Last British veteran of WWI trenches dies
Saturday, 25 July 2009 22:21The last British soldier to fight in the trenches during the First World War has died aged 111.
Harry Patch, who fought at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, was also Britain's oldest man following the death of fellow veteran Henry Allingham last week.
Claude Choules, 108, who lives in Perth Australia, and who served with the Royal Navy, is now the last British veteran of the Great War.
Mr Patch died at a care home at Wells in southwestern England.
Born on 17 June 1898, he grew up in Combe Down, near Bath, and left school at the age of 15 to train as a plumber.
He was 16 when war broke out and reached 18 as conscription was being introduced and after six months training he was sent to the frontline.
On 22 September 1917 a shell attack exploded above Mr Patch's head killing three of his comrades.
Mr Patch was hit by shrapnel in the lower abdomen but survived.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to Harry Patch, saying: 'I had the honour of meeting Harry, and I share his family's grief at the passing of a great man.'
Head of the British Army General Richard Dannatt said: 'I know I speak on behalf of all ranks of the British Army in expressing my sadness on hearing the news of the passing of Harry Patch.'
