Major D.G.C. Whyte D.S.O.

During this period the fortress was under continual attack by enemy infantry, mortars, MGs, artillery and aircraft. The garrison suffered 450 casualties all of which passed through the M.D.S. The M.D.S. was hit several times by shell fire and patients killed. Continuous rain made conditions for patients and doctors bad. There was a chronic and continual shortage of all medical stores.

Evacuation of a proportion of patients was carried out from an airstrip, on at least two occasions under enemy fire. Major WHYTE supervised the evacuation.

Throughout this period Major WHYTE showed complete disregard of his personal safety and gave a superb and sustained example of cheerfulness and courage. He treated patients in his M.D.S. and went out on shell and MG swept slopes to collect them and treat them. He was at all times efficient.

On 25 May when 'BLACKPOOL' was evacuated, he organised the evacuation of 180 wounded, including 18 stretcher cases. During the evacuation 12 patients and stretcher bearers were killed in the immediate vicinity of Major WHYTE, who continued his work as if nothing was happening.

From 25th to 29th May, Major WHYTE organised the carriage, movement, and treatment of 180 wounded men, mostly without equipment, blankets or cover of any kind, with inadequate medical equipment , over 18 miles of muddy mountain track in continuous pouring rain, without food.

This Officer's continuous courage and cheerfulness was an inspiration to the wounded, many of whom would have succumbed but for him and the other Bde medical Officers.

Throughout the period reviewed, i.e. 7th to 29th May, Major WHYTE has shown a spirit and courage beyond all praise, and his total disregard of personal safety was an inspiration to all.
 

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