The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, today expressed her sorrow at the passing of World War I veteran, William (Evan) Allan. He was the last remaining Australian to have seen active service, and the last sailor who served in the Royal Australian Navy during World War I.

Mr Allan passed away last night at Gregory Lodge in Melbourne, Victoria, at 106 years of age. He is survived by his daughter and two grandchildren. With the passing of Mr Allan, only one Australian with service in World War I, Jack Ross from Victoria, whose service was solely in Australia, is
still living.

"Mr Allan and his fellow servicemen were a vital part of the Australian forces during World War I. Their tireless devotion to duty was a credit to them and Australia," Mrs Kelly said. "Our World War I veterans helped to build this nation that we love." "Mr Allan was just a boy when he went to war, much younger than most. His sacrifice is remembered and we honour him for his service.

"Australia's proud naval tradition was built by men like Mr Allan. He served more than 30 years in the Navy, including service during World War II. "With his passing, we have lost an entire generation who left Australia to defend our nation, the British Empire and other nations in the cause of freedom and democracy."

"I extend my sincere condolences to his family at this time."

Shortly before the outbreak of World War I, Mr Allan joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Boy Sailor at just 14 years of age. He was a member of the crew of the Australian light cruiser HMAS Encounter from 1915 to 1918. During that time, Encounter conducted patrols in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and escorted troopships to Colombo. Encounter also took part in the search for the infamous German raider, Wolf, which had been causing havoc with Allied shipping in the region.

Mr Allan continued his career with the RAN between the two world wars, being promoted and acquiring additional qualifications. During World War II, Mr Allan served at sea in the Royal Navy armed merchant
cruiser, HMS Moreton Bay, as well as at Flinders Naval Depot, as Piermaster at HMAS Ladava at Milne Bay, New Guinea, in 1944, on HMAS Australia and as an instructor at HMAS Cerberus. Mr Allan retired from the Royal Australian Navy in 1947, with the rank of Lieutenant.

Mr Allan had lived as a boy on a family property in Upper Brogo, New South Wales, and returned to the land - this time a small farm near Frankston, Victoria, after leaving the Navy.

In 1999, Mr Allan received the 80th Anniversary Armistice Remembrance Medal, awarded to all living Australian World War I veterans. This was the first commemorative medal in the Australian system of honours and awards. Mr Allan was also awarded the King's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1935, the King's
Coronation Medal in 1937 and the Australian Centenary Medal for the 2001 Centenary of Federation.