Domeier, Eric Curt

• Main Author: Clifton, Brett
• Other Authors: University of Lethbridge Library
• Format: Still Image
• Language: English
• Subjects: Domeier; Eric Curt; 1918-1940; Lethbridge (Alta.) - History; Military - 20th Century; Soldiers - Alberta - Lethbridge > Biography; Alta; Canada; Ida; Memorial Cross; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://digitallibrary.uleth.ca/cdm/ref/collection/cenotaph/id/300

Eric Domeier was born on August 31, 1918 in Glenford, Alberta to parents Gustav and Ida Domeier. In 1922, the Domeier family moved to Lethbridge, where Eric was raised and educated with brothers, Gustav Jr., Charles and William. Two sisters, Elsie and Anna, passed away in infancy. At age sixteen, Eric joined the militia and he also worked for a couple years at a pharmacy. On January 29, 1938, Eric Domeier enlisted for a seven year stint with the Royal Canadian Navy. Less than two years later, Canada would enter the Second World War, and Able Seaman Domeier would find himself involved in combat operations. He served in the Atlantic aboard the Naden, Fraser, Stadacona and the Margaree. In June of 1940, he was aboard the HMCS Fraser, a Canadian destroyer which was sunk near Bordeaux, France. Initially reported as missing, Able Seaman Domeier survived this mishap and continued to serve with the RCN. Just four months later, Able Seaman Domeier was serving aboard the Margaree, which was the replacement vessel for the Fraser. This destroyer was also sunk in the North Atlantic, and this time, luck ran out for the young Lethbridge sailor. Canada had lost only two destroyers in the war thus far, and Able Seaman Domeier had served on both of them. He was among the 140 Canadians who perished when the Margaree went down, and as his remains were never recovered or identified, he is remembered on the Halifax Memorial for missing sailors. For his wartime service, Able Seaman Domeier was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp. His mother, Ida received the Memorial Cross in honour of her son.