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Eric · 29-07-2009, 19:26

Just an aside: John Babcock, Canada's last surviving WWl vet turned 109 on July 23. Mr. Babcock lied about his age (he was fifteen) and joined up .... got all the way to Halifax, NS before he was found out and placed in a "boys" battallion until he reached the age of 18; he never quite made it to the front. After the war he went to the US and became a citizen; but he still has his Canadian citizenship. He was offered a state funeral by the Canadian Govt.; but he turned it down because he didn't consider himself a real veteran because he never saw action. Did the Britisha govt. consider offering Mr. Patch a state funeral? It would have been appropriate; and could have been seen as recognition for all those who fought in that conflict.

29-07-2009, 19:26	#5
Eric God Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada Posts: 9,290 Liked: 2347 times Rep Power: 58528	Re: World War One Just an aside: John Babcock, Canada's last surviving WWl vet turned 109 on July 23. Mr. Babcock lied about his age (he was fifteen) and joined up .... got all the way to Halifax, NS before he was found out and placed in a "boys" battallion until he reached the age of 18; he never quite made it to the front. After the war he went to the US and became a citizen; but he still has his Canadian citizenship. He was offered a state funeral by the Canadian Govt.; but he turned it down because he didn't consider himself a real veteran because he never saw action. Did the Britisha govt. consider offering Mr. Patch a state funeral? It would have been appropriate; and could have been seen as recognition for all those who fought in that conflict.