Express & Star

Campaign launched to recognise WBA player whose WW2 SAS exploits just coming to light now

A campaign has been launched to finally give recognition for a WBA player who risked life and limb in World War Two as a founder member of the SAS.

Plus
Published

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

When the conflict broke out Wednesbury born Harold "Chalky" White was playing full back for the Baggies. 

Like, many him Harold joined the war effort as Britain stood alone against Hitler's Nazi yoke. Harold joined maverick soldier Paddy Mayne in his new behind-the-lines outfit the Special Air Service. What followed is a story which has entered military folklore but many of the soldiers exploits were kept secret for generations. 

Harold was a survivor of the SAS first operation when more than 60 parachuted into the African desert, with 40 being killed and putting the unit's future in doubt. 

Mark Whitehouse from Stone Cross with a picture of Harold White
Mark Whitehouse from Stone Cross with a picture of Harold White

However, in a story which is now being told on the screen in the BBC's SAS Rogue Heroes Paddy went on to forge a formidable fighting unit.