Canada's last WW1 vet dies

**RB51** · 20th February 10, 12:32 PM

Just read in the paper that John Babcock, Canada's last surviving vet from the First World War, has passed away at the ripe old age of 109. Enlisting at 16, he tried to sneak his way into the fornt lines in France, but was discovered and send to a position out of harm's way. Mr. Babcock said he always felt a little uncomfortable about being described as the last surviving vet because he never saw any action. When our last survivng combat veteran of WW1, Charles Laking, died both the British and French governments sent representatives to the funeral to mark his passing and what it meant. For some reason our government saw fit to ignore the occasion. Hopefully they will do the right thing and recognize Mr. Babcock as he is laid to rest. Veterans everywhere deserve no less.

Laurie

**Santa Kona** · 20th February 10, 06:26 PM

109 the changes in the world that he saw. It is just mind blowing.

**Jock Scot** · 21st February 10, 02:38 AM

Originally Posted by Santa Kona

109 the changes in the world that he saw. It is just mind blowing.

I was thinking the very same thing.

**Macman** · 21st February 10, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by RB51

For some reason our government saw fit to ignore the occasion. Hopefully they will do the right thing and recognize Mr. Babcock as he is laid to rest. Veterans everywhere deserve no less.

Laurie, I think remember reading that Mr. Babcock had been offered a state funeral, but did not want it or any other official recognition. I believe that his reasoning was, as you stated, that he had not seen action, and that he was not comfortable receiving an honour that he felt belonged to all veterans, just because he was the last survivor.

**Lallans** · 22nd February 10, 07:41 AM

According to news reports, he did serve in the Boy's Batallion in Britain after he arrived in France and they found out that he was only 15, and then he did serve as an adult in WWII. He was far too modest, but that is characteristic of his generation.

**RB51** · 22nd February 10, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by Macman

Laurie, I think remember reading that Mr. Babcock had been offered a state funeral, but did not want it or any other official recognition. I believe that his reasoning was, as you stated, that he had not seen action, and that he was not comfortable receiving an honour that he felt belonged to all veterans, just because he was the last survivor.

Thanks for the clarification Macman...that's the problem with local papers, they don't always report all of the story.

Stands to reason though, given his reticence about his service, that he won't want a big deal made.

Laurie

**ccga3359** · 22nd February 10, 05:12 PM

History channel has a program on right now actually. Even though his recruitment papers state his date of birth as 1900 the back states that he has the "appearance" of an 18 year old and that's all that counted!