identified as M.E.109s, cannon and machine gun firing, all firing tracer. The two enemy aircraft were first seen about 200 yards away in line astern, coming out of the cloud on the starboard quarter and slightly above the Manchester. The first machine opened fire immediately and came in dead astern behind the dorsal fin of the Manchester firing all the time, the rear gunner of the Manchester answered fire. The enemy aircraft then disappeared from view under the stern of the Manchester. The second enemy aircraft followed suit, but kept behind the port rudder of the Manchester and closed in to about 40 yards, then dived away underneath our aircraft. This attack was answered both by the rear gunner and the M.U. gunner, who fired about 30 rounds. A few moments later a second attack developed by one enemy fighter, this time from the port quarter and slightly above, from a range of about 150 yards. By this time the hydraulic system of the Manchester had been made u/s and the gunners were unable to return fire. This enemy machine also swept underneath the Manchester. By this time the Manchester was in the midst of a very heavy barrage from both battleships and their escort and severe damage was inflicted on the aircraft especially in the fuselage between the M.U. turret and the rear turret. As soon as the Manchester entered this barrage the fighters pulled away and were not seen again. The rear gunner Sgt. Whilbley sustained injuries which since unfortunately have proved fatal. The Manchester aircraft landed at Bircham Newton at 17.15 hours. One J.U.88 was seen overhead at 16.00 hours by the crew, but did not attack."

    My father spoke about this incident and told me that he had to pull his friend from the rear gunner position to render first aid and that Len had asked for a cigarette.

    What the battle report doesn't mention is the Manchester flew back to the UK on one engine and because the hydraulics were not working the aircraft did a 'wheels up' landing with the bombs still on board with a hedge helping to slow their progress.

    RAAF 407565 Sgt. Leonard Garth Whibley is buried in a family grave at Hebburn Cemetery, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear.




    Jnr Lt. Stephen Emerson Whicher .     United States Navy USS Saratoga   from Amherst, Wrentham, MA

    My father, Stephen Whicer, served as "night operations" officer (I do not know the correct term) on the Saratoga from shortly after the US entered the war until the end of the war. The nature of his service is taken from his obituary, based on information supplied by the Navy. He would never willingly speak of his experiences. Once, as a young child, I found his box containing ribbons, medals and copies of the shipboard newsletter. I saw his byline on the newspapers. This would make sense as he was earning his PhD in English at the time war was declared and would become a professor after the war. He ordered me to put it all away and never touch it again. Mother said he then burned the lot. I have a studio portrait of my father in uniform and there survives a photograph from the Boston paper of the Saratoga with her superstructure on fire. I asked about it and my mother repeated his statement about that incident. He said he was on board, and had "just gone below decks" or would otherwise have been killed.

    He suffered from what we now understand to be PTSD, and died by his own hand in November, 1961, when he believed the world was inexorably heading for another world-wide conflict. We, his children, would like to understand more about the nature of his service.




    WT Whiddett .     British Army 17th /21st Lancers

    WT Whiddett served with the 17th /21st Lancers British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.

    Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.




    Harold Arthur Armstrong While .     British Army 51st Field Regiment Royal Artillery

    Harold While served in the 51st Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery in Tobruck, Western Desert in 1940. He was awarded a medal and his daughter is trying to locate a copy of the citation.




    Tpr. Ernest Whiley .     British Army No. 9 Protective Squad Royal Armoured Corps

    My great uncle served with the 8th Army in North Africa and Italy. The information he wrote on the back of a photo was `Tpr Earnest Whiley, 8th Army, No 9 Protective Squad RAC (and) CMF'.




    Grafton Whincup .    

    My father, Grafton Whincup, who has recently turned 81, is a surviving Bevin Boy. He often relates his stories of working down the pit to myself and my children.




    P/O. S. R. Whipple .     102 Squadron




    P/O H. A. Whish. .     Royal Air Force 434 sqd.




    P/O. Whisken .     102 Squadron




    AV Whistler .     British Army East Kent Regiment

    AV Whistler served with the East Kent Regiment British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.

    Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.




    Samuel Frank Whiston .     Auxiliary Fire Service   from Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent





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