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One of the last NZ survivors from Battle of Crete passes away aged 103

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The Greek Herald
Eric Douglas Wilson. Photo: NZ Trucking Magazine.

Eric Douglas Wilson, believed to be one of two known surviving NZ veterans from the Battle of Crete during WWII, has died at the age of 103.

According to times.co.nz, Wilson died peacefully on June 24 and a celebration of his life was held at The Howick Club in Auckland last Wednesday.

Wilson was part of the 24th Battalion DivAm and was the last New Zealand servicemen to evacuate the Greek island of Crete in the retreat from advancing Italian and German forces in May 1941.

WWII veteran Eric Wilson with family and friends on his 102nd birthday in April last year. Photo: Wayne Martin.

He also served in the Middle East and Italy before leaving the army in 1945.

Since his leave, Wilson kept himself busy with Howick RSA association, becoming a life member in January 2018.

Last year, Wilson also travelled to Wellington with his daughter, Noeleen, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of NZ’s participation in the Battle of Crete in WWII.

Wilson leaves behind his children, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Source: times.co.nz.

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