Last 'Christmas truce' survivor dies

The last known veteran of the First World War’s Christmas truce died today, aged 109.

Black Watch veteran Alfred Anderson died at a care home in Angus, Scotland. Born in Dundee on June 25 1896, his life spanned parts of three centuries.

It is believed that his death brings the number of surviving First World War servicemen to eight.

Mr Anderson, who was Scotland’s oldest man, died peacefully in his sleep at around 3am today at Mundamalla Nursing Home in the town of Newtyle, where he was born, said a family friend.

The Rev Neil Gardner, of Alyth Parish Church, said: “Alfred passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning.

“He was Scotland’s oldest man but he remained lucid almost until the end. He was a very gracious and unassuming man.

“He was the last surviving veteran anywhere to have served in the First World War in 1914 and lived a truly remarkable life.”

Mr Anderson was until earlier this year a member of the congregation at the parish church of Mr Gardner, who is a former Black Watch chaplain.

He added: “Alfred was quite philosophical about his wartime experiences – he was never up or down, he took everything in his stride.

“He had a great sense of humour but also a terrific sense of wisdom which came from his great age.”