The WW1 Vets are living treasures.
Australias oldest WW1 Vet turned 106 recently.
His name is Ted Smout.
Here's a bit about him:
Oldest digger at 106
Alison Sandy
14jan04
JANUARY 14:At 106, Ted Smout's smile still manages to light up a room.
Mr Smout reached that milestone when he celebrated his birthday on January 5.
The Sandgate resident is Australia's oldest surviving World War I digger and one of only six still living.
He joined up as a 17-year-old in 1915 and served with the army medical corps in France and Belgium.
After his return to Australia in 1919, he worked his way up through the business community before being awarded an OAM in 1978.
In 1998 Mr Smout was awarded the Chevalier Legion d'Honneur by the government of France as part of the celebrations of the Australian breakthrough at Le Hemel on the western front.
Unfortunately Mr Smout is no longer able to march in ANZAC Day parades.
His health was hampered by a couple of strokes last year.
Although he looks frail, Mr Smout appeared very happy when the Northside Chronicle visited on Monday.
He gleefully pointed out the many bunches of flowers he received for his birthday, although he told his family he didn't want any presents.
"He's at the stage where he doesn't need presents and doesn't want presents and you don't quite know what to give him," son Westy Smout said.
Dr Smout said his father was aware of his place in Australia's history.
"But he doesn't dwell on it.
"When people ask him, he just shrugs and says he was lucky."
Thankyou NewsCorp for the article.
Rusty.
Not that I mind this particular article...
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