The War to End all Wars
"The passing of Harry Patch reminds me of my Grandfather and the respect that we should always show to their generation.
The last First World War veteran Harry Patch was born in 1898 and my Grandfather in 1899. They were both infantrymen and came away from “the War to End all Wars” with very similar memories that they were not overly eager to share with their families.
Like Harry Patch my grandfather was a Lewis machine gunner, and like Harry he was part of a close team of 4, working, sleeping and fighting together in the trenches. He told me how they practiced stripping the gun down and back together again blindfolded. They kept the gun cleaned, greased and ready for action at a moments notice! Towards the end of his life he gave me his full war time experiences, it turned my blood cold and left me with his unforgettable experiences!
The death of Harry Patch has reminded me of my grandfather’s experience and that of his generation. Their generation were resilient, extremely brave yet moderate and public spirited. In 1914 my grandfather tried to join the Cheshire Regiment but the local recruiting sergeant new that he was under age (15) and so, not to be put off, he got on a train to London.
Arriving at London Euston, he then went to the first Army recruiting office that he came across and joined the Middlesex Regiment. He celebrated his 18th birthday in the trenches, was seriously wounded yet returned to the Western Front and fought to the end of the war finding himself at Mons on the 11th November 1918.
I regularly take the same train journey down to London Euston and I never fail to think of that 15 year old English Boy travelling down to London, so that he could join up to serve his country. There generation demonstrate a fine exampleto us all, we will never forget them."
Graham Evans: August 2009
Graham Evans MP makes his maiden speech in the House of Commons
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Graham Evans MP asking a question at
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