London loses two more soldiers of the ‘greatest generation’

Veterans Allan Brunsden and Harry Favell passed away, leaving behind a legacy of their sacrifices.

Two of the region’s last living veterans of the Second World War have passed away.

Allan Brunsden died on June 10. Harry Favell left us on June 4.

In 2023, the then 102-year-old Favell told CTV News London his secret to a long life.

“I have a laugh, I have a drink and I get on with it!”

“Well, Harry was one of the last of the greatest generation,” said Retired Lt. Col. Joe Murray.

Murray has nothing but respect for Favell, who served in combat throughout Holland and Germany.

With his death, members of the 1st Hussars lost their final local Ontario connection to the Second World War.

“We have one left by the name of Charles Reed, and he’s 102 and lives in New Brunswick,” said Murray.

London lost another veteran on Tuesday.

Pacific War survivor Allan Brunsden was featured in a CTV News London special report this past fall.

It was recorded a week before he took part in the annual Remembrance Day service.

Brunsden, who battled PTSD after surviving Japanese kamikaze attacks, found it difficult to accept the request.

“November 11th is a hard time for me, exceptionally hard.”

Naval veteran Mark Van Den Bossche met Allan 15 years ago.

“He was my friend, and I’m going to miss him,” he said as he recalled Allan’s humility.

Alan wouldn’t want to be remembered as the guy who sailed on ships and was in combat,” he continued. ”It’s not the kind of guy that he was. I think he wants to be remembered as a humble guy who tried to do his best for, you know, his community and for his family.”

This is why Allan’s thoughts, the last time we saw him, resonate.

“I can’t believe there are that many people who are so interested in what I was doing years, and years ago,” he told a CTV News camera as he looked out at the crowd gathered at the cenotaph.

While the legacy of both men will never be forgotten, Murray reminds us that a new generation of veterans will need our support as they pick up the torch of remembrance.

“The veterans are no longer all 100 years old now. They’re in their 20s or their 30s in the 40s.”

And, as they carry the message into the future, perhaps they will share the following warnings about the grim realities of armed conflict.

“War should be abolished. Little kids should be able to grow up in a peaceful world,” said Favell.

“It [war] was useless. It was something that should never have happened,” echoed Brunsden.