LEST WE FORGET - CORPORAL RAYMOND DURSTON

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, today expressed her sorrow at the passing of Victorian World War I veteran, Raymond Durston.

Mr Durston passed away yesterday afternoon at St Leigh's Nursing Home in Sandringham, aged 102.

"This is another sad loss for Australia, coming so soon after the death of our last Gallipoli veteran," Minister Vale said.

"The contribution that our veterans have made to this country is extraordinary. They have earned our gratitude and respect for their willingness to serve in the most difficult of circumstances.

"Their generation shaped the Anzac spirit that we now hold so dear and which we endeavour to pass on to future generations of Australians.

"Mr Durston was active in sharing his story at community functions in his local area, which was such a valuable gift to our young people," she said.

Born in South Gippsland, Mr Durston enlisted at 18 years of age in March 1918, having served four years in the school cadet corps and seven months with the Melbourne University Rifles.

He was attached to the 11th General Service Reinforcements and embarked for England. After surviving an outbreak of influenza aboard the ship, which killed 23 soldiers, and an attack by a German submarine, Private Durston arrived in England the day after the Armistice was signed.

Promoted to Corporal, he served at the AIF Headquarters and the Kit Stores in London until his return to Australia in November 1919.

Mr Durston studied electrical engineering and enjoyed a successful career as an engineer.

In 1999, Mr Durston, along with other surviving World War I diggers, was awarded the 80th Anniversary Armistice Remembrance Medal. This is Australian's first commemorative medal, issued to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War I.

With the passing of Raymond Durston, only 15 known Australian World War I veterans remain, including three Victorians. Mr Durston's family is planning a private funeral.

Media Contact: Rachael Thompson (02) 6277 7820 or 0417 265 289