22 November 2005
Last WWI Veteran in New Zealand dies
17302 Victor (Bob) Rudd, a British veteran who served at the end of
the First World War, passed away in Greymouth on Sunday, 20 November 2005,
aged 104. According to records at the RNZRSA National Headquarters, Mr
Rudd was the last First World War veteran living in New Zealand. The last
New Zealand-born veteran of the Great War, rifleman Bright Williams, died
in Hastings in February 2003.
Born in East Dulwich, London, on 28 April 1901, and despite never having
ridden a horse, Rudd overstated his age to enlist as a trooper in the
9th (Queen’s Royal) Lancers, a cavalry regiment, and was en route
from training in Ireland to the Western Front when the Armistice was announced
on 11 November 1918. Rudd carried on to France and into Germany where
he served for fifteen months as part of the British Army of Occupation.
Rudd came to New Zealand after the war and settled in Greymouth where
he worked on the waterfront; for the railways (including the Otira Tunnel);
and also had a shoe-repair shop with his son.
A noted draughts and chess player, Rudd was twice runner-up at the New
Zealand national draughts championships. He also enjoyed cards and was
a keen indoor bowler.
Rudd lived independently until shortly before his 100th birthday, when
he moved into residential care. Rudd, who outlived his wife and son, died
at Granger House in Greymouth.
Mr Rudd is survived by a daughter.
The contribution of this English-born cavalryman and long-time citizen
of Greymouth will be recognised by the Greymouth RSA at his funeral today.
All members of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association
offer their sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Bob Rudd’s
family and friends.
The passing of our last First World War RSA member marks the end of
the link with the Great War generation that founded the RSA movement in
New Zealand. As the RNZRSA looks forward to marking its 90th Anniversary
next year we pause to remember the service and sacrifice of Bob Rudd and
his generation now gone forever from our shores but not our memories.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
RNZRSA Historian Dr Stephen Clarke
Sources:
The Press; Bill Hopper.
Related links
The Press
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress
Greymouth RSA (on this site)
www.rsa.org.nz
Obituary for Bright Ernest Williams in Feb 2003 (on this site)
www.rsa.org.nz/about/nws2003feb
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