Charles Frederick Whitaker was born on 26 March 1921 in Holland to Squadron Leader J Whitaker. He spoke five languages and travelled and lived in many parts of Europe.
In 1941 he was commissioned into the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and worked with the Dutch Section.
In early 1942 he transferred to the 1st Parachute Brigade, and attended parachute training course number 12 at RAF Ringway, between 20 March and 1 May.
Lieutenant Whitaker was Intelligence Officer for the 3rd Parachute Battalion and for the 1st Parachute Brigade. Lieutenant Whitaker saw service with The Parachute Regiment in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, and in 1943 he became Platoon Commander in the 3rd Para Bn. He was later attached to the 1st Foreign Legion.
In October 1943 Captain Whitaker was posted back to SOE, and was sent to North Africa, Italy and Yugoslavia.
On 11 September 1944 Captain Whitaker was flying to Val Grande on an Operation when the Halifax plane he was in crashed at 2345 hours over Monte Cavalleria. All 14 on board were killed and were buried in the civilian cemetery at Monte Cavalleria. Captain Whitaker was finally laid to rest at The Milan War Cemetery in Italy. (CWGC)
By Rebecca Blackburn with information supplied by John Howes.
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