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Whatley, Reginald Thomas

Service number:
231260
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
19 May, 1942: 2nd Lieutenant
? Lieutenant
1 December, 1946: Captain
19 May, 1955: Major

Reg Whatley was a former artificer and joined REME when it was formed. He was with the BEF at Dunkirk, drove lorries into the sea and smashed up engines etc to disable them.

In 1943 he was a Lt in the REME attached to the North Irish Horse in North Africa.. He was awarded an MC for recovering 8 disabled Tanks under direct fire from enemy artillery and mortars. Later he was involved in the recovery of Tiger 131 from where it had been abandoned with a lucky shot to the turret ring. The Tiger was recovered to England and is now in the Tank Museum.

After North Africa he was transferred to the Tank Regiment and recovered tanks through Italy, Monte Cassino and up into Germany.

He retired from the REME as a Major.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
Workshops R.E.M.E., 25th Tank Brigade, 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division, British Army
Awarded on:
September 23rd, 1943
"During the fighting between 29 April - 6 May a number of Churchill Tanks became casualties in the neighbourhood of Pt. 174, Medjez-el-Bab sector.
Lt. Whatley displayed great coolness and determination in going out to recover these tanks, most of which were in no-mans land. He was so successful that with two N.C.O.'s he was able to recover and bring back 12 Churchill Tanks to our own lines. The damaged tanks were under full observation of the enemy and in consequence the use of a recovery vehicle immediately drew enemy mortar fire. Despite thi Lt. Whatley performed his duties with remarkable energy and was constantly under shell and accurate mortar fire.
Most of the Churchills were in the midst of minefields strewn with taller and anti-personnel mines, but this did not deter Lt. Whatley from his purpose.
His complete disregard for his own safety, and his devotion to duty throughout were an example to all.
If it had not been for his tenacity the recovery of these twelve tanks might never have been achieved."

WO 373/2/193
Military Cross (MC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Unit:
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Awarded on:
April 29th, 1944
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Army)

Sources

Photo