The Last Tommy
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Sad news indeed.
For those that are interested Harry Patch lives in Somerset at Fletcher House, Glastonbury Road, Wells.
Might pop in and say hello sometime. He seems helluvaboy :-)
Cheers,
Battler
For those that are interested Harry Patch lives in Somerset at Fletcher House, Glastonbury Road, Wells.
Might pop in and say hello sometime. He seems helluvaboy :-)
Cheers,
Battler
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Alfred's ambition, from the above bbc news link:
'He was gentle and very humorous, with a quick wit. He used to say until recently that his ambition was to die shot in bed by a jealous lover'
Perhaps not his desired exit, but at least he is now on parade with his comrades.
RIP
'He was gentle and very humorous, with a quick wit. He used to say until recently that his ambition was to die shot in bed by a jealous lover'
Perhaps not his desired exit, but at least he is now on parade with his comrades.
RIP
Last post for WW1 veteran
22 November 2005
The last World War 1 veteran in New Zealand will be laid to rest on the West Coast today.
It has been almost 90 years since teenager Victor (Bob) Rudd lied about his age to enlist with the British Army's 9th Lancers regiment.
Today, the contribution of the English-born cavalryman will be recognised by the Returned Services Association at his funeral in Greymouth. The last New Zealand-born survivor of the Great War, rifleman Bright Williams, died in Hastings in 2003.
Rudd died in Greymouth on Sunday, aged 104.
Despite never having ridden a horse, Private Rudd joined the cavalry and was en route to the front when the armistice was announced on November 11, 1918. Rudd's regiment carried on across France and Belgium to serve 15 months as part of the occupying forces in Germany, digging graves and cleaning up after retreating soldiers.
Rudd's daughter, Valda Rudd, 77, said she was proud of her father, and enjoyed hearing stories of his early days.
"He was a great storyteller. He really held the floor. As he's got older, he hasn't stopped going back to the days of the First World War."
Rudd said her father spoke of how dirty France was, how clean Germany was, and how when he fell off his horse he was made to chase it to get back on.
"He just did as he was told," she said. "That was a short, sharp lesson, and he would say the horses were better fed than the men."
Born in East Dulwich, London, in April 1901, Rudd came to New Zealand after the war and settled in Greymouth, where he worked on the waterfront. For several years, he had a shoe-repair shop with his son and worked as a labourer for the Railways Department, helping dig the Otira tunnel.
Rudd kept good health throughout his life and lived independently until a few days short of his 100th birthday, when he moved into residential care.
A noted draughts and chess player, Rudd was runner-up in the New Zealand national draughts championships on two occasions.
He also enjoyed cards and was a keen indoor bowler.
Rudd, who outlived his wife and son, died at Granger House in Greymouth.
Valda Rudd is his only remaining child.
22 November 2005
The last World War 1 veteran in New Zealand will be laid to rest on the West Coast today.
It has been almost 90 years since teenager Victor (Bob) Rudd lied about his age to enlist with the British Army's 9th Lancers regiment.
Today, the contribution of the English-born cavalryman will be recognised by the Returned Services Association at his funeral in Greymouth. The last New Zealand-born survivor of the Great War, rifleman Bright Williams, died in Hastings in 2003.
Rudd died in Greymouth on Sunday, aged 104.
Despite never having ridden a horse, Private Rudd joined the cavalry and was en route to the front when the armistice was announced on November 11, 1918. Rudd's regiment carried on across France and Belgium to serve 15 months as part of the occupying forces in Germany, digging graves and cleaning up after retreating soldiers.
Rudd's daughter, Valda Rudd, 77, said she was proud of her father, and enjoyed hearing stories of his early days.
"He was a great storyteller. He really held the floor. As he's got older, he hasn't stopped going back to the days of the First World War."
Rudd said her father spoke of how dirty France was, how clean Germany was, and how when he fell off his horse he was made to chase it to get back on.
"He just did as he was told," she said. "That was a short, sharp lesson, and he would say the horses were better fed than the men."
Born in East Dulwich, London, in April 1901, Rudd came to New Zealand after the war and settled in Greymouth, where he worked on the waterfront. For several years, he had a shoe-repair shop with his son and worked as a labourer for the Railways Department, helping dig the Otira tunnel.
