Harry Patch World War One
 

Last week I was contacted by the BBC, re the Accrington Pals, in preparation for when Harry Patch the last surviving Tommy died. Things got pushed forward a bit when Harry died in his sleep late last Friday.

The BBC crew came mid-day to day, and it will be on the 10 oclock news. After they left the library the went on to film the so called pals Chapel and the Cenotaph, and then to Blackburn to edit the film.

I would not allow them to interview me, its not my thing. I think they've found a puppet to act as a Pals expert.

Our Cenotaph is the biggest town memorial outside London.

Retlaw.

Re: World War One
 

were they filming on church street?? they nearly got tyler as well, he was very interested in the cameras as we waked past :D

Re: World War One
 

Yes they were. Thats after they left the library, I didnt go with them I don't like television cameras.

Retlaw

Re: World War One
 

shame he will be in bed at 10, he'd be interested in that.

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.

Re: World War One
 

Harry Patch didn't want a fancy funeral. There will be a service at Wells Cathedral on August 6th and he will then be buried near his relatives in his home town.
Only 1000 tickets are available, but a big screen will be erected in the Cathedral Grounds.
Not heard anything about Harry Allingham yet.
I'll bet g. brown will try to make some political capital out of it.

Retlaw.

Re: World War One
 

Funny old world: the ones that deserve a state funeral with all the trimmings don't wan't one .... and those who don't deserve to be thrown onto the dung heap, would probably sell their souls to have one. And all those who lie where they fought and died, in graves marked "Known Unto God" .... how many stop to think about those?