John Babcock

John Babcock, born on July 23, 1900, was a remarkable Canadian electrician and soldier whose life spanned over a century. He holds the distinction of being the last known surviving veteran of the Canadian military to have served in the First World War, and after the passing of Harry Patch, he became the conflict's oldest surviving veteran.

At the tender age of fifteen, Babcock first sought to enlist in the army but was turned away, leading him to work in Halifax. His military journey took a turn in August 1917 when he was placed in the Young Soldiers Battalion. He was subsequently transferred to the United Kingdom, where he continued his training until the war's conclusion, although he never saw combat.

In the 1920s, Babcock relocated to the United States, where he joined the United States Army and pursued a career as an electrician. Despite his military service, he did not consider himself a veteran due to his lack of combat experience. However, in May 2007, following the death of Dwight Wilson, he became the last surviving veteran of the First World War who had served with the Canadian forces.

His remarkable longevity brought him international recognition, culminating in heartfelt birthday greetings from Queen Elizabeth II, the Governor General of Canada, and the Canadian Prime Minister on his one hundred ninth birthday. John Babcock passed away on February 18, 2010, leaving behind a legacy of service and resilience.