Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 21, 2005 21:35:02 GMT 12
Quoted from
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3486383a11,00.html
Last WWI soldier dies
21 November 2005
The death of Greymouth centenarian, Victor (Bob) Rudd, 104, ends a direct link with World War I.
Mr Rudd served in the British Army during the war and was believed to be the country's last serviceman from that particular conflict.
Born in East Dulwich, London, in April 1901, Mr Rudd served with the 9th Lancers, a cavalry regiment, during the later months of the war.
Having put his age up, Private Rudd was en-route from training in Ireland to the front when the armistice was announced on November 11, 1918.
Nevertheless his regiment carried on across France and Belgium to serve 15 months as part of the occupational forces in Germany.
He came to New Zealand in the early 1920s and settled in Greymouth where he was employed for many years as a waterfront worker.
For several years Mr Rudd also operated a boot repair shop with his son and in later life until retirement, was employed as a labourer by the Railways Department.
AdvertisementAdvertisementMr Rudd kept good health throughout his life and lived independently at home until a few days short of his 100th birthday when he moved into residential care.
A noted draughts and chess player, Mr Rudd was runner-up in the New Zealand national draughts championships on two occasions. He also enjoyed cards and was a keen indoor bowler.
Mr Rudd, who out-lived his wife and son, passed away peacefully at Greymouth's Granger House on Sunday. He is survived by a daughter.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3486383a11,00.html
Last WWI soldier dies
21 November 2005
The death of Greymouth centenarian, Victor (Bob) Rudd, 104, ends a direct link with World War I.
Mr Rudd served in the British Army during the war and was believed to be the country's last serviceman from that particular conflict.
Born in East Dulwich, London, in April 1901, Mr Rudd served with the 9th Lancers, a cavalry regiment, during the later months of the war.
Having put his age up, Private Rudd was en-route from training in Ireland to the front when the armistice was announced on November 11, 1918.
Nevertheless his regiment carried on across France and Belgium to serve 15 months as part of the occupational forces in Germany.
He came to New Zealand in the early 1920s and settled in Greymouth where he was employed for many years as a waterfront worker.
For several years Mr Rudd also operated a boot repair shop with his son and in later life until retirement, was employed as a labourer by the Railways Department.
AdvertisementAdvertisementMr Rudd kept good health throughout his life and lived independently at home until a few days short of his 100th birthday when he moved into residential care.
A noted draughts and chess player, Mr Rudd was runner-up in the New Zealand national draughts championships on two occasions. He also enjoyed cards and was a keen indoor bowler.
Mr Rudd, who out-lived his wife and son, passed away peacefully at Greymouth's Granger House on Sunday. He is survived by a daughter.
