 In late April 1917 , Whittle spent three days in a field hospital receiving treatment for psoriasis , before embarking for England on attachment to a training battalion . Joining the unit on 6 May , he once again underwent an eight @-@ day furlough in a military hospital later in the month . During this time , Whittle attended an investiture ceremony in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace on 21 July , where he was decorated by King George V with his Victoria Cross and Distinguished Conduct Medal . 
