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World War I veteran dies at 106

Ted Smout, the oldest Australian veteran of World War I, has died at 106. He had put his age up to enlist in 1915 and had said on turning 105: "I hope to be the last survivor."

Warmth ... Ted Smout on Anzac Day last year. "I don't think there is any place for war." Photo: Heath Missen

His death leaves five Australian World War I veterans. He also leaves a large family and admirers who will remember him as much for the richness of his life as for his contribution in war.

Mr Smout enlisted at 17, trying for the artillery and ending up in the medical corps.

He served at Armentieres, Messines, Ypres, on the Amiens front and during the advance on the Hindenburg Line.

His worst memory was of Passchendaele, where his unit was bombed. It left him with shell shock that recurred even towards the end of his life. "Passchendaele was a shocking place," he said later, "mud and big rats, and lice, never free of them."

After the war he largely overcame the shell shock by learning to sing and dance and by marrying. Ted and Ella's marriage lasted 69 years until her death in 1992, aged 91. Mr Smout, who had described his marriage as "the most successful operation" of his life, died on Tuesday - their wedding anniversary.

He became a leader of the Australian insurance industry and was honoured by the Order of Australia for his community work. France awarded him the Legion of Honour in 1998.

He said in 1997: "I don't think there is any place for war. I wouldn't do it again."

The Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, said: "He was one of the first Queensland greats. He is one of those people who, through his personality, won and warmed everybody."

The Prime Minister, John Howard, said: "He had a tremendous personality and just made everybody so proud of the way in which he was an exemplar of that magnificent generation."

The Opposition Leader, Mark Latham, said: "Mr Smout reminded Australians of the sacrifice and courage of all service personnel."

A state funeral will be held next week.

The surviving World War I veterans are Marcel Caux, 105, and Gilbert Bennion, 105, of NSW; John Ross, 105, and William Allan, 104, of Victoria; and Peter Casserly, 106, of Western Australia.

Posted by thinkum at June 23, 2004 04:16 PM