And then there was one!

Percy Dwight Wilson, one of two surviving veterans of the First World War, has died at age 106.

The Prime Minister's Office announced Wilson's passing Wednesday afternoon in a statement offering condolences to his family.

"All Canadians, no matter where they live, should not forget him, and the others of his generation, who gave so much for their country," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.


"The sacrifices made and remarkable bravery displayed by Mr. Wilson and his comrades is a lesson for us all."


Born Feb. 26, 1901, in Vienna, Ont., Wilson was one of more than 600,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who joined the military to fight in what was then known as the "war to end all wars."

Newfoundland and Labrador were not part of Confederation until 1949.

About 66,000 Canadians died in the four-year conflict.

After lying about his age to enlist, the then 15-year-old Wilson was deemed too young to fight once he arrived in England and was sent back to Canada. Once back in Canada, he re-enlisted, but the war ended before he was ever sent back to Europe.

At the start of the Second World War, Wilson again tried to re-enlist and this time was told he was too old.

His death leaves only John Babcock, who lives in Spokane, Wash., as the last surviving Canadian to have fought in the 1914-18 war.

This means that out of 600,000 Canadians who served in the Great War, 599,999 have died and there... is..... only...... one........ left!

I sure hope the Government does the right thing and gives Babcock a State Funeral when he too passes away and ends an era.

Your humbled Scribe;
Allan W Janssen