Alan Whitaker
by Les Smith
This month’s article, the third in our series to honor our veteran members of Branch #191, is to acquaint you (or reacquaint you), with none other than Comrade Alan Whitaker.
Al Whitaker 18 Xmas 1943
Once again, our purpose is partly to recognize them, and let them know we appreciate the years that they served their country during the World War II hostilities.
Comrade Whitaker joined the British Army on Sept. 17th, 1943, at age17. He was posted for basic training to North Ireland. Upon completion, he was then posted to the 4th Field Training Regiment Army Group for 6 months Corps further training, and graduated as a Field Gunner. He specialized in fire control, from Gun Position to Operation Post.
Alan was then posted to holding units, as a replacement & held for embarkation to the 21st Army group in August of 1944, He eventually found himself in Holland with the 18th Field Regiment between Arnhem & Holland, known as “The Island”. He spent the winter engaged in patrols, in the coldest winter imaginable, spiced up with the Ardens Breakthrough, better known as the Battle of the Bulge. Eventually his unit crossed the Rhine River and on to the Rhur Valley in Germany.
With war ending in Europe, young guys (like him) were drafted to the Far East, in pursuit of insurgents in the northeast area of India. He found the work tedious, & transferred to a Parachute Regiment. He said to himself “why walk when you can fly for free”! He transferred later to the reserve in 1948, and served until his discharge in 1956.
October 20, 2011
As to his private life, he met and married Beryl; his wife of 62 years. The Whitakers then decided to move to Canada in 1957, landing in Montreal, then lived in Kirkland Lake, Ont. where he worked in the mining industry in heavy construction. They then settled in Vancouver, also in heavy construction. Al & Beryl have two daughters; one a physiotherapist in Texas, and the other in human resources in Vancouver. They also have two sons living in the Greater Vancouver area, who followed their father into the heavy mine construction industry. Al says “they’re all grand kids”!!
Retirement brought them to Vancouver Island and the Chemainus & Duncan area, where they have been avid sailors for many years, but Beryl’s favorite personal past time is playing bridge. When you see them in our Legion Lounge, it will usually be a Friday for the meat draw and maybe a bite of supper. Drop by their table and have a visit; they would appreciate it, we’re sure … and wow … what a military career … Thanks Alan!