Oldest veteran of the Great War dies at 108

Britain's oldest surviving First World War veteran died yesterday aged 108. Jack Davis, who served with the 6th Battalion Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry, "just peacefully drifted away" at a nursing home in Stoke Hammond, Buckinghamshire, at 11.15am, said his son, Ken.

He only escaped the battle of the Somme in 1916 because he contracted trench fever. But the horrors of the trenches remained with Mr Davis throughout his life, his son said, adding: "He always expressed the opinion of how futile war can be. He used to say, 'So many soldiers go to their deaths in a war, and in many cases for what reason?' He really abhorred war."

Mr Davis was born on 1 March 1895 in Kentish Town in north London. As a steward at the National Liberal Club, he saw suffragettes chain themselves to the railings. He joined the Army aged 19.

Dennis Goodwin, chairman of the World War One Veterans Association, said: "He was determined and resilient. He fully believed in the support of comradeship. He was a favourite of all the other veterans and would give a burst of the old music hall songs. He had a resourcefulness, an enjoyment of life and positive outlook." The association has just 34 members left.

His wife, Vera, whom he married in 1918, died in 1976. Their other son, William, is also dead.