Harding Robertson Wamback, Skipper, RCNR

They made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Harding Robertson Wamback

Skipper, O-75980, RCNR

Born: 20 Nov 1912, East La Have, Lunenburg Co., Nova Scotia

Died: 14 Apr 1943, Saint John Harbour, Saint John, New Brunswick

Book of Remembrance

WAMBACK, Harding Robertson - RCNR, died - 14 Apr 1943, HDPC 15 (tender to HMCS CAPTOR) - Son of Captain Hibbert Wamback and Mrs. Wamback, East La Have, Nova Scotia; husband of Lillian Wamback, East La Have, Nova Scotia.

Skipper Wamback died when his ship, HDPC 15, capsized and sank in the main channel at the entrance to Saint John Harbour, NB, during a storm on 14 Apr 1943. His body was recovered and he was buried in the Family Plot, Creek Hill Cemetery, East La Have, Nova Scotia.

HARDING WAMBACK - RCN - There passed into his eternal rest on April 14 1943, Harding Wamback at the age of thirty years, the sudden news of which cast a gloom over the whole community. As the result of a tragic accident when a naval patrol boat in which he was serving his country, capsized near Partridge Island at the entrance of Saint John harbor, carrying to their death Skipper Wamback and five of his companions. His body was recovered shortly afterwards and was given full naval honors at Saint John, after which it was shipped to his home in East Lahave. He is survived by his wife, the former Lillian Zinck; and one son Walton; his father and mother Mrs Hibbert Wamback; a sister Agnes and a brother Archibald; all of whom reside at East Lahave. One sister Carrie predeceased him in September of 1936. He had a sunny disposition, was a genial companion and a good friend to everyone. He joined the Navy in April of 1940 and served his country until the day of his death. He was a Presbyterian by faith and also a member of Carleton Union Masonic Lodge #8 of Saint John. The funeral which was largely attended, took place on Sunday afternoon, the ceremony being conducted by Rev Alexander Allen of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, assisted by the Rev W K Pace of the United Church of Rose Bay. His favorite hymns 'Jesus Savior, Pilot Me' and 'Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross' were the ones rendered. His interment took place at Creek Hill cemetery where his brother Masons of Lahave Lodge #81 delivered the last sad rites. The pall bearers were Carmon Knock, Maurice Wolfe, Bernard Conrad, Daniel Romkey, Irving Corkum and Harold Corkum. (The Bridgewater Bulletin, NS Wed, Apr 28 1943, pg 10, col 4 // Researched by George Newbury)

Ships served in:

* Enlisted as an Acting Skipper, RCNR

HMCS STADACONA - Appointed to STADACONA 08 Apr 1940

HMCS CARTIER - Appointed to CARTIER 11 May 1940

HMCS VENTURE - Appointed to VENTURE add'l for Examination Service, Saint John, NB

HDPC D15