- Final salute to a larrikin -
28.08.2004 12:34:38
With Marcel Caux 102 and indulging himself by making his beloved
home brew, his family and friends shivered in apprehension.
Not from the potential for massive hangovers.
"There was a wick, kerosene for heating, flame, timber and his poor eyesight," family friend Chris Dagg said. "You get the picture."
Mr Dagg provided a human side to the life of the unyielding Mr Caux, whose departure to Valhalla was commemorated with a state funeral yesterday.
Mr Caux was one of five remaining World War I veterans in Australia and his departure further fades a glorious light of self-sacrifice, patriotism and courage which his era generated.
His story is remarkable. He put his age up from 16 to 18 to join the army in 1915 and spent his adolescence in the slaughterhouses that were the Somme, Pozieres, and Villers-Bretonneux.
He was wounded three times, the last time earning repatriation to England, then Australia at the war`s end.
For 87 years Mr Caux never spoke of his war experiences. He was lured out of anonymity in 2001 for a Remembrance Day ceremony and was a notable figure until his death at 105 on Sunday.
Mr Dagg`s words yesterday brought Mr Caux to life, not as a mystical figure from the past but as a boy who mistakenly thought war was adventure, and a man who enjoyed simple things and a long life.
He loved a drink, a punt and eating out at least once a week, mostly Thai or Chinese.
He initially resisted going to a nursing home at 102 as "they were for old people."
Among Mr Caux`s medals is the Legion of Honour, presented by a grateful French Government to the remaining Great War veterans for their sacrifices.
"The Legion of Honour is minor compared to the honour he bestowed on France," a French Embassy representative said.
Mr Caux`s reclusiveness was a reaction to the disillusionment he suffered about the morality of war and politicians in back rooms who committed soldiers to fight.
He once said: "War is useless. Nothing is gained from it. I`d rather forget the whole bloody thing."
Mr Caux was unforgettable.
acknowledge:
by Daily Telegraph
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au
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