Australia’s Oldest Living WWII Veteran Shares Untold Stories of War

Colin Wagener, at 106 years old, stands as one of Australia’s oldest living World War II veterans. Having never participated in an Anzac Day march, Wagener’s story is a testament to the untold experiences of wartime. In 1938, Wagener enlisted part-time at the Keswick Barracks in Adelaide alongside three close friends, all anticipating the impending war.

Following his full-time enlistment and a hurried marriage to Peggy, Wagener found himself posted to Bonegilla near Wodonga, Victoria, before being stationed in Townsville. Rising through the ranks to become a sergeant, he led his own operational unit from the Air Regiment, journeying to Morotai and Borneo as part of his wartime duties.

Exchanging rationed cigarettes for darkroom equipment, Wagener captured unique perspectives of his journey which now reside at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Post-war, Wagener made the poignant journey back home to Adelaide, cherishing the reunion with his family after years in service.

Referring to Anzac Day as his ‘holy day’, Wagener chooses not to partake in marches, citing a desire to move beyond the memories of war. RSL Anzac Day Committee Chair, Ian Smith, highlights the various reasons veterans may opt out of public commemorations, noting the importance of respecting their individual choices.

Wagener attributes his longevity to an active lifestyle and a zest for water and snow skiing, activities that have kept him engaged throughout his ‘bonus years’. As he approaches his 107th birthday in December, Wagener’s refusal to march may differ from the mainstream view, but his unique wartime experiences and perspective remain invaluable.