Stories from Captain Earle Wagner
(Accompanied by Cdr. William Gard and Cdr. Doug Thomas)
The storied career of an esteemed veteran, Captain Earle Wagner (ret’d) will share his life story at sea in the merchant navy, as part of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Battle of Atlantic, and the sacrifices of Canadians who fought from 1939-1945 during the longest campaign of the Second World War. Each year on the first Sunday in May, Canada and its naval community commemorate the people who perished at sea during the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest campaign of the Second World War.
Capt. Wagner will share his marine related career and experiences: from age 17 years in joining the merchant navy, his four years at sea in the Battle of Atlantic, serving in World War II as seaman to Chief Officer and Gunnery Officer. An adamant lobbyist for World War II merchant navy veterans for recognition and benefits, he retired in 1989, and was National chairman of Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association memorial fund.
Capt. Wagner will be accompanied by Cdr. William Gard (ret’d) and LCdr. Doug Thomas (ret’d) who will escort audiences into the museum’s Navy and Convoy galleries for a brief overview of the Royal Canadian Navy since 1910.
Capt. Wagner wrote “A Mariner’s Memories” the life and times of Capt. Earle Wagner (1929-1999), is a 74-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and life member of Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association and Master Mariners of Canada. Awarded World War II medals: 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Pacific Star, CVSM and Clasp, War Medal 1939-45, Merchant Navy; 50th, 60th, and 70th QE II Jubilee medals and Deputy Ministers Award for meritorious service.
