  |
|||
|
|
|
||
|
Posted by Christopher Eger May 27, 2008 |
More than 60 million men and woman served on both sides during the Great War (aka the war to end all wars, World War One, etc) from 1914-1918. The war ended 90 years ago and an important milestone was just reached this week.
The last veteran of the Central Powers has left us. The Central powers, Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria, This year started with three veterans still alive. By April this number was reduced to just one. That final survivor was 107 year old Franz Künstler. Mr Kunstler served as a 17-year old gunner with the 1st Artillery Regiment of the Kaiser Karl's KuK Army of the Empire of Austro-Hungary. He fought with this unit on the Italian front in 1918. Later serving in World War Two as a courier, he immigrated to Germany where he has worked since 1946 as a museum guide.
He is survived by no less than a dozen British, American, Finnish and Italian veterans- all of whom are also in the 100's.
Künstler never apologized for his part in either war and remained a warrior until the end. The fearless old gunner was last quoted in March when He stated about his thoughts on his impending death
“When I'm 110 the devil can come and get me."
Looks like Mr. Künstler has finally mustered out.