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Last Updated: Tuesday, 6 July, 2004, 16:27 GMT 17:27 UK
WWI veteran passes away aged 107
One of Scotland's oldest military veterans has died at the age of 107.
Bill Burnett passed away at his retirement home in Melbourne, Australia.
The Aberdeen-born former soldier emigrated in 1920 and was one of the last surviving UK veterans of World War I.
Mr Burnett trained as a marine engineer, volunteered for frontline action in France and served with the Welsh Guards and the Royal Engineers.
Scottish National Party (SNP) defence spokesman Angus Robertson, who had been lobbying the Ministry of Defence to provide support for the veteran, paid tribute to Mr
Burnett.
In a letter to his family, Mr Robertson said: "I am sorry to hear the sad news that Bill has passed away at the incredible age of 107.
"Bill's service was recognised a
nd marked by the government of France with the Legion d'Honneur
."
The great-grandfather of 10 emigrated to Australia 84 years ago.
A funeral service for Mr Burnett will be held on Wednesday, during which "A Scottish Soldier" will be played.
It is understood his family plan to scatter his ashes in the hills of Scotland.
Scottish WW I veteran
Last Updated: Tuesday, 6 July, 2004, 16:27 GMT 17:27 UK
WWI veteran passes away aged 107
One of Scotland's oldest military veterans has died at the age of 107.
Bill Burnett passed away at his retirement home in Melbourne, Australia.
The Aberdeen-born former soldier emigrated in 1920 and was one of the last surviving UK veterans of World War I.
Mr Burnett trained as a marine engineer, volunteered for frontline action in France and served with the Welsh Guards and the Royal Engineers.
Scottish National Party (SNP) defence spokesman Angus Robertson, who had been lobbying the Ministry of Defence to provide support for the veteran, paid tribute to Mr
Burnett.
In a letter to his family, Mr Robertson said: "I am sorry to hear the sad news that Bill has passed away at the incredible age of 107.
"Bill's service was recognised a
nd marked by the government of France with the Legion d'Honneur
."
The great-grandfather of 10 emigrated to Australia 84 years ago.
A funeral service for Mr Burnett will be held on Wednesday, during which "A Scottish Soldier" will be played.
It is understood his family plan to scatter his ashes in the hills of Scotland.
Scottish WW I veteran