It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Harry Patch. He was of course the last British soldier of the Great War, wounded at Passchendaele, Ypres in 1917. I had the very great honour of meeting Harry at his care home in Wells, Somerset in August 2006. Harry signed a book for me and allowed me to take some pictures, which I would like to share with you all. Rest in Peace Harry.
John Thanks for posting about Harry Patch, a great man of our time, may he now rest in peace and I hope that the government will give him the recognition that he deserves along with Henry Allingham and give them both a semi state funeral. Also thanks for posting some great photo's which I am sure you will treasure.
ReplyDeleteJohn A
Hi John, thanks for your comments. I certainly do treasure these photo's and the short time I spent with Harry. It was incredible to hear him speak of his time in the Great War. It was hard to believe that I was talking with a veteran of the 1st World War. He was such a nice guy. Its very sad that we have now lost this connection with such historic events. The last of the many! I also hope there is a state funeral for these old warriors so the Nation can say its final thanks to great men!
ReplyDeleteYes,a great man,he certainly saw a few come,and a few go.
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Don
Along with Fred Collingwood and Ted Ayles we met all three of the old gentlemen at 10 Downing Street two years ago, good to have met them, "We will remember them"
ReplyDeletepeter
A very sad passing, along with Henry Allingham. They did their duty and more.
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TIS
a great set of photo,s John and thanks for putting them on the BB
ReplyDeletetoday in the SUN NEWSPAPER is a great photo of HARRY i tried to scan it for the BB but sorry to say my scanner did not work.i will gve it a clean tomorrow and see how it goes.this photo cant be missed its very good
regards derek
History in the making.
ReplyDeleteHarry said when speaking ,Voices of WW1 "They sat down in 1918 to talk peace WHY could they not do that in 1914 so many lives wasted"
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