Denis Whitaker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Denis Whitaker
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| Born | February 27, 1915 Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Died | May 30, 2001 (aged 86) |
| Allegiance |  Canada |
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 Canadian Army |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Commands held | 1st Battalion, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) |
| Awards | DSO and Bar, CM, ED, CD Commander of the Order of the Crown (Belgium) Order of Canada; Legion of Honor. |
| Other work | Business man, and author. |
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Career information
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| Position(s): | Quarterback |
| College: | University of Toronto Schools & Royal Military College of Canada |
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Organizations
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Brigadier William Denis Whitaker (February 27, 1915 – May 30, 2001) was a remarkable Canadian. He was a talented athlete, a brave soldier, a successful businessman, and a published author.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Denis Whitaker was born in Calgary, Alberta, and grew up in Toronto, Ontario. He went to the University of Toronto Schools. Later, he studied at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, graduating in 1933.
During his time in college, he was a star athlete. He played as a quarterback for the Hamilton Tigers football team. In 1937, he joined the Canadian Army. He became an officer, starting as a second lieutenant with The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment).
Military Hero: World War II
Bravery at Dieppe
During the Second World War, Denis Whitaker showed incredible courage. In August 1942, he took part in the Dieppe Raid. This was a tough battle where many soldiers were hurt. Whitaker, who was a captain at the time, was one of the few officers who managed to fight his way into the town and escape without injury. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Service Order. This is a very important award for military leadership.
Leading in Northwest Europe
Later in the war, Whitaker became a lieutenant colonel. He led the 1st Battalion of The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. His unit fought in many important battles across northwest Europe.
In October 1944, during the Battle of the Scheldt, his leadership was key. He successfully captured the village of Woensdrecht. This was a very difficult task for the Canadian forces. In February 1945, he earned a second Distinguished Service Order. This was for his leadership during the Battle of Goch-Calcar Road.
After the War
By the end of the war, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier. Whitaker left the army in 1951. However, he remained connected to his old regiment. He served as the Honorary Colonel of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry from 1972 to 1992.
Business Success
After his military career, Whitaker became a successful businessman. He worked as a commercial manager for a radio station called CHML. In 1962, he became the vice-president of O'Keefe Brewing Co.. Soon after, he became its president. He also led Major Market Advertising and worked as a financial consultant.
Sports Legend
Early Sports Achievements
Denis Whitaker was also a celebrated figure in sports. He was the captain of both the ice hockey and Canadian football teams at the Royal Military College of Canada. He led the Hamilton Tigers football team in 1938. He was also a national champion in squash.
Leading Canadian Equestrian Team
He dedicated 20 years to chairing the Canadian Equestrian Team. Under his guidance, the team achieved amazing success. They won two Olympics gold medals, 15 Pan-American Games gold medals, and two World Championship gold medals.
Olympic Involvement
In 1980, he was the chef-de-mission for the Canadian Olympic Team for the Moscow Games. Unfortunately, Canada, along with the United States, decided to boycott these Olympics. This was due to political reasons. He was also a founder of the Olympic Trust of Canada. In 1990, he was recognized for his contributions and was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Hamilton Hunt Club
Denis Whitaker was also one of the founding members of the Hamilton Hunt Club. This club started in 1958 in Caledonia, Ontario. He was a Master of Foxhounds and rode with the club for many years.
Awards and Honours
Denis Whitaker received many important awards for his service and achievements:
- Distinguished Service Order with Bar (meaning he received it twice)
- Efficiency Decoration (E.D.)
- Commander of the Order of the Crown (Belgium)
- In 1989, he was named a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest civilian honours.
- In April 1995, the French government awarded him the Order of the Legion of Honour. This was for his important role in helping to free France during World War II.
Books by Denis Whitaker
Denis Whitaker also shared his knowledge and experiences through writing. He co-authored several books about World War II, often with his wife Shelagh Whitaker and historian Terry Copp:
- Normandy: The Real Story of How Ordinary Allied Soldiers Defeated Hitler
- Victory at Falaise: The Soldier's Story
- Tug of War: The Allied Victory That Opened Antwerp
- Dieppe: Tragedy to Triumph
- Rhineland: The Battle to End the War
- The Battle of the Scheldt
Images for kids
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Wall of Honour, Royal Military College of Canada
