Last World War I combat veteran dies in Australia at 110

BRITON Claude Choules, the last World War I combat veteran, has died aged 110 in Australia, ending the living connection with a conflict that saw 70 million military personnel mobilised.

Blind and almost totally deaf, Choules, nicknamed “Chuckles“, died in his sleep at his hostel home in Perth overnight. He was Australia’s oldest man.

“His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in world history,” Prime Minister Julia Gillard said.

“Mr Choules was the last known link to those who served in the Great War. We must now, more than ever, ensure that the contribution of those who fought in the First World War is never forgotten.”