The Last Fighting Tommy - Harry Patch

I had seen Harry interviewed on TV, as the world suddenly became aware that the old WW1 soldiers were fading away. He stood out from the rest as being sharp, witty and engaging. I felt I could listen to him all day. As soon as I heard this book had been printed, I rushed to get a copy and can say I was not disappointed. In fact, it is more than I expected. You expect the focus to concentrate on the Great War. that's what Harry is famous for now, after all. What we get instead is an enlightening snapshot of Harry's life. The same sharpness and witty style that I remember from the interview, with historical notes from Richard van Emden. Not only that, the ...  Read the complete review

On the 25th July 2009, the knowledge of the horrors of trench warfare in the First World War passed from living memory into recorded history. Harry Patch "The Last Fighting Tommy" died peacefully in his sleep aged 111. Fortunately, not all of his memories died with him as his story has been written down for those who were not witnesses to this 'Great' War, in his biography written by Richard Van Emden. That Harry's tale is available to be read is all the more remarkable when it is realised that the book was written during his 109th year. Even more amazing is that Harry did not talk about the war, at all, until he was 100. As one ...  Read the complete review

Harry Patch was the very last British soldier to have fought in the trenches of The Great War. Sadly, shortley after he had reached his 111th birthday, we had to bid farewell to ths extraordinary, grand 'old' chap. Old? Yes, but only from the neck down. He was remarkably alert and articulate; his memory intact; every marble present,correct and in good working order. I last saw him five weeks ago, in the dining room at Fletcher House, sitting back after breakfasting, wearing three of his medals pinned to his jacket. He smiled and I waved. That is the vision I now hold tight in my memory. Having just returned from his funeral at Wells Cathedral ...  Read the complete review