A SISTER has returned her brother’s coveted maroon beret to his memorial in Afghanistan.

Private Joe Whittaker, of 4th Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, was attached to Colchester’s 2 Para when he was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2008.

Sister Kate Whittaker, 22, a musician in the Colchester-based Band of the Parachute Regiment, has proudly worn the beret, a symbol of a paratrooper, to his memorial in Helmand.

Kate, who plays violin, viola and guitar, auditioned for the Army School of Music just three weeks before Private Whittaker died in an explosion.

She said: “Joe had wished me well for the audition. He was so chuffed I was following him into the Army and he would have hated for me not to join up because of what happened to him.

“It finally brings all the pieces together for me.

“It felt weird. I knew my mum would be lighting a candle where Joe’s ashes are buried at St Andrew’s Church, in Stratford, at the same time as I was at his cross in Helmand.

“It’s amazing to see Joe’s cross is still there and not forgotten about. In some way, it feels like I was doing it for all the families.”

Musician Whittaker travelled to Helmand in December as part of a morale-boosting tour.

Captain David Hammond, the band’s commanding officer, said: “We have all really enjoyed the trip. It has been so diverse and very rewarding.

“The highlights have been working with the Afghan Army band and, of course, being able to get Kate to see her brother’s memorial, which was just fantastic.”

Private Joe John Whittaker was a reserve soldier killed by an improvised explosive device on the same day, in June 2008, that Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Norman Williams, of 2 Para, died in a firefight.

Private Whittaker was born in January 1988 and was noted for his popularity, sense of humour and fitness.

Speaking after he died, his mother Naomi Whittaker said: “Joe was a truly wonderful son. He was generous, funny, brave and loyal to his friends. He was doing what he wanted to do and he was immensely proud to wear his maroon beret.

“His sister Kate and I will miss him more than words can express. We are so proud of him, his courage and his determination to serve his country.”