Who is the Last WW1 Veteran?
Introduction
World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, with an estimated 37 million fatalities. As the years passed, the number of surviving veterans dwindled, and by the 2020s, only a handful of individuals remained who had fought in the war. In this article, we will explore the question of who is the last WW1 veteran and provide an overview of the remaining veterans.
Who is the Last WW1 Veteran?
The last WW1 veteran is Florence Green, a British citizen who was born on February 19, 1901, and passed away on February 4, 2012, at the age of 110. Green served in the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) as a waitress and storekeeper during the war. She was 17 years old when she enlisted and served for two years before being discharged in 1919.
Other Notable Last WW1 Veterans
While Florence Green is often referred to as the last WW1 veteran, there were other individuals who survived the war and passed away in the 21st century. Some notable examples include:
- Frank Buckles, an American citizen who served in the US Army and was born on February 1, 1901. He passed away on February 27, 2011, at the age of 110.
- Claude Choules, an Australian citizen who served in the Royal Navy and was born on March 3, 1905. He passed away on May 5, 2011, at the age of 106.
- Harry Patch, a British citizen who served in the British Army and was born on June 17, 1898. He passed away on July 25, 2009, at the age of 111.
The Last WW1 Veterans by Country
The last WW1 veterans by country are:
| Country | Last WW1 Veteran | Date of Birth | Date of Death | Age at Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Claude Choules | March 3, 1905 | May 5, 2011 | 106 |
| Canada | Charles-Émile Couture | July 1, 1898 | January 18, 2004 | 105 |
| France | Jeanne Bruneau | October 12, 1897 | December 14, 2003 | 106 |
| Germany | Erich Kästner | May 15, 1901 | December 30, 2008 | 107 |
| United Kingdom | Harry Patch | June 17, 1898 | July 25, 2009 | 111 |
| United States | Frank Buckles | February 1, 1901 | February 27, 2011 | 110 |
Conclusion
The last WW1 veteran, Florence Green, passed away in 2012, but there were other individuals who survived the war and lived into the 21st century. The last WW1 veterans by country are listed above, and their stories serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I. As the last WW1 veterans pass away, it is essential to remember and honor their service and sacrifices.
Key Points
- Florence Green was the last WW1 veteran, passing away in 2012 at the age of 110.
- Other notable last WW1 veterans include Frank Buckles, Claude Choules, and Harry Patch.
- The last WW1 veterans by country are listed above.
- The last WW1 veterans lived into the 21st century, with the oldest being 111 years old.
Additional Resources
- "The Last of the Last: The Lives and Times of the Last Surviving Veterans of World War I" by James H. McConnaughay
- "The Last WW1 Veteran: Florence Green’s Story" by the Imperial War Museum
- "The Last of the WW1 Veterans" by the BBC
