Claude Choules, last WWI veteran, dies at 110

Claude Choules, the last known combat veteran of World War I, has died aged 110 at a nursing home in Perth, western Australia.

Choules was born near the English market town of Pershore in March 1901, just after the death of Queen Victoria.

Choules lied about his age to sign up for the Royal Navy at just 14.

He served aboard the HMS Revenge during the First World War and witnessed the surrender of the German Imperial Navy.

In 1926, Choules joined the Royal Australian Navy to work as a torpedo instructor.

Choules served during World War Two as chief demolition officer to guard against the possibility of a Japanese invasion of western Australia.

He retired in 1956 after 41 years in uniform and set up home in Perth with his wife of 76 years, Ethel, who died in 2003.

Copyright © 2012 euronews