Passing of the world's last World War 1 combat veteran

05/05/11

The passing of the world’s last combat veteran from World War 1 marks the end of a remarkable period in world history.

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, extends his sympathies to the family of Claude “Chuckles” Choules, who died in Perth on 4 May 2011.

“Mr Choules served in the Royal Navy during World War One as a teenager”, Senator Ronaldson said.

“After moving from England to Australia after the war, Mr Choules was seconded to the Royal Australian Navy where served in World War Two, devoting more than 20 years of his life to the defence of this nation.”

“Mr Choules’ remarkable legacy as both Australia’s oldest resident and the world’s last combat veteran of World War One is something to reflect upon.”

“More than 70 million people served in World War One, with millions paying the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their beliefs.”

“More than 750,000 Australians served during World War One, with 155,000 of them wounded and 64,000 killed in action.”

Senator Ronaldson said he passed on his condolences and those of the Federal Opposition to Mr Choules’ family.

“To Mr Choules children and his extended family, which stretches five generations, I extend my heartfelt condolences.  Mr Choules’ remarkable life is an example by which others will certainly aspire”, Senator Ronaldson said.