Morning, The citation below is for T/127622 Pte Ronald Lyddite Whitmore (14 Company RASC) who was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his actions in Italy on 21st November 1944. Regards Bruneval
Idler, You're right. It is a rather unusual name. However, not if your brother is named William Shrapnel Whitmore!! Regards Bruneval
That seemed the more likely option to me - not sure a gunner would be too worried about what he was firing.
Living at the same address is a Frederick Charles Whitmore who was 2963 Driver FC Whitmore RHA during WW1. Regards Bruneval
Leaving aside the rather odd choice of middle name I picked up on the location of the incident and noticed it wasn't far from similar one that happened to vehicles in my fathers unit about 3 weeks later on the 10th December at Forlimpopoli which is about 5km south east of Forli. From WO170-2622 1503 artillery Platoon RASC (Hy) Cold and Dry. 4 ORs proceed on leave (4 days) run by 1 AGRA at Riccione. Vehicles delivering amn, to 57 B.M.A. - Forlimpopoli were strafed by planes whilst off-loading amn. Some damage was done to the lorries by machine gun bullets - tyres being punctured and windscreens smashed - No casualties to any Platoon personnel. 26 x 3 Ton amn detail.