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Claude Choules, 1901-2011
"The world's last known combat veteran of World War I, Claude Choules, has died in Australia aged 110. Known to his comrades as Chuckles, British-born Mr Choules joined the Royal Navy at 15 and went on to serve on HMS Revenge. He moved to Australia in the 1920s and served in the military until 1956."
With the passing of Mr. Choules, Britain's Florence Green, also born in 1901, is the last remaining veteran of the First World War. In case you skipped our piece earlier this week on the subject, do yourself a favor and take a look.
Most unseemly using the SEALS to take out the poor old bugger. He was a threat to no one.
@scroll_lock: It looked like he was going for the mustard.
@NotAndersonCooper: Mustard GAS no doubt!
I guess this means he and Anna Nicole will be together after all.
You guys should do a piece on Ernest Borgnine or Eli Wallach, just to see what happens.
Poor Claude. At least his last name wasn't Bawls.
I guess he just didn't want it enough
I once lived across the hall from a WWI combat vet. He had been underage but lied his way in, so he could be with his older brother in France.
He'd occasionally see me in the hall and ask whether I was going to the store. I always answered Yes, so I could pick up whatever he needed. Which was usually a six-pack of Carling Black Label. He'd offer me one and regale me with tales of the war, or his days as a New York City firefighter when the trucks were still pulled by horse.
So, I guess he's gone. I'll raise a pint to you, Sam (I think it was Sam), but I can't promise I'll be able to find a Black Label.
@SidAndFinancy I'm envious. The best I can get from my neighbors is a story about the Gallos' war with Joe Profaci.
And an end was come in Middle-Earth for the Fellowship of the Ring.