Able Seaman Comrade Allan White: A Legacy of Duty and Humility from the Prairies

Allan White and members of HMCS Unicorn following the Knight of the Legion of Honour ceremony in Prince Albert, Sask. on Aug. 12. Photos provided.

SLt Gokhan Nas, 
HMCS Unicorn
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At 101 years old, Allan White, a humble yet remarkable man from Saskatchewan, was presented with France’s highest distinction, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, in recognition of his role in the liberation of France during the Second World War while serving in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). On Aug. 12, surrounded by friends, family, fellow veterans, and members of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Unicorn, a solemn ceremony at Mont St. Joseph Home in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, honoured White’s dedication and courage—a man whose service story continues to inspire.

Born in rural Saskatchewan, Allan White wasn’t always destined for naval service. During the war, White made his way to Saskatoon to enlist in the Air Force. However, a last-minute decision would change his course. “I thought, ‘I don’t want to be a prisoner of war,’” White remembered. The idea of being shot down and captured was unsettling. Similarly, he had no interest in the army trenches, muddy and wet from endless days of rain. The Navy, however, held a certain appeal: “As long as your ship is afloat, you’ve got a dry bed—not a bed, but a hammock.” And so, White found himself joining the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR).

During the Second World War, Allan White joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) at HMCS Unicorn in Saskatoon, Sask.

White served on several naval ships, but his most notable assignment was aboard the HMS Guysborough. As part of the British 14^th Minesweeping Flotilla, the Guysborough played a crucial role in clearing the way for the D-Day invasion. On the fateful nights of June 5 and 6, 1944, White and his comrades swept Channel 2 of the American Sector, ensuring the invasion force’s safe passage. The minesweeping operations resumed shortly after the initial assault, and it was this relentless effort to clear the treacherous waters that contributed significantly to the success of the mission. It is no surprise that France, a nation deeply appreciative of its liberators, bestowed such an honor on White.

What makes White’s story even more remarkable is his sense of modesty. Despite his vital role in the war, he insists that many others were far more deserving of the Knight’s honor. “There’s lots of people who deserve it, and there were far more than me,” White said. His humility is evident in the way he speaks about the war, recalling how many of his fellow sailors didn’t make it back home. White narrowly escaped this fate himself—he was transferred off the HMS Guysborough just two weeks before it was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-Boat.

White’s service did not end with the conclusion of the war. After his discharge in July 1945, he returned to Saskatchewan, where he became a founding member of the Smeaton Legion, a testament to his dedication to his fellow veterans. Over the past 77 years, White has been an active and enduring presence in the Royal Canadian Legion. Even at 101, he still attends fundraising events, encouraging the next generation of Legion members to carry forward the legacy of service.

As part of the recent ceremony, White was presented with a Ship’s ball cap and a collection of patches and insignia from HMCS Unicorn, where he had trained decades earlier. The presence of Lieutenant-Commander Michael Su and other military officials highlighted the respect White has earned throughout his life. The event was more than just an acknowledgment of his wartime service; it was a celebration of a man who dedicated himself to his country, his community, and his family.

White’s reflections on family are particularly touching. During the ceremony, he spoke warmly about the support of his loved ones, saying, “There’s many things in this world, but you can’t beat a good family.” Surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, White’s legacy is not just one of military service but of the values of loyalty, humility, and love.

Allan White’s story is one of quiet heroism. He is a man who, despite the dangers he faced, refuses to place himself in the spotlight. The Knight of the Legion of Honour is a fitting tribute to a man who served not for glory, but out of a sense of duty. His story, like that of so many veterans, reminds us of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and the profound impact of one individual’s service. Allan White passed away on Sept. 16, 2024.