The Civil War Veteran Who Enlisted for the First World War at 72

Newspaper cut out of Boucher, the oldest man to serve in WW1Photo byVimy Foundation/Twitter

John William Boucher, a Canadian veteran of the Civil War, made headlines when he returned to the battlefield 52 years later, becoming possibly the oldest man to serve during World War I at 72.

Born in Ontario in 1844, Boucher dropped everything to fight for the Union in the American Civil War at 19. Despite being a British subject, he enlisted in the Union Army and served until the war's end.

But, discrepancies in the records suggest his actual active duty may have been much shorter.

After the Civil War, Boucher returned to Canada, started a family, and pursued various careers. When World War I erupted and Canada mobilized its forces, Boucher, now a widower, felt compelled to join the war effort.

Despite being well above the maximum age for enlistment, Boucher made multiple attempts to join the army. He was initially denied, but his persistence paid off when he secured a position as a cook with the 72nd Queen's University Battery. A year later, he joined the 257th Canadian Railway Battalion after their age limit was raised to 48.

Assigned to railway construction duties in France and Belgium, Boucher's battalion played a vital role in logistics and transportation. They faced constant German aerial attacks and the arduous task of working with stubborn mules.

Boucher showed incredible resilience and determination, refusing to neglect his duties despite his age and the dangers around him.

However, after eight months of service, Boucher's physical condition deteriorated due to rheumatism, and he was ordered to the infirmary. When asked his actual age by a medical officer, Boucher admitted he would be turning 73 in a few weeks.

Boucher's remarkable story highlights the presence of both underage and overage soldiers during World War I.

Despite the challenges he faced and the limited recognition for his work, his dedication and bravery serve as a testament to the sacrifices made by individuals of all ages during times of war. Boucher passed away in Miami, in 1939.