Veteran of WWI Trenches Dies – 111 Years Old
25 July 2009 | Machine Wrench | Max
The Last Tommy – Harry Patch fought in the battle of Passchendaele in 1917 in which more than 70,000 British troops died.
Gordon Brown and Prince Charles, amongst others, have used inflated words and nationalist sentiments in an attempt to associate themselves with Harry and his reputation for courage and honesty, but in reality they have nothing in common.
Harry Patch made his position quite clear, long before his death, when he said amongst other things: “War is a calculated and condoned slaughter of human beings.”
Close friend Jim Ross, who visited Patch regularly over many years, said he had been a peaceful man.
“Harry died peacefully, surrounded by his many friends,” he said. “While the country may remember Harry as a soldier, we will remember him as a dear friend.
“He was a man of peace who used his great age and fame as the last survivor of the trenches to communicate two simple messages: remember with gratitude and respect those who served on all sides; settle disputes by discussion, not war.”
Patch was a machine-gunner in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. He served in the trenches as a private from June to September 1917.
Born on 17 June 1898, he grew up in Combe Down, near Bath, and left school at the age of 15 to train as a plumber.
He was 16 when war broke out and reached 18 as conscription was being introduced. After six months’ training, he was sent to the frontline.
Patch’s biographer, Richard Van Emden, told the BBC his death was “an enormous loss”.
“He was the last of that generation and the poignancy of that is almost overwhelming. He remembered all of those who died and suffered, and every time he was honoured he knew it was for all of those who fought.”
Van Emden said his conversations with Patch as he compiled the story of his life were, “a real education”.
“He had a sparkle about him, a dry sense of humour, he was just a lovely man. He was one of the most rewarding people to be with.”
Fletcher House nursing home in Wells, Somerset, where Patch died, said his funeral was being arranged in accordance with his wishes.
To read an interesting interview with Harry Patch click the link below:
