Harry Patch

[eviltaxman]

After the many threads late last Summer regarding Harry, I notice that things have gone a little quiet - which is to be expected.

Anyway, in line with what we're here for, remembrance, I popped over to visit his graveside yesterday and to say "hello". I was saddened to see that it looks like the family (or Harry's wishes) was to have a basic grave - no pomp, no over the top cross etc....... but a simple wooden cross with brass name plate. I'm hoping, deep in side, that it's all due to bad timing on my part and that a "proper" headstone will be put in place soon.

[Pighills]

It looks like a temporary cross to me Les.

Is it co-incidental he's buried next to another serviceman (WWII airman) or is it a special plot for servicemen?

[eviltaxman]

I think it's coincidence. This particular cemetery is attached to the church and I'm guessing that Harry's plot is either a family plot awaiting an updated headstone or one that was earmarked for him some time ago. The graves either side are "normal" plots for both men & women. The churchyard does have a couple of CWGC headstones, I didn't get a chance to check them yesterday as it was chucking it down and I was already wet from trudging around Locksbrook Cemetery for a few hours.

The other grave is MUNDY. Here's the CWGC link for the churchyard which is now "closed" (thus my assumption of the plot being earmarked) --> St Michael, Monkton Combe, Bath

[Old Tom]

Mundy was in the Glider Pilot Regiment.

Old Tom

[Andrew Upton]

I posted a number of pictures of graves from the cemetery here:

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...29155&st=25

One of the programmes on Harry showed the grave with a stone in place - it was presumably been removed to allow the new details to be added, and I believe normal practise is to wait 6 months or a year before placing a stone to allow for soil in the grave to settle down to help avoid the stone subsiding.

[J Banning]

I was saddened to see that it looks like the family (or Harry's wishes) was to have a basic grave - no pomