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Wars and ConflictsΒ  permalink

The Last Tommy

• Message 1.Β 

  Posted by mike-chelt (U2504348) on Tuesday, 15th November 2005

  Having been born in the 60's I can can only look back at hisdtory, the books stories programmes etc to attempt to understand the trauma of those that participated and ultimately made the final sacrifice.
  
  I have watched The Last Tommy and the dignified telling of the stories of each of their lives and been deeply moved by the honesty, compassion and humanity of each of the lives presented.
  
  Mr (Harry?) Portch with his deep Cornish lilt gave one of the most eloquent and moving condemnations of war as he sat in the Cemetery in Belgium ........'Why did they die?'
  
  The whole progamme was deeply moving and to hear these veterans talk of their experiences was truely humbling. To them, their firends colleagues and relations we ALL owe you our deepest and most profound thanks.

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• Message 2

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  Posted by HarryN12 (U2504410) on Tuesday, 15th November 2005

  Couldn't agree more, Mike. What a fantastic and moving programme. It should be made compulsory viewing for all schoolchildren as part of their studies on WWI.

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• Message 3

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  Posted by Doctracey (U2504394) on Tuesday, 15th November 2005

  This was a really good historical documentary well researched and put together. I found it very moving and informative. The Tommies interviewed were so dignified, noble and inspiring. The only criticism I have of this documentary is that there was no information given on the other Tommies particularly the Tommy who emmigrated to Australia. What I found particulalry inspiring was the energy and comittment of those interviewed. I think we should all offer our thanks to these men and remember the Tommy's who lost their lives. A wonderful documentary. Well done the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ!

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• Message 4

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  Posted by Doclisa (U2504449) on Tuesday, 15th November 2005

  Absolutely brilliant - this documentary should really be essential viewing for all especially children in ww1 history lessons - thoroughly engaging and extremely moving - we can't thank these men and their contemporaries enough. Thank You

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• Message 5

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  Posted by WhiteCrowUK (U1564079) on Tuesday, 15th November 2005

  I found this program incredibly moving. Well done to all involved. It is right we should remember the lives of these men, when so many never returned.

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• Message 6

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  Posted by Sleepygypsyprincess (U2504454) on Tuesday, 15th November 2005

  I have been rivetted to "The Last Tommy" for 2 weeks. I love history but this was unique in every way. The old soldiers made me laugh and cry with their wit, fortitude and vulnerability. Harry Patch was my favourite. He told his story in a no nonsense way that did not glorify war at all. I was particularly moved about the night he lost his friends. It had taken so many years for him to confront his past, but when he did, it was with honesty and dignity. I agree that it should be shown in schools everywhere. "I" will remember them!!

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• Message 7

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  Posted by ColdRed (U1713841) on Tuesday, 15th November 2005

  I also felt that they were not clear on the outcome of australian veteran.
  
  I found this programme incredibly moving and the hardships that these men went through for months and months.
  
  Excellent program

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• Message 8

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  Posted by vanessa_b (U2508717) on Wednesday, 16th November 2005

  As an A level student studying World war one literature and history this was an amazing program and after recently visiting the Somme area, seeing the veteran returning there was highly moving and managed to make me understand things which a classroom and even a trip could not. I agree that the program should be made compulsory veiwing, if not at GCSE then definetly at A Level.

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• Message 9

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  Posted by Our Man in Mexico (U1661159) on Wednesday, 16th November 2005

  Mike,
  
  I found 'The Last Tommy' an excellent programme and full credit to the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ as it was one of the better historical programmes they have produced.
  
  It was incredibly moving and emotional and I was reduced to tears at the end of the final programme when the narrator explained how four of the Tommies passed away in 2004 and now only three remain. That got me. To me, the most memorable part of a brilliant series was when Harry Patch shook hands with a German soldier from the First World War.
  
  The gentlemen featured in the 'Last Tommies' are real heros. The programme gave me alot to think about and reflect on.
  
  Craig

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• Message 10

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  Posted by Mike Alexander (U1706714) on Wednesday, 16th November 2005

  Excellent programme - even though I've read transcripts of interviews with most of these men in books before, to see and hear them talk about it was incredibly powerful. Surely the most amazing is Harry Patch, who wouldn't talk about the war at all until a few years ago.
  
  I can understand this. My father tells me my grandad (who was a field gunner) would never talk about the war either; though all his life he suffered terrible nightmares.

