Should the UK demand a State funeral for their last fighting Tommy1914-1918,now 109 yrs old,when the time come

Answer 1

It would be a great honour if the government were to do that providing it what he and his family wanted, after all hundred and thousands of men were sent to their deaths by this country and for what ? the !st world war was a marketing con, and lord Kirchner was the first leader to invent "spin"persuading men that it would be a great adventure, and they'd all be home by Christmas 1914, when in fact they were fully aware that they were sending men to their deaths and that it was going to be a long drawn out war, the military leaders were guilty of incompetence and were more concerned about their own standing within their ranks and comfortable life style. The Government owes it to these last few soles to ensure they are sent off in style and with gratitude for what they went through.

Answer 2

If we did that, would we be honouring the war or the life of the soldier?

A funeral is supposed to be an intensely private event where family and friends pay their last respects, not something put on show.

I feel it would be far more tasteful (and respectful to the soldier and his family) if they were allowed a 'normal' funeral and then afterward there was a vast public ceremony to commemorate the passing of the last of the Tommies.

Otherwise, I feel that the funeral would be hijacked and used as a vehicle for this commemoration and the soldier and his family would be forgotten in the media furore that surrounds state funerals.

Answer 3

I think that decision should be left to his next of kin. But, I would certainly love to hear "The Last Post" played live over the BBC World Service during his funeral, along with a tally of how many staff abandoned their posts at Bush House and ran screaming into the night, fearful that the whole crux of their pacifist and fabian socialist leanings is being challenged by the nation committing the last of its warriors from the Great War to his final resting place.

Answer 4

The British veteran involved has made it quite clear that when he dies he wants NO STATE FUNERAL, and his wishes should be respected!!

Nobody gave a damn about him or his comrades after WW1 ended, or cared about the conditions they had to live in in later years, so why should this event become a public media circus now?

He wants to quietly depart this world the way he came in with no fuss and no bother

Answer 5

I agree with conranger on this one. My Grandfather and Great Uncle fought in WW1. Both were ordinary men who did their duty and wouldn't have wanted a fuss made. We should respect the man's wishes.

Some kind of memorial service for all those who fought and died in WW1 might be more appropriate as a reminder of the sacrifice that generation made for us.

Answer 6

He's actually 111 years old and yes we should have one HUGE funeral for the guy.He was on the pride of Britain awards the other night and he made me laugh.

I don't know if you saw it but he was asked what kept him going for so long and responding by saying 'wild...wild women' lol

Answer 7

Is that Harry Patch?

In any event, whilst some recognition might be appropriate, how does Harry feel about such an affair?

Answer 8

It's nice to remember those that fought to make Britain what it is today. But what would they think about the people running the country they sacrificed so much for??

Answer 9

YES, I think it is a wonderful idea. If my memory is correct, I think his name is Mr. Allington and he is a little older that you state. He could be 111.

Answer 10

How wonderful if he got the funeral he deserves.