Add Information to Record of a Person who served during the Second World War on The Wartime Memories Project Website
Add Information to Record of a Person who served during the Second World War on The Wartime Memories Project Website
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231658
Sgmn. Alan "Deeker" Whitaker
British Army 2 Air Formation Signals
from:Leeds
My father, Alan Whitaker, served, in as far as I can make out, 2 Air Formation Signals. He served in Northern Ireland in 1939 and deployed to France and was left behind after Dunkirk.
He was reported missing possibly killed in action. My aunt told me that Alan was missing for some time and my grandparents had accepted he had been killed. My aunt and her friend were on a open topped tram in North Lane, Headingley, Leeds. My aunt's friend said to her "I'm sure I just saw your Alan in the street". She replied "that can't be right as he is dead". It was my father and he had also seen my aunt so ran to meet her at the next stop. My aunt had to go and tell my grandparents that Alan was back so they would not be shocked at him turning up.
My father went on to serve in North Africa, Italy and France and Germany. His decorations are the 39-45 Star, N Africa, Italy and France and Germany Star, The War and Defence medals and the Militia Efficient Service Medal. He passed away in 1967.