Gilbert Bennion
Gilbert Bennion was, at age 106, one of the last surviving Australian veterans of World War I.
Biography
Born in Croydon, North Queensland, he was an apprentice railway station master in Townsville when he enlisted on 1 August 1918 to serve in the Australian Imperial Force. He trained at Enoggera, was promoted to corporal, and was discharged without serving overseas. Not having been to Croydon in six years, he visited home to bid farewell to his parents, but by the time his stay was over two or three days later, the boat carrying his unit had sailed for New Zealand.In peacetime, Bennion was an officer in the Citizens Military Force. He also rejoined Queensland Rail and was the last stationmaster at Tweed Heads station.