Sadly, John Babcock, the Canadian Military’s last WWI survivor, passed away today at the age of 109.
From Wikipedia:
[i] “Babcock first attempted to join the army at the age of fifteen, but was turned down and sent to work in Halifax until he was placed in the Young Soldiers Battalion in August 1917. Babcock was then transferred to Britain, where he continued his training until the end of the war.
Having never seen combat, Babcock never considered himself a veteran and moved to the United States in the 1920s, where he joined the United States Army and eventually became an electrician. In May 2007, following the death of Dwight Wilson, he became the last surviving veteran of the First World War who served with the Canadian forces. From that point he received international attention, including 109th birthday greetings from the Queen of Canada, the Governor General of Canada and the Canadian Prime Minister until his death on February 18, 2010.”[/i]
Last November Rembrance Day, when I posted my annual reminder and salute to the fallen for the TR peers to join me in remembering, I made a mistake in saying how there were fewer WWI Vets left when I go to ceremonies each year; of course I actually meant WWII vets.
I was quickly reminded that there weren’t too many WWI vets around at all these days. Now, from Canada’s military, there are none. Though he never saw action in England, he stayed committed and joined the US Military, now that’s dedication! Ready to fight for Canada, England and the USA.
Rest in peace Mr. Babcock, may your memory live on forever in our hearts and minds.
