Franz Künstler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franz Künstler
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 24 July 1900 Sósd, Transleithania, Austria-Hungary |
| Died | 27 May 2008 (aged 107) Bad Mergentheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany |
| Allegiance |  Austria-Hungary Hungary |
| Years of service | February 1918–1921, 1942 |
| Unit | Mounted Artillery Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Other work | Museum guide |
Franz Künstler (Hungarian: Künstler Ferenc) was a very old soldier. He was born on July 24, 1900, and lived until May 27, 2008. He was 107 years old when he passed away. Franz was the last known soldier from World War I who fought for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This empire was a big country in Central Europe a long time ago. After another veteran, Yakup Satar, died, Franz also became the last known soldier from the Central Powers. The Central Powers were one of the main groups fighting in World War I. Franz was born in a place called Sósd, which was part of Hungary back then. Today, this place is in Romania.
Contents
Franz Künstler's Military Service
Joining the Army
Franz Künstler was a Banat Swabian, which means he was a German-speaking person from a region called Banat. He joined the Austro-Hungarian Army in February 1918. He was part of an artillery unit. Artillery units use large guns to fire shells over long distances.
Fighting in World War I
Franz fought on the Italian Front. This was a major battle area during World War I. He saw combat near the Piave River. After the Austro-Hungarian Empire broke apart, he continued to serve as a soldier. He fought against communist groups in Hungary until 1921.
Service in World War II
During the Second World War, Franz served for six months in 1942. He worked as a mobile courier in Ukraine. A courier delivers important messages or packages.
Life After the Wars
After World War II, Franz Künstler moved to Niederstetten, Germany. He worked as a guide in a museum. He had been forced to leave Hungary by the communist government. Many other ethnic German people were also expelled from Hungary at that time.
When asked about his nationality, Franz said he always felt connected to the German nation. He saw himself as a German. He was a citizen of Hungary until 1946. Then, he became a German citizen.
Later Life and Passing
Germany's Oldest Man
In February 2008, Franz Künstler became the oldest living man in Germany. This happened after Georg Thalhofer, who was also 107, passed away. Georg had not been able to serve in World War I due to health reasons.
Franz Künstler's Death
Franz Künstler died on May 27, 2008. He had fallen ill while visiting his home country of Hungary. He passed away in Bad Mergentheim, Germany, due to problems after intestinal surgery.
See also
