Maurice Gardner was born at Shoal Lake, Ontario on September 13, 1900.
He was the son of Saakichiwe-gaabawiik Ogemah of Shoal Lake and William (Bill) Gardner of Wabigoon First Nation.
Maurice enlisted with the Canadian Army in February 1942 and was stationed at the Fort Osborne Barracks. While he was training there, one of his younger sons Arthur came to join the Army and to be with his father. Maurice told the commanding officer that Arthur was too young and the boy was sent home.
Maurice saw active duty in Northwestern Europe and in Italy.
He rarely talked about his experience in the War, but he had one interesting recollection to tell.
As Maurice told the story, during one battle he and his men were pinned down by direct enemy fire in a trench. Maurice prayed to the spirits and then he heard a moose and a lady chanting. Under heavy enemy fire, Maurice led his men in the direction of the chant of The Spirits until he and his men were safe from enemy fire.
After the War Maurice Gardner worked for the Woodlands department of the Dryden Paper Mill. He also practiced commercial fishing and trapping.
Maurice passed away in 1973
Visit our entire “Remember Our Vets” album at: https://www.ckdr.net/remember-our-veterans/
(Details and image provided to Spuro Sourtzis by Virginia Measwagie of Eagle Lake.)
