René Riffaud

René Félix Louis Joseph Riffaud (December 19, 1898 – January 16, 2007) was one of the last four 'official' French veterans of the Great War (later renamed World War I) when he died at age 108 in Tosny, France.

Born in Jendouba, Tunisia, Riffaud was installed in the African Army in April 1917 as a Class 2 soldier and served in various regiments. He was taken out in 1919 after a bout of tuberculosis, but was re-installed later that year and served until 1924.

His wife, Lucie, whom he married in 1930, died in 1979. Their only son also pre-deceased him.

Decorations

* Chevalier of the Legion of Honour
* Croix de guerre 1914-1918
* Cross of the combatant
* Medal commemorative of the war 1914-1918
* Medal of the Recognition of the Nation
* World War I Victory Medal

References

* [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,60-2559196,00.html Obituary] , "The Times", 22 January, 2007
* [http://dersdesders.free.fr/bio_veterans/riffaud.html Biography with pictures] Fr

ee also

* Tirailleurs
* Veterans of the First World War who died in 2007