Complex sentence: Wagner joined the College of Arms as Portcullis in 1931: he became Richmond Herald of Arms in Ordinary in 1943 and Garter Principal King of Arms in 1961; in 1978 he retired to the subordinate position of Clarenceux King of Arms.
Split into simpler sentences: Wagner joined the College of Arms as Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary in 1931. In 1978 he retired to the subordinate position of Clarenceux King of Arms.