Fuller, Eugene Milton

A/B Eugene Milton Fuller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Fuller, lost his life on April 29, 1944, when H.M.C.S. Athabaskan was sunk by enemy action. After his enlistment in the R.C.N.V.R. in Hamilton in 1941, and after his training at Hamilton and Halifax, the young sailor saw a great deal of active service. One of his most thrilling experiences was the part he played in rescuing three airmen whose plane crashed into the North Sea. A/B Fuller was at the time returning to his ship after being ashore to secure mail from the H.M.C.S. Niobe, Greenock, Scotland, when he saw the helpless airmen. He then dived into the sea and brought out three and tried in vain to reach the fourth flier, even risking his life by going into the plane when it was under water. For his heroism and courage he was awarded the Royal Humane Society's Medal and Ribbon and Scroll. He was wounded in September, 1943, when the Athabaskan was bombed by enemy planes in the Bay of Biscay. Born in Brantford, April 7, 1920, Eugene attended King Edward School and the Collegiate Institute. He also completed a course at the Brantford Business

College and upon graduation was employed at Proctor Packers Ltd. Later he clerked at Loblaw's Groceteria Company, Ltd. He was a member of Wesley United Church. It was at the Y.M.C.A. that he pursued his interest in swimming and became a very skilful skater.


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