GEORGE ANDREW WHITMAN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GEORGE ANDREW WHITMAN On May 2, 2007 at the Grace General Hospital, George Whitman passed away at the age of 87 years. George Andrew Whitman born March 5, 1920 educated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He joined the RCAF in New York City, September 1941. He flew Hurricanes, Typhoons and Tempests with number 3 squadron RAF in England. Wounded in action, commissioned in the field and honourary discharge. Served as a test pilot at Air Fighter Development. He made a member of the Order of Canada in 1983. With a background of welfare work in Ontario he joined Indian and Northern Affairs and helped to design community development in the North. After encouraging Indian Leadership in British Columbia he became a policy planner at Central Mortgage and Housing. In Winnipeg, he has been Cabinet Consultant on intergovernmental relations and Public Affairs Manager of the Hudson's Bay Company. F/O George Lefty Whitman was born in Pennsylvania and enlisted in the RCAF in 1941. In September 1942 he was posted to England with the #3 (F) Squadron RAF at Manston, flying Hurricanes, Typhoons and Tempests. Shot down in September 1943 by flak and ditched in the sea. (First ever ditching of a Typhoon). While in his dinghy was strafed and wounded by two Me109's. His dinghy was sunk but he was rescued by a Walrus aircraft. He later destroyed a Me109G, the first enemy aircraft destroyed by a Tempest in the air. F/O Whitman also shot down 14 flying bombs. Later in the war he became a test pilot. His decorations include France/Germany Star and Air Defense Great Britain Medal. In accordance with George's wishes, no formal service will be held. MOSAIC FUNERAL CREMATION CEMETERY SERVICES 1839 Inkster Blvd. 275-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2007