christine liava'a Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 Last post for WW1 veteran 22 November 2005 The last World War 1 veteran in New Zealand will be laid to rest on the West Coast today. It has been almost 90 years since teenager Victor (Bob) Rudd lied about his age to enlist with the British Army's 9th Lancers regiment. Today, the contribution of the English-born cavalryman will be recognised by the Returned Services Association at his funeral in Greymouth. The last New Zealand-born survivor of the Great War, rifleman Bright Williams, died in Hastings in 2003. Rudd died in Greymouth on Sunday, aged 104. Despite never having ridden a horse, Private Rudd joined the cavalry and was en route to the front when the armistice was announced on November 11, 1918. Rudd's regiment carried on across France and Belgium to serve 15 months as part of the occupying forces in Germany, digging graves and cleaning up after retreating soldiers. Rudd's daughter, Valda Rudd, 77, said she was proud of her father, and enjoyed hearing stories of his early days. "He was a great storyteller. He really held the floor. As he's got older, he hasn't stopped going back to the days of the First World War." Rudd said her father spoke of how dirty France was, how clean Germany was, and how when he fell off his horse he was made to chase it to get back on. "He just did as he was told," she said. "That was a short, sharp lesson, and he would say the horses were better fed than the men." Born in East Dulwich, London, in April 1901, Rudd came to New Zealand after the war and settled in Greymouth, where he worked on the waterfront. For several years, he had a shoe-repair shop with his son and worked as a labourer for the Railways Department, helping dig the Otira tunnel. Rudd kept good health throughout his life and lived independently until a few days short of his 100th birthday, when he moved into residential care. A noted draughts and chess player, Rudd was runner-up in the New Zealand national draughts championships on two occasions. He also enjoyed cards and was a keen indoor bowler. Rudd, who outlived his wife and son, died at Granger House in Greymouth. Valda Rudd is his only remaining child. photo; Bob Rudd in the British Army Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveuk6 Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 Good Night God Bless and RIP Bob Rudd Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Nelson Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 Thanks Christine, Well its up to us now to keep thier legacy alive, no more WW1 veterans in New Zealand, the real work of "Lest we forget" now really begins. The changes that Bob Rudd must have seen in this world during his lifetime are incredible. God Bless Aaron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianw Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 May he rest in peace reunited with his mates. The last Great War lancer, I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munchkin Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 God Bless Bob Rudd and thankyou Rest in Peace Glynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshdoc Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 Two of the last in two days God bless. Gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradley Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 r.i.p sir,its sounds as tho he had a great life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
985acoy Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 r i p bob, may the land of the long white cloud remember you with pride 985 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozzie Posted 22 November , 2005 Share Posted 22 November , 2005 Lest We Forget Regards kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frev Posted 22 November , 2005 Share Posted 22 November , 2005 So sad to lose yet another link to a time that intrigues us so. Thanks Bob for doing your bit - and you never need fall off another horse. Rest your weary bones - and rest assured - we will remember. Frev. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt_Hazell_Great_Grandson Posted 22 November , 2005 Share Posted 22 November , 2005 RIP Roland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now