World War I (often abbreviated as WWI or WW1), also known as the First World War, the Great War, the Seminal Catastrophe, and initially in North America as the European War, was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. Contemporaneously described as “the war to end all wars”, it led to the mobilisation of more than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, making it one of the largest wars in history. It is also one of the deadliest conflicts in history, with an estimated nine million combatants and seven million civilian deaths as a direct result of the war, while resulting genocides and the resulting 1918 influenza pandemic caused another 50 to 100 million deaths worldwide.
Ira Benjamin Close (1876) was born in York County, Nebraska, the son of Henry Nathan Close (1850) and Mary Willis. He was drafted into the US Armed Forces in 1918 at Grand Island, Nebraska.
Charles Berry Close (1889) was born at Moonta, South Australia, the son of William Close (1855) and Helen Gusling. He enlisted in the 43rd Infantry Battalion in 1916 and served in France where he was wounded in 1917. He was subsequently…
Walter John Westcott Close (1891) was born at Laura, South Australia, the son of John Thomas Close (1853) and Frances Wilkinson. He enlisted in the Australian Army Medical Corps in 1915 and served in Egypt, France and Belgium, returning to Australia…
Hazel Maynard Close (1894) was born at Laura, South Australia, the daughter of John Thomas Close (1853) and Frances Wilkinson. She enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service as a Staff Nurse in 1918, eventually leaving the service in 1921.
Metcalfe Close (1893) was born at Gunnerside, Richmond, the son of Ralph Metcalfe and Elizabeth Hannah Close (1870). He joined the 12th Mountain Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery during the first World War as a gunner. Service number: 162445 Enlisted at…
Although Frederic Close (1889) was born in Missouri, America, he made his home in the Long Preston and Settle areas of Yorkshire when his mother came back from America with the family. During the First World War between 1914 and…
