21/11/2005

Oldest war veteran dies

Alfred Anderson, believed to be Scotland’s longest surviving First World War veteran, has died at the age of 109.

Mr Anderson, who served with the 5th Battalion the Black Watch, died on Monday morning at a nursing home in Newtyle.

Sgt Anderson is thought to have been among one of the first British contingents to serve on the Western Front.

He is also believed to have been the last known survivor of the 1914 Christmas Truce, which saw British and German troops briefly lay down their arms and shake hands in no man’s land.

He had also served for a time as batman to Fergus Bowes-Lyon, the brother of the Queen Mother.

Veterans’ Minister Don Touhig paid tribute to Mr Anderson, describing his death as a “great loss”. He said: “The sacrifices made and remarkable bravery displayed by Mr Anderson and his comrades is a lesson for us all.

“I am sure he will be greatly missed and I would like to pass on my condolences to his family and friends.”

(KMcA/SP)

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