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Last man left alive from Great War

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Published Date: 18 June 2007
THE last surviving veteran to fight in the trenches during the First World War celebrated his 109th birthday yesterday - but insisted it was no big deal.
Harry Patch marked the day with a party at his nursing home in Wells, Somerset.

He served with the Duke of Cornwall's light infantry and fought at the bloody battle of Passchendaele, when he was still just a teenage conscript.

Mr Patch said: "I feel about 50 years old. It's a lot of fuss about nothing."

He was called up in 1917 and just a few weeks later he was thrown into one of the bloodiest and most brutal battles of the Great War - at Passchendaele, in Belgium - which claimed 70,000 lives.



The full article contains 126 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 17 June 2007 8:54 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: World War One
 
1

Scullion,

Canada 18/06/2007 01:24:54

Despite his survival, his place is assured in Valhalla with the rest of the heroes.

2

Jim A,

18/06/2007 02:03:23

God Bless you sir, and a very Happy Birthday

3

Jason,

Japan 18/06/2007 02:50:18

"They don't like it up um, Sir... they don't like it..."
"Thank you Corporal Jones."

4

Dox,

18/06/2007 05:38:47

Happy 109th Harry.

5

wellwood,

ayrshire 18/06/2007 16:14:37

Our debt to you and your comrades, now past into the annals of history, shall never be repaid.
God bless you Harry Patch, Happy Birthday!

6

Robin Bather,

18/06/2007 17:09:47

You and your brave comrades served with pride and honour. I salute you Mr. Patch.
Heartfelt thanks.
Happy Birthday Sir.

7

Adamski,

Edinburgh 18/06/2007 18:38:35

Many happy returns Harry.

A true hero.

8

Joanna,

Cambs, England 18/06/2007 20:24:58

Happy Birthday Harry and Thank You.

9

Robin Bather,

18/06/2007 23:53:20

If you go to:

http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/search.pl

and put in the details of Henry Patch, you will find his birth registered in the 3rd quarter of 1898 in Bath, Vol.5c, Page 543

For about 7 pounds anyone could send away and get a photocopy of Harry's Birth Certificate which would give much interesting information about his parents, address at birth etc.


 

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