Contribution of the Merchant Navy Towards War Efforts
Heroes Remember
Contribution of the Merchant Navy Towards War Efforts
Transcript
Description
Mr. Haegert talks about the contribution of the Merchant Navy to Canada’s war efforts in the Second World War.
Joseph Haegert
Joseph Haegert was born in Bethel Mission, India. He was part of a military family of noble descent. His father was Prussian and moved the family to England, where he trained as a doctor in London. His father died when Haegert was three years old so Haegert had to be entirely self-sufficient throughout his life. He was taken out of school at the age of thirteen and put to work. At the age of sixteen, Haegert took a class in wireless telegraphy and was employed as a wireless operator and purser on the Gray, a supply ship. In 1918, he taught himself Latin. He wanted to go to Queens University so he learned German as well. He went to UBC, but was penniless and got traumatic fever, which lasted six months. After that he decided to go back to sea where he rejoined his original ship as a wireless operator. His brother, Sam, was killed in World War One in the Battle of the Somme. He wanted to be a field medic and stretcher bearer in World War One, but was too young. He celebrated the end of the war in Victoria, BC. He came to Canada on the Corinthian and married a Jewish lady. He worked as a civilian for the Western Air Command and with the Empress Line during the 1920s and 1930s as a wireless operator.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 01:32
- Person Interviewed:
- Joseph Haegert
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Battle/Campaign:
- North Atlantic
- Branch:
- Merchant Navy
- Units/Ship:
- Empress of Canada
- Rank:
- Officer
- Occupation:
- Wireless Operator
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