Are there any living World War I veterans?
As of 2023, it is a sobering truth that World War I came to an end over a century ago. The "War to End All Wars" ended on November 11, 1918, when the Armistice of Compiègne was signed, and the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. Today, it’s a remarkable feat to think that the last living World War I veteran has probably passed away. But the answer is a bit more complex.
The Numbers
When World War I ended, it’s estimated that over 70 million people served in the military, and around 20 million died as a direct result of the war. As the years went by, the numbers of survivors dwindled, and with each passing year, it became less likely that a World War I veteran was still alive.
Who are the Last Survivors?
In recent years, there have been a handful of supercentenarians (people who have reached the age of 110 or older) who claimed to have fought in World War I. However, there is some debate about their claims. In 2020, there were five people alive who claimed to have been born in 1906 or earlier and served in World War I. They were:
• Stella Bruce: Born in 1908, claimed to have served in the British Women’s Royal Naval Service.
• Edith Coker: Born in 1909, claimed to have served in the British Army.
• Michele Pariza: Born in 1906, claimed to have served in the French Foreign Legion.
• Dorotea de Valeska: Born in 1905, claimed to have served in the German Army.
• Violet Roberts: Born in 1907, claimed to have served in the British Red Cross.
However, most of these claims have been disputed, and there is little to no verification to back them up. In the absence of credible evidence, these claims should be treated with skepticism.
The First Official Living Veteran
For a long time, Florence Green held the title of the last living World War I veteran. She was born in 1901 and served in the British Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) as a waitress and later as an officer in the Women’s Royal Air Force (WAAF). Green passed away on February 4, 2012, at the age of 110, marking the end of an era.
The End of an Era
Unfortunately, there are no known living World War I veterans left today. The passing of the last veteran has marked the end of a generation’s experience and connection to this pivotal moment in history.
Legacy
While the last living World War I veteran may have passed away, their legacy lives on. The wars and their consequences continue to shape the world we live in today. The lessons learned from the conflict, including the importance of international cooperation, the devastating effects of war on civilians, and the bravery and sacrifice of those who served, serve as a reminder of the importance of peace and international diplomacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is a sobering thought that the last living World War I veteran has passed away, their legacy continues to live on. We can continue to learn from their stories, and pay tribute to their bravery, sacrifice, and service to their countries. As we move forward, we should strive to remember the importance of international cooperation, and work towards a world where such devastating conflicts are avoided.
Timeline of Major Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1914 | World War I begins |
| 1918 | Armistice of Compiègne signed, ending the war |
| 1919 | Treaty of Versailles signed, officially ending the war |
| 1945 | World War II ends |
| 2008 | Florence Green confirmed as the last living British World War I veteran |
| 2012 | Florence Green passes away, marking the end of an era |
Additional Resources
- National World War I Museum and Memorial (ww1memorial.org)
- WWI Living History (wwilivinghistory.org)
- The Western Front Association (wfa.org.uk)
This article has highlighted the passing of time and the significance of remembering the last living World War I veterans. While we may not have any living veterans left today, their legacy lives on, and it is up to us to continue remembering and learning from their experiences.
