Colin Lens Wagener was born December 2, 1917 in Adelaide, Australia. He grew up there alongside his sisters, graduating high school just in time for the Great Depression as he recalls. The war came in 1939, and Colin and several friends decided to join up – only Colin would come through unscathed. He ended up in Signals, and as he had some knowledge of radios he was made an instructor once the government enacted conscription. He went on to serve as a signaller with the renowned 9th Division, where he was attached to an antiaircraft unit. At one point Colin used a little bit of time when he was on leave to get married to his girlfriend! The 9th later shipped out to Borneo, and that is where Colin spent his war, guarding against potential air attack. He would be there until December 1945. At the end of the fighting Colin witnessed the Japanese surrender, signed by General Baba Masao, who was later convicted of war crimes. The men made their way home to be welcomed by ticker tape parades and a nation that had not forgotten. Colin returned to his wife and young family – including the son he met for the first time – and he transitioned back into civilian life. Colin Wagener – aged 108 – was interviewed by Scott Masters and Global Veterans’ Stories Zach Dunn over zoom in June 2026.