Rudd kept good health throughout his life and lived independently until a few days short of his 100th birthday, when he moved into residential care.
A noted draughts and chess player, Rudd was runner-up in the New Zealand national draughts championships on two occasions.
He also enjoyed cards and was a keen indoor bowler.
Rudd, who outlived his wife and son, died at Granger House in Greymouth.
Valda Rudd is his only remaining child.
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Sad news to hear of the passing of the gentlemen above. Mr Anderson came across with great humour in the programme, despite the horrors he went through before and after his injury. I had a smile at his comment on knowing he was getting old because his son (79 at the time) was retired.
RIP gents, the world owes your generation, and that of your children, more than it can ever express.
As for the idea of a state funeral, at first I thought this a good idea, but on reflection, came to change this. Grief is a very personnal thing and the family of The Last Tommy should be afforded the privacy that they dererve and desire.
However, a national service of rememberance, separate but recognising his and his generation's sacrifice and passing may be a more appropriate method of marking the end of an era.
sw
RIP gents, the world owes your generation, and that of your children, more than it can ever express.
As for the idea of a state funeral, at first I thought this a good idea, but on reflection, came to change this. Grief is a very personnal thing and the family of The Last Tommy should be afforded the privacy that they dererve and desire.
However, a national service of rememberance, separate but recognising his and his generation's sacrifice and passing may be a more appropriate method of marking the end of an era.
sw
Gentleman Aviator
Wasn't it 209 that claimed the scalp of the Red Baron?
...and the "legend" is enshrined in the Squadron Badge:
An eagle volant recursant descendant in pale, wings overture
.... I'll see if I'm clever enough to post a picture....
... not clever enough to post a picture, but here's a link..
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I have received an unusually timely response to my letter to my MP....
Speaking from experience, Mr Robertson is a man of his word. I do hope other PPRuNers' MPs are willing to make this suggestion.
Dear tablet_eraser
Thank you for your letter dated 7th November 2005 proposing a state funeral for the last person to die who served in the First World War.
I really do think such a proposal is worth serious consideration by the government and I will certainly put the suggestion forward. It really is amazing that we still have such people with us and I would have loved to have met one of them to discuss his experiences.
With best wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Laurence Robertson MP
Thank you for your letter dated 7th November 2005 proposing a state funeral for the last person to die who served in the First World War.
I really do think such a proposal is worth serious consideration by the government and I will certainly put the suggestion forward. It really is amazing that we still have such people with us and I would have loved to have met one of them to discuss his experiences.
With best wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Laurence Robertson MP
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Teetering...
Here ya go!
Cheers! M2
Here ya go!
Formed originally as No 9 Squadron RNAS at St Pol on 1 February 1917, taking over No 8 (Naval)'s Pups and Nieuports. Initially providing defensive cover to prevent German bombers attacking Southern England and Northern France, it moved to the Western Front in June to assist the RFC. At the same time it received Triplanes, but a month later these were replaced by Camels. It continued operations until February 1918, when the squadron returned to the UK but following the German offensive of the 21 March, was rushed back to the Front. During this offensive, the RAF was formed on 1 April, at which point the squadron was renumber 209.
On the 21st of the month Captain Roy Brown of the squadron was involved in the fight, which ultimately led to the death of the highest scoring pilot of WW1, Baron Manfred von Richthofen, although there is still much debate as to whether he delivered the fatal shot or it was delivered by ground troops. However, whatever is the case, the event is commemorated in the squadron's badge. After the war the squadron remained on the continent until February 1919, when it moved to Scopwick , where it disbanded on 24 June 1919.
On the 21st of the month Captain Roy Brown of the squadron was involved in the fight, which ultimately led to the death of the highest scoring pilot of WW1, Baron Manfred von Richthofen, although there is still much debate as to whether he delivered the fatal shot or it was delivered by ground troops. However, whatever is the case, the event is commemorated in the squadron's badge. After the war the squadron remained on the continent until February 1919, when it moved to Scopwick , where it disbanded on 24 June 1919.
