Derek Whitman

We regret to announce that Derek Whitman of 64 Entry (A Sqn) passed away on 21st November 2022 after a very short illness.

He had been suffering from progressive dementia for several years and had been looked after at home by his wife until she became ill herself.  Since late December 2019, he had been well looked after in an excellent local care home.

From 1965 to 1967, Derek was with 1417 Flt flying Hunters from RAF Khormaksar, Aden. During one operation, only one Hunter was hit with it sustaining minor damage when an over-zealous Yemeni border guard scored a lucky hit on Flt Lt Derek Whitman’s FR.10, causing a spume of vaporising fuel to stream from his starboard wing. Derek dropped his external fuel tanks and returned to Khormaksar without further incident!

In 1971, Derek served with the Joint Warfare Establishment at Old Sarum and in 1973 he became OC 58 Sqn flying Hunters from RAF Wittering.

“He was a respected fighter pilot and staff officer who provided great support to No 56 Sqn in FEAF in the late 60s. He and his wife Joyce were a delightful couple”. ACM Sir Michael Graydon.

A low-key service for family will take place at Gedling Crematorium at 1200 on 20 December 2022.