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• Message 11

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  Posted by Our Man in Mexico (U1661159) on Wednesday, 16th November 2005

  Hi Mike,
  
  My mother told me some time ago now, that my great grandfather fought in the First World War and took part in the Somme offensive of 1916, including the first day. I havent asked my grandfather about his father serving in the First World War, but it is something I am going to do in the near future.
  
  Craig

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• Message 12

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  Posted by harrypatch (U2511739) on Wednesday, 16th November 2005

  hi i would just like to say how moving it was watching these grand old gentlemen recount there ww1 experiences.
  it makes you think that these men are and were the truly inspirational figures we should all look upto.
  i would also like to congratulate the production people who made the program for telling an epic story in a kind and considerate way.
  thank you again

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• Message 13

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  Posted by mydriff (U2504532) on Wednesday, 16th November 2005

  I agree the most thought proviving program the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ have produced in a long time. It should be essential viewing for any history student I only hope that the Corporation have a strategy to capture similar images from those who took part in later conflicts before we are left with only a handfull of people. If money is a problem move budgets from third rate programs such as the big bid and eastenders.
  

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• Message 14

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  Posted by Mellie361 (U2515312) on Thursday, 17th November 2005

  I too was extremely moved by this truly poignant programme, especially Harry Patch's story, which brought home the cruel realities of war. My Great-Grandfather, who was Irish, fought side-by-side with the 'Tommies' in this war and came home to Ireland with serious injuries.
  
  As I'm living in Belgium I will now go to this Cemetery and to the special monument where Harry laid his little wreath for his friends and pay my respects and give my profound thanks to them too.
  
  

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• Message 15

  , in reply to message 14.

  Posted by PaulRyckier (U1753522) on Thursday, 17th November 2005

  Re: Message 14.
  
  Mellie,
  
  welcome to these boards, my compatriot? Or expat?
  
  Greetings from near Bruges,
  
  Paul.

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• Message 16

  , in reply to message 14.

  Posted by DavidADEW (U2517802) on Thursday, 17th November 2005

  I agree, it was an excellent and really moving first programme. It was done so well and sensitively.
  
  Unfortunately, I programmed my video wrongly for the 2nd one and would really like to see the 2nd half (broadcast on 15th) - suggestions as to how it would be available, or repeated again would be greatly appreciated.

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• Message 17

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by georges-mum (U2523315) on Friday, 18th November 2005

  I can totally agree with you, I owe them a lot, as without them I would not have been born or have a son of my own

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• Message 18

  , in reply to message 15.

  Posted by PaulRyckier (U1753522) on Friday, 18th November 2005

  Addendum message 15.
  
  Mellie,
  
  excuse me if I am too direct. Feel free to keep your privacy. I wanted only to be polite to someone living in Belgium as me. It happened IMO the same on the "Ancient and Archaeology" when I welcomed the "Poezenmoeder" as someone possible from the Low Countries. I will in the future keep my big mouth shut up till the newcomer is accustomed to the boards.
  
  Kind regards.

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• Message 19

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  Posted by Lt_Henson (U2436367) on Saturday, 19th November 2005

  harsh... but i understand your view as well as mellies. i would say alot of attention is payed to those who have graves. you have to remember those who still lie beneath the mud. never found. no name. no grave. no one to greave. no one laugh or i will kick your head in. this is very serious.

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• Message 20

  , in reply to message 16.

  Posted by Jimmyann (U2550914) on Sunday, 20th November 2005

  Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland is showing the second part on Wednesday 23rd at 22.40. Do you have Sky Digital? I can view the other Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ regions so assume Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland can be viewed in the same way.
  
  It is a wonderful programme, however I wish the producers had chosen different music to accompany the series. The theme from Schindler's List evoked a different time and conflict - was that their intention?
  

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• Message 21

  , in reply to message 18.

  Posted by Plancenoit (U1237957) on Monday, 21st November 2005

  Just heard that Alfred Anderson, oldest man in Scotland and featured in the "The Last Tommies" has died. Very sad. Excellent programme by the Beeb, very moving, very informative.

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• Message 22

  , in reply to message 19.