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A further letter from my MP:
And the attached Hansard extract:
So, seems to be making some headway. Has anyone else written to their MPs?
Dear tablet_eraser,
Thank you for your letter of the 7 November and I apologise for the delay in replying.
I have raised your suggestion with the Prime Minister for a state funeral for the final survivor of the First World War. I have attached for your information a copy of the question and his reply, which I hope are of help.
I hope that the government will take up this suggestion.
With best wishes
Yours sincerely
Laurence Robertson MP
Thank you for your letter of the 7 November and I apologise for the delay in replying.
I have raised your suggestion with the Prime Minister for a state funeral for the final survivor of the First World War. I have attached for your information a copy of the question and his reply, which I hope are of help.
I hope that the government will take up this suggestion.
With best wishes
Yours sincerely
Laurence Robertson MP
Thursday 24th November 2005 (answered by the Prime Minister on Wednesday 30th November)
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Prime Minister, if he will consider recommending the granting of a state funeral to the last person to die who served in the First World War; and if he will make a statement. (32294)
THE PRIME MINISTER: My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Veterans) (Don Touhig), is currently considering an appropriate way to mark the service and sacrifices of those who served in the First World War, and an announcement will be made in due course.
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Prime Minister, if he will consider recommending the granting of a state funeral to the last person to die who served in the First World War; and if he will make a statement. (32294)
THE PRIME MINISTER: My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Veterans) (Don Touhig), is currently considering an appropriate way to mark the service and sacrifices of those who served in the First World War, and an announcement will be made in due course.
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Yes, I wrote to my MP and to the office of the PM on Nov 11 Received an immediate reply from my MP who wrote to MP John Reid. JR's office considering the idea. PM's hacks have not even bothered to reply to my e=mail, automatic response or otherwise.
Compare this tawdry response with that of the Pres of the US. My wife's class wrote poems about the 911 atrocity and didn't know what to do with them. She suggested they sent them. by ordinaryl, to the White House. Within a fortnight the school received a charming thank you letter from GWB plus a signed photograph.
No funny comments please, they will not be appreciated.
Thank you,
NC43
NC43
Compare this tawdry response with that of the Pres of the US. My wife's class wrote poems about the 911 atrocity and didn't know what to do with them. She suggested they sent them. by ordinaryl, to the White House. Within a fortnight the school received a charming thank you letter from GWB plus a signed photograph.
No funny comments please, they will not be appreciated.
Thank you,
NC43
NC43
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To all interested parties,
This morning I received in the mail a letter from my MP. In it was another letter from Don Youhig where he confirms ''that the final passing of that generation should be marked in an appropriate manner. Planning for this has already been started and will require fairly consultation within Government and with outside individuals and organisations''.
Details of their plans will be announced as soon as they are in a position to do so.
I think this is good news.
NC43
This morning I received in the mail a letter from my MP. In it was another letter from Don Youhig where he confirms ''that the final passing of that generation should be marked in an appropriate manner. Planning for this has already been started and will require fairly consultation within Government and with outside individuals and organisations''.
Details of their plans will be announced as soon as they are in a position to do so.
I think this is good news.
NC43
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I think this is good news
I also wrote to my MP encouraging him to join the debate and emploring him to vote against any wishes to change the sedate passing away of an ex-serviceman into a state circus.
Last edited by vecvechookattack; 24th Dec 2005 at 18:40.
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vevechooattack,
I think you've missed the point. The suggestion is that, with his family's consent, the last serviceman to die who served in the First World War should be granted a State Funeral because his passing will mark the final break with the generation who fought arguably the most brutal war in history. No-one is trying to press-gang anyone into hosting, as you put it, a "State Circus", merely to consider the suggestion that we should mark, in a dignified and formal fashion, the loss of a very brave group of men.
The last "State Circuses" were held for HM The Queen Mother, HRH The Princess Margaret, and Diana, Princess of Wales. None of these three fought for our national survival; although notable for some of their achievements, they did not face the Enemy across a few miles of muddy ground in France to preserve our way of life. Who is more deserving of national mourning?
