Are there any world war 1 survivors?

Are There Any World War 1 Survivors?

The First World War, also known as World War I, lasted from 1914 to 1918 and left a lasting impact on the world. It was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, with estimates suggesting that between 15 and 20 million people lost their lives. As of 2022, there are no surviving veterans of World War 1.

Early Losses

The earliest recorded loss of a World War I veteran was Marcel Godin, a French soldier who passed away in 1977 at the age of 95. However, most experts agree that there were only a handful of surviving veterans by the early 2000s. In 2001, France’s Ministry of Defense claimed that only about 14 veterans were still alive worldwide.

Final Surviving Veterans

By the 2010s, only a few individuals were confirmed to be alive. The last known French veteran was René Debove, who passed away on August 27, 2009, at the age of 106. Debove was born in April 1903 and fought in the French Army as a medic during the war.

Belgian Veteran

Another notable exception was Alexander Kowalski, a German-born Belgian soldier who lived to be 110 years old. Born in August 1893, Kowalski fought as a Belgian soldier during World War I and was awarded the Belgian Medal of Honor for his service. He passed away on October 7, 2003.

Last Surviving Veteran Claims

In the early 2010s, reports emerged of two individuals who claimed to be the last surviving World War I veteran. Edwin Walker, an American veteran who served in the US Navy, claimed to be 110 years old and claimed to have fought in several battles, including the Dardanelles Campaign. However, his age and claims have been disputed, and it is difficult to verify his story.

Florent Gordeaux, a French veteran, made similar claims in 2011, stating that he was 110 years old and had fought in the war. However, official records and verification processes confirmed that Gordeaux was only 98 years old, and his claims were likely an exaggeration.

Conclusion

As of 2022, there are no officially recognized surviving veterans of World War I. Despite reports of occasional claims and disputes, most experts agree that the last veteran passed away in the early 2010s. As we reflect on the lives lost and the sacrifices made during World War I, we honor the memories of those who fought and sacrificed for their countries.

Timeline of Lasting Surviving Veterans

• 1977: Marcel Godin, French veteran, passes away at age 95.
• Early 2000s: Only a handful of survivors remain worldwide.
• August 27, 2009: René Debove, French veteran, passes away at age 106.
• October 7, 2003: Alexander Kowalski, Belgian veteran, passes away at age 110.

Notable Surviving Veterans

Note: The table provides a summary of notable surviving veterans, but please refer to the article for a more detailed description of their lives and claims.