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Shropshire memorial service for Harry Patch
Wednesday 16th March 2011, 8:18PM GMT.
World War One hero Harry Patch – “the last Tommy” – will be commemorated with a new memorial at the Shropshire church in which he married, it was revealed today.
The bronze plaque in memory of the iconic soldier could be put up within a fortnight at Holy Trinity Church in Hadley, Telford, after Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council approved the £420 memorial.
Reverend Vaughan Sweet said it was a touching way to remember Mr Patch, who lived in Telford and married his first wife Ada Billington at the church in 1919 after finishing his time in the trenches.
Rev Sweet said: “He was a local man and married here -and his status as the last surviving Tommy makes him someone very special to the Hadley area.
“We will put the plaque up as soon as possible, but also hope to hold a dedication later in the year, perhaps as part of our Remembrance service.”
Parish council chairman Pat Smart said councillors were pleased that there would soon be a focal point for residents to pay their respects to Mr Patch, who died in July 2009 aged 111.
Mrs Smart said: “The plaque will be very much in keeping with the lists of the fallen that were initially housed in the office block at Sankeys and that have since been moved to Holy Trinity Church.
“It’s taken quite a bit of work to get the sign sorted and we are pleased to be able to fund it.”
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It is a fitting tribute to such a grand old gentleman.
What a great spirit of character he had. A wonderful smile and a sadness at times that portrayed his abhorence of the loss of his Lewis Team chums.
Rest in peace Harry. You will never be forgotten along with all others who gave their lives for our tomorrows. Raise a glass with your chums.
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