The last Australian to fight in World War I has died at the age of 106, officials said on Tuesday.
Veterans Affairs Minister De-Anne Kelly expressed her sorrow at the death of William Allan, who enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy as a 14-year-old and saw action in the Pacific and Indian Oceans during World War I before going on to serve in World War II.
“With Mr Allan’s passing, we have lost an entire generation who left Australia to defend our nation, the British Empire and other nations in the cause of freedom and democracy,” Kelly said.
Prime Minister John Howard added his condolences, telling reporters: “He takes with us a piece of our history; it’s quite a moment.”
Allan’s family said he had witnessed a series of remarkable events in his long life.
“Notable incidents in his 33-year navy career included seeing the surrender of the German World War I fleet, being rescued in the Atlantic after being washed from the deck of HMAS Australia and meeting royalty on several occasions,” the family said in a statement.
Allan, who died in Melbourne on Monday, rose to the rank of lieutenant before retiring in 1947.
Victoria state Premier Steve Bracks said Allan will be given a state funeral.
“He’s seen three centuries and it’s an extraordinary period, extraordinary service and something which will be honoured here in Victoria,” Bracks told commercial radio. “He obviously served his country in two of the most significant events that our country’s faced.”
Only one former Australian World War I soldier remains alive. However, the war ended before John Campbell Ross (106) saw active service. — AFP