Wendel Virag served two periods – 1937 to 1961 and again 1963 to 1965. The first Entry No. 49 Brass Band – Virog [misspelled in enlisting record] W. 485443 shows him enlisting at the age of 17 on 18/10/37 and was discharged on 25 Oct 1961 at his own request. He reenlisted with the Military Band on 12 Feb 63-21 and was Struck off Strength in March 65.

Virag continued to serve with the Military Band beyond his release date as in 1965 the government decided to allow units to have only one band and the Military Band was struck off strength. They continued as a volunteer band, almost to a person. Wendel Virag was with the Military band in 1972 as recalled by Band Sgt Brian McInnes and also under Director of Music Donald Keeling who retired in 1977, then Tom Whiteside took over the band. Further, Wendel was in the band prior to Wembley Stadium (London, England – 1981) and was a member of the band but was not selected to attend that trip/engagement. Virag resigned soon after.

Virag played while in the Military band in another group – at the “German Club” in the Danube Schwabian band, continuing for some time after leaving the 48th Highlanders. He tended bar at the same club; many years on Sherbourne Avenue and then near Ellesmere and McCowan.