The proposed State Funeral is supposed to mark the Nation's gratitude to all those who served in the First World War. The death of the last soldier lies outwith the normal Remembrance Day events because, significantly, it marks the end of an epoch of futile, industrialised slaughter in the name of statehood. Maybe you don't agree with it; but perhaps you could find it in yourself to respect the suggestion instead of implying that we're only interested in a vulgar display of pomp and circumstance. If the soldier's family desires a simple family funeral, so be it; the final choice is, after all, theirs to make.
I think you've missed the point. The suggestion is that, with his family's consent, the last serviceman to die who served in the First World War should be granted a State Funeral because his passing will mark the final break with the generation who fought arguably the most brutal war in history. No-one is trying to press-gang anyone into hosting, as you put it, a "State Circus", merely to consider the suggestion that we should mark, in a dignified and formal fashion, the loss of a very brave group of men.
The last "State Circuses" were held for HM The Queen Mother, HRH The Princess Margaret, and Diana, Princess of Wales. None of these three fought for our national survival; although notable for some of their achievements, they did not face the Enemy across a few miles of muddy ground in France to preserve our way of life. Who is more deserving of national mourning?
The proposed State Funeral is supposed to mark the Nation's gratitude to all those who served in the First World War. The death of the last soldier lies outwith the normal Remembrance Day events because, significantly, it marks the end of an epoch of futile, industrialised slaughter in the name of statehood. Maybe you don't agree with it; but perhaps you could find it in yourself to respect the suggestion instead of implying that we're only interested in a vulgar display of pomp and circumstance. If the soldier's family desires a simple family funeral, so be it; the final choice is, after all, theirs to make.
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vecvechookattack
Sorry vecvechookattack but I have to disagree with you. Millions of soldiers died in WW1l The unknown soldier lies with the most illustrious in the land and his resting place is a most fitting tribute to those who are ‘known only to God’.
In order to honour the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who gave their lives in the cause, I should like to think that the last remaining soldier be accorded an equally fitting tribute.
The fact that you equate this to a circus is a sad reflection on you. I think, too, that his family would and should be the ones to to have the final say and veto the proposed tribute, if that is their wish, and not an ordinary member of the public such as you, or me.
Thank you.
NC43
tablet _ eraser.
You put it far more eloquently than I ever could. Thank you.
NC43
Sorry vecvechookattack but I have to disagree with you. Millions of soldiers died in WW1l The unknown soldier lies with the most illustrious in the land and his resting place is a most fitting tribute to those who are ‘known only to God’.
In order to honour the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who gave their lives in the cause, I should like to think that the last remaining soldier be accorded an equally fitting tribute.
The fact that you equate this to a circus is a sad reflection on you. I think, too, that his family would and should be the ones to to have the final say and veto the proposed tribute, if that is their wish, and not an ordinary member of the public such as you, or me.
Thank you.
NC43
tablet _ eraser.
You put it far more eloquently than I ever could. Thank you.
NC43
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Good. He's probably seen sense.
I think that every soldier, Sailor, Airman who serves in Her/His majesties finest should be given due credit for offering their lives as the supreme sacrifice.
However, State funerals are reserved for the Monarchy and for very few people who the state deems have deserved the honour because of their actions or deeds. Being the last person of a particular era to die does not fit into that category.
These people deserve every accolade that is bestowed on them EXCEPT a state funeral.
Stop this ridiculous idea now.
I think that every soldier, Sailor, Airman who serves in Her/His majesties finest should be given due credit for offering their lives as the supreme sacrifice.
However, State funerals are reserved for the Monarchy and for very few people who the state deems have deserved the honour because of their actions or deeds. Being the last person of a particular era to die does not fit into that category.
These people deserve every accolade that is bestowed on them EXCEPT a state funeral.
Stop this ridiculous idea now.
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well, I ask you? Its a ridiculous suggestion. So, the last serviceman to serve in WW1 gets a state funeral. And then next week we'll have the last but one serviceman who served during suez. Then the week after it will be the turn of the third bloke who boarded the Seaking that flew into Chile in 1982....then....and then....
Nope. State funerals are not for servicemen. Leave well alone.
Nope. State funerals are not for servicemen. Leave well alone.
