Am I correct in thinking there is one British WW1 vet left now living in Australia? Does the other Commonwealth countires have any living vets? USA ? Cheers A
Am I correct in thinking there is one British WW1 vet left now living in Australia? Does the other Commonwealth countires have any living vets? USA ? Cheers A List of surviving veterans of World War I - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia In total there are 3 verified and 2 unverified war veterans living. Depending on how you perceive the era, their is still 1 living Commonwealth (Canadian) soldier alive. I didn't realize another British veteran was still alive, all the news articles I've seen gave the vibe that Harry Patch was the last. Perhaps they meant the last veteran living on British soil? It's really shocking depressing even for me personally looking back. I remember as kid in school World War I veterans would show up all the time during the first two weeks of November to share their stories, honor comrades during Remembrance Day assembly's, and such with the kids. Hard to believe over a decade later only 3 remain.
I was much impressed by the dignity afforded to Harry Patch from the media - The Sunday Telegraph has an excellent article on Harry's life which I will be keeping - although I never met the gentlemen I was always very much impressed by his simple dignity , sincerity and the gravity of his words. In the wake of Harry's passing a number of politicians have passed comment saying much more than Harry but communicating considerably less in the process. As a lover of history I am much saddened by his death , I feel the loss at a personal level perhaps in part because was the "Last Tommy" but more so because he was the man that he was and for what he has said in recent years. I would extend my thanks to Harry for his life , the service he gave to his country ,his friends , his comrades and for the respect by way of example he has given us in how the war dead of all conflicts should be remembered. I cannot but feel that Harry was an advocate for peace an an alternative to war and death. Whilst we all may have an interest in the history of warfare ( be that 1914-18 or 1939-1945) this pales into insignificance when set beside the pain and heartbreak which is being visited upon families today , young men and women serving their country and comrades just as Harry did. Although this is slightly off topic our politicians are selling our forces short just like men such as Harry Patch was sold short ,and we must not let them away with this. Thank you Mr. Harry Patch.
Harry Patch - what an example to us all. "Thank you for what you did for us Harry - rest in peace now along with your mates."
Received an early Christmas present from a friend from Bath. She included a clipping from the newspaper along with it. I thought the photo from last year of Harry with L/Cpl Beharry VC in the clipping was so very touching. It is now on the top of the pile to be read, once I am finished the interesting work I am currently marching through on Customs and Traditions of the Canadian Forces. cheers, phil
Emotional church visit for relatives of Shropshire's Harry Patch Emotional church visit for relatives of Shropshire's Harry Patch
Thanks Clive. What a wonderful man. I miss his warm but emotional voice, when describing those terrible times and the comrades he lost.
