WW1 RFC question

[Keith Webb]

One of the pilots at the Temora Aviation Museum is a Canadian, and is also a collector of medals, and recently he purchased a DFC which was awarded to a Canadian,

Lt Robert Kenneth Whitney

Gazetted 2 Nov 1918
DFC 60 Sqdn

Is there somewhere he might be able to find a photograph of or other information relating to this man?

You will get a little bit of infomation here:

http://www.airforce.ca/wwi/GONG-9.U-Z.html

[Peter Nenadovich]

Hallo Keith Webb,

I have a book entitled "Above The Trenches - A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the Empire Air Forces 1915-1920". It is by Christopher Shores, Norman Franks and Russell Guest. I looked up your pilot's name and it gives this info:

"Whitney, a Canadian, joined 60 Squadron on 21 February 1918, flying SE 5As. Before being wounded in the hand on 11 August, he claimed five victories, all whilst flying C8886 and received the DFC. He also attacked and forced down several kite balloons. It is noteworthy that both crew members of a two seater shot down by him at 1640 hours on 8 August, baled out safely."

As well the book then gives details of his five claims - such as type of aircraft, time and date of victory as well as location. Three of his five claims were shared with other officers.Needless to say, it's a great reference book to have - I recommend it.


Peter Nenadovich

[Bill Alexander]

The records of the Royal Flying Corps are held by the British Archives. Canadians serving with the RFC had their records held there as well. Assistance with this request may be found at the the LONG LONG TRAIL

[Keith Webb]

Hi Peter
Would it be too much to hope for a photograph of the chappie?
Keith

Originally posted by Peter Nenadovich
Hallo Keith Webb,

I have a book entitled "Above The Trenches - A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the Empire Air Forces 1915-1920". It is by Christopher Shores, Norman Franks and Russell Guest. I looked up your pilot's name and it gives this info:

"Whitney, a Canadian, joined 60 Squadron on 21 February 1918, flying SE 5As. Before being wounded in the hand on 11 August, he claimed five victories, all whilst flying C8886 and received the DFC. He also attacked and forced down several kite balloons. It is noteworthy that both crew members of a two seater shot down by him at 1640 hours on 8 August, baled out safely."

As well the book then gives details of his five claims - such as type of aircraft, time and date of victory as well as location. Three of his five claims were shared with other officers.Needless to say, it's a great reference book to have - I recommend it.


Peter Nenadovich