Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Family Background: - Fred's father James Whitaker was born on 21st June 1882 in Shipley, Yorkshire. He married Sarah Jane Lacey on 1st September 1906. They had five children in 17 years Fred was the first born son. Fred and his family arrived in Fremantle from London on the ‘Armadale’ on 11th December 1913. After settlement in Western Australia, a further two children were added to the Whitaker family, John in 1920 and Pearl in 1924.

Fred's father James Whitaker died on 5th December 1934 in Armadale Hospital, Armadale, Western Australia, when he was 52 years old and buried on 7th December 1934 at Karrakatta Cemetery, Western Australia.

Fred Whitaker married Annie Elizabeth Robertson in Katanning, Western Australia, on 18th July 1934 when he was 27 years old. This union was to produce four children, Gwen, Hugh,  Rex and Fred.

Fred Whitaker enlisted on 29th August 1941 in Claremont, Western Australia. After basic training he was assigned to the 2nd/4th Machine Gun Battalion,  HQ Company, No. 3 Platoon at Woodside, South Australia on the 5th October 1941.

Private Fred Whitaker and his battalion embarked for oversea's service arriving in Singapore on the 24th January 1942. Private Fred Whitaker survived the "Battle of Singapore"and was confirmed as being taken as a prisoner of war by Japan on 15th February 1942 and interned at Selarang.He was involved in work parties at Johore Bahru and Adam Park, before returning to Selarang. Where he was sent to work on the Burma-Thai Railway departing Singapore Railway station for Thailand on 17 March 1943. Four months and 22 days later, Fred died in Hindaine, Thailand from dysentery and was interred at Linson Camp Cemetery, Grave No. 15.

Fred's wife Annie Elizabeth Whitaker remarried after his death to Percy Beeck. Annie died on 6th September 1998 in Katanning, Western Australia, Australia