Charles Laking

Charles Clarence "Clare" Laking (February 21, 1899 – November 26, 2005) was, at age 106, one of the last surviving Canadian veterans of the First World War. At the time of his death he was believed to have been the last surviving Canadian World War I veteran to have fought on the front lines.

He was born and raised in Campbellville, Ontario and defied the wishes of his Methodist father when he joined the Canadian field artillery in 1917. He served as a signaller on the front lines in France. He received the French Legion of Honour and a Golden Jubilee Medal.

He died in Toronto at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre at the age of 106.

See also

• Veterans of the First World War who died in 2005

External links

• Video of Charles Laking describing the Battle of Vimy Ridge
• Audio recording, plus transcript, of Charles Laking describing his adventures

Persondata
Name	Laking, Charles Clarence
Alternative names	Clare
Short description	World War I soldier, veteran
Date of birth	February 21, 1899
Place of birth	Campbellville, Ontario, Canada
Date of death	November 26, 2005
Place of death	Toronto, Ontario, Canada