Our next biography in celebration of Movember is about Louis Wager 1888-1965. Biography from Te Papa’s website:
“Private Louis Wager, service number 77744Louis Wager was born in Heybridge, Essex in 1888, to Martha and Frederick Wager. The Wagers emigrated to New Zealand shortly before the First World War.Louis was 28 years old when he attested for service in March 1917. He had attested at an earlier date and been rejected due to chest trouble and flat feet. At the time of enlistment Louis was working as a ‘Grocer’s Traveller’ for Sibun Ltd in Petone. He listed his mother, Martha Elizabeth Wager, as his next of kin, living at 278 Cuba Street.It appears that his prior medical state coupled with contracting influenza and pneumonia in 1918 further hindered Louis’ ability to serve and he was discharged in 1919 following proceedings with the Medical Board.In 1949, Lois married Jane Elizabeth Wickenden. For most of his life, he worked as a travelling salesman for Silbun Limited, a grocery supplies firm, situated in Petone. Louis died in 1965 in Wellington at the age of 76. He is buried in Karori Cemetery.”
Photo credit: Portrait of Louis Wager, circa 1918, Wellington, by Berry & Co. Purchased 1998 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Te Papa (B.046271)
