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William Stone, one of just four surviving British veterans of World War I, died over the weekend at the age of 108, the Ministry of Defence said Monday. Stone served 27 years with Britain's Royal Navy, spanning both world wars, and passed away peacefully at a care home on Saturday, the HMS Hood Association, the veterans' grouping of one of the ships he served on, confirmed on its website.
"We owe a great deal to the men and women who served this country with such distinction during those wars to protect our liberty," said Veterans Minister Kevan Jones.
"William was a man who represented the courage, spirit and determination of his generation. He was an inspiration to us all."
Stone was among three veterans who attended ceremonies in central London last November to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I, along with Henry Allingham, 112, and Harry Patch, 110.
Another British veteran, 107-year-old Claude Choules, lives in Australia.
Born September 23, 1900, Stone first tried to join the Royal Navy aged just 15, but his father refused to sign off on the attempt because he already had three elder sons serving in the military.
On his 18th birthday, though, Stone signed up to the Navy and first sailed with the battlecruiser HMS Tiger, before joining the Hood from 1922 to 1924.
During World War II, Stone served as Chief Stoker on the minesweeper HMS Salamander during the evacuation of Dunkirk, with the ship making five trips to pick up troops from French beaches.
Stone's wife Lily, whom he married in 1938, died in 1995, and he is survived by his daughter Anne Davidson, who was born in 1939.
"William had a remarkable, long, healthy and happy life," Anne said.
"He was a very determined character both in his naval career and in civilian life and, no doubt, this contributed greatly to his longevity.
"William will be sadly missed by his family and many friends."
Will raise a glass to William tonight. Cheers to a real Hero.
"We owe a great deal to the men and women who served this country with such distinction during those wars to protect our liberty," said Veterans Minister Kevan Jones.
"William was a man who represented the courage, spirit and determination of his generation. He was an inspiration to us all."
Stone was among three veterans who attended ceremonies in central London last November to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I, along with Henry Allingham, 112, and Harry Patch, 110.
Another British veteran, 107-year-old Claude Choules, lives in Australia.
Born September 23, 1900, Stone first tried to join the Royal Navy aged just 15, but his father refused to sign off on the attempt because he already had three elder sons serving in the military.
On his 18th birthday, though, Stone signed up to the Navy and first sailed with the battlecruiser HMS Tiger, before joining the Hood from 1922 to 1924.
During World War II, Stone served as Chief Stoker on the minesweeper HMS Salamander during the evacuation of Dunkirk, with the ship making five trips to pick up troops from French beaches.
Stone's wife Lily, whom he married in 1938, died in 1995, and he is survived by his daughter Anne Davidson, who was born in 1939.
"William had a remarkable, long, healthy and happy life," Anne said.
"He was a very determined character both in his naval career and in civilian life and, no doubt, this contributed greatly to his longevity.
"William will be sadly missed by his family and many friends."
Will raise a glass to William tonight. Cheers to a real Hero.
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