I caught this programme tonight- very moving.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/content/art...h_feature.shtml

Michelle

Thanks Michelle, i'll have a look

Carol

This in my opinion was a superb programme, the star of course was Harry. Remarkable that at 110 years old he still retains such empathy with his war years. So much to comment on but for me one of the most touching parts was when Harry collected acorns from Langemarck German War Cemetery and then planted them at his care home in Britain. A great man and we are so lucky to be able to share in his memories.

Norman

You will be familiar with Langemarck and some photos are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glosters/1514...57602287640999/

Hi Norman,
Very glad that you enjoyed the programme.
I am pleased to say that it will now be broadcast nationally on BBC Four on Monday 24th November at 7.30pm so all GWF members in the UK will have a chance to see it.
Jeremy

Brilliant!. this is required viewing for all those with an interest in WW1 and the remarkable life of Harry Patch

Norman

PS: Not forgetting of course Richard Van Emden.

Just watched this and very moving. Not ashamed to admit think i've shed more tears this week than i can ever remember

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00fj..._West_12112008/

God bless you Harry

Wayne

Thanks for the link Wayne, I did not realise that this was on BBCi Player. Great story and what a man it is truly a privilege to share allbeit for a short while his memories and experiences. Well done Michelle for starting this thread.

Norman

The part which made me cry was when Richard gently ruffled Harrys hair.
Were you also in the programme Jeremy?

Michelle

Yes Michelle, I took Harry over there and was with him all the time. I have known Harry since 2002 and always look after him on his battlefield trips. It really was a marvellous trip. I’m the one normally pushing Harry’s wheelchair.
The memorial at the exact spot that Harry crossed the Steenbeek was a collective idea between Peter Barton and myself following the find of a detailed divisional map in the archives showing Harry’s positions that day. We took him back to that spot in July 2007 and the idea was born from there although it was only put into practice six weeks before the trip when Harry told me he wanted a return trip to Belgium. Peter, Richard and I drew up the words and Harry reviewed them. The CWGC manufactured the stone very quickly and it was all organised with Langemark council in no time. In fact, they agreed to the memorial on the spot within 15 minutes and we had it in writing within 3 days! The CWGC have agreed to look after the memorial in perpetuity. They were fantastic from start to finish – a real bunch of unsung heroes.

Thanks for the link,very moving,god bless harry

julie

It must truly have been memorable Jeremy. And good on the CWGC for getting the memorial sorted so fast!

Michelle

What a grand gentleman Harry is. That twinkle always gets me. Jeremy: I think its wonderful what you do with and for Harry. I am sure you are very modest about it and hope I don't sound patronising - but just a small little thank you from me.

Susan

The memorial at the exact spot that Harry crossed the Steenbeek was a collective idea between Peter Barton and myself following the find of a detailed divisional map in the archives showing Harry’s positions that day. We took him back to that spot in July 2007 and the idea was born from there although it was only put into practice six weeks before the trip when Harry told me he wanted a return trip to Belgium. Peter, Richard and I drew up the words and Harry reviewed them. The CWGC manufactured the stone very quickly and it was all organised with Langemark council in no time. In fact, they agreed to the memorial on the spot within 15 minutes and we had it in writing within 3 days! The CWGC have agreed to look after the memorial in perpetuity. They were fantastic from start to finish – a real bunch of unsung heroes.

No-one has posted the exact location of Harry's memorial. Could we have precise directions?

Am just checking this is okay with one of the mods. Last time I requested a scan of a modern NGI map of a section of the salient the post was summarily closed by a mod, citing copyright. I don’t want to do this and then have the post pulled as my posting of the modern NGI map (1:20,000, Map 20, 5-6) breaches regulations.
If and when I get the okay I’ll post details in the Cemeteries and Memorial section. If you need directions soon then please PM me.
Cheers

Alan,
It's very easy to find, pass Cement House cemetary to you right as you head for Langemark, as the road turns to the left at a junction, you'll see a gray factory with 3-4 tall silos, to your right is a lay by near a bridge over the Steenbeke, the memorial is there.

Mick

Just a reminder that the programme will be broadcast nationally tonight on BBC Four at 7.30pm.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ftf6d

Thanks Jeremy, and for those who even missed this broadcast here it is on BBCi Player for a period:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00ft...te_Harry_Patch/

Norman