Charles Wheeler

Early life Wheeler was born in Bremen, Germany, in 1923, to Winifred Agnes (née Rees) and Charles Cornelius-Wheeler. The family later moved to Hamburg, where his father was an agent for a shipping company. He enlisted in the Royal Marines in 1942, rising to the rank of captain.

As part of 30 Assault Unit, a secret naval intelligence unit assembled by Ian Fleming, he participated in the Allies’ advance through Western Europe following the Normandy landings as second-in-command to Patrick Dalzel-Job.

Career After leaving the Royal Marines in 1947, Wheeler joined the BBC, initially as a sub-editor at the Latin American division of the World Service. Wheeler's long career as a foreign correspondent began with a three-year posting to Berlin in 1950, partly thanks to his fluency in German. The award was not bestowed the following year, but subsequent ceremonies have retained an autumn date and taken place at the Regent Street Cinema. The award is presented each year by members of the Wheeler family.

Winners

Personal life Wheeler was twice married: his first marriage was to the BBC producer Catherine Freeman

Wheeler died of lung cancer at his home in Warnham, Sussex on 4 July 2008. He was 85 years old.