posted on 2024-06-05, 20:02authored byTheir Finest Hour Project Team
<p dir="ltr">Peter Wagle joined the army in 1939. Served for 6 years, 20 days until 3 February 1946. Active service, royal artillery. Then sent to Libya - desert rats, served in Battle of Tobruk 1942, attacked by German tanks and artillery - Peter was the only survivor out of 6-8 men. </p><p>Shrapnel wounds over all body, lost one of his eyes. Lots of shrapnel retained by his body for rest of his life. </p><p>Prior to Tobruk, shipped to South Africa. Captured by Germans in Tobruk after injured - taken to Tobruk POW camp - treated for his injuries - given glass eye by Germans - kept alive. Then moved by Germans to Red Cross ship. Military hospital in Naples then to Northern Italy to Bergamo, another hospital. Still being cared for by Germans and Italians. Then moved to a POW camp in Carpi in Italy PG73 (ref number) and then sent back to England on Red Cross ship on 14 April 1943. Repatriated. On recovery, sent to anti-aircraft guns in London - doodlebugs, heavy bombing. Stayed in London.</p>
1. Glass eyes
2. 2 boxes of glass eyes
3. Medals in white zipped bag
4. Photographs
5. Catholic prayer book
6. Medal - land army
7. Documentation - land army
Person the story/items relate to
Peter Wagle
Person who shared the story/items
Darlene Ann Wood
Relationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
Contributor's father
Type of submission
Shared at Liverpool Central Library, Merseyside on 2 March 2024.