  Posted by Plancenoit (U1237957) on Monday, 21st November 2005

  Highly unlikely anyones going to laugh or make mockery of something so serious. I can understand why you feel so strongly about it, I think everyone does. Like some of the previous postings, I live in Belgium now too, and this is one place where the sacrificies made by those in WWI will certainly never be forgotten, even those who have no known grave. you have to remember those who still lie beneath the mud. never found. no name. no grave. no one to greave. no one laugh or i will kick your head in. this is very serious.Β 

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• Message 23

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  Posted by supertaps (U1672604) on Monday, 21st November 2005

  "...the world I've known, all fading past me into peace."
  Sleep well brave soldier.
  To Alfred Anderson

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• Message 24

  , in reply to message 18.

  Posted by Mellie361 (U2515312) on Monday, 21st November 2005

  Re: Message from PaulRyckier
  
  Dear Paul,
  
  Sorry for not replying earlier but I haven't had a chance to get back online until today (no link-up from home..)! I'm Irish, but living in Brussels for almost 12 years now. I was delighted to see a message from someone from 'my neck of the woods' so to speak .
  Keep up the positive posting!
  
  Kindest regards,
  
  Mellie

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• Message 25

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  Posted by PaulRyckier (U1753522) on Tuesday, 22nd November 2005

  Re: Message 24.
  
  Dear Mellie,
  
  excuse for the late reply and thank you very much for the kind message and for telling something about yourself.
  
  There is also Plancenoit (see Edith Cavell) living I suppose in Brussels and having a daugther attending school in Uccle.
  
  There was also a Paul (I don't remember his surname) living in Brussels. We had many times a nice chat on the old boards, he, signing with "Paulus de Boskabouter" (Paul the wood gnome? He corrected me with my "dwarf" translation, but I am already forgotten if it was "gnome" (the English language even richer than the Dutch with all the French words that they incorporated. Only to tease that English Paul if is still reading the new boards.)) It's a sad thing that he stopped contributing with his always knowledgeable and interesting messages.
  
  Mellie, I hope that you will contribute many times to these boards, if only it was because you can correct from your Irish point of view and 12 years "Broekzeelse" experience, my many times exaggerated statements (very broad smile) about Belgium.
  
  Warm regards,
  
  Paul.

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• Message 26

  , in reply to message 25.

  Posted by sweetlake (U1825399) on Wednesday, 23rd November 2005

  Hey Paul,
  Did you know I also attended school in Uccle for a few years, many, many moons ago? We lived there from 1960 until 1967,
  Eliane

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• Message 27

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  Posted by donkei1 (U2136167) on Wednesday, 23rd November 2005

  Living in Scotland, I have just seen the second half of this programme. I have to join with all those, who have already praised it. One of the most remarkable and moving pieces of television I have seen in a long time. My thanks to all those involved, particularly the veterans. They had already given so much and yet were prepared to relive some indescribably painful memories, that we might understand.
  
  Thank you.
  
  Keith

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• Message 28

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  Posted by StewartryMan (U2576686) on Thursday, 24th November 2005

  I too saw this very moving programme last night. With so few of the contributors still living, I am grateful to them for sharing their experiences with those of us who have been fortunate enough never to have had to go to war.

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• Message 29

  , in reply to message 26.

  Posted by PaulRyckier (U1753522) on Friday, 25th November 2005

  Re: Message 26.
  
  Eliane,
  
  excuse for the delay. And yes I heard from John about Brussels. He is as you a truly Low Countries one. And I have even a vague remembrance of telling him about Uccle and meeting a certain Lady...Ik hoop dat het niet "uit de biecht klappen" is (that it is not speak about something heard in the confession) (not sure if you understand "klappen" big smile).
  
  Warm Regards as always to John and you.
  
  PS. Say it yourself now, if you see my backlog, even a long thread for Dirk Marinus about "Gladio". In Belgium and France: "Glaive", in Germany: "Schwert". But in Holland: "OperatiΓ«n en inlichtingen". And I know myself, if I am looking to the "Smart" one I will be tempted to be involved in it too, met alle gevolgen vandien (with all the consequenses of that). Eliane, it is not an apology, just a realistic observation from me (IMO at least).

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• Message 30

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  Posted by DaveMBA (U1360771) on Wednesday, 30th November 2005

  Doing some research on the fighting in Belgium in the 1790s, I was interested to see how many familiar WW1 names came up as battlefields or strategic objectives, especially Ypres.
  
  For anyone interested, the book "The Last Tommies" is available from Pen & Sword - I have no commercial interest in this! Perhaps they should make it a compulsory A-level text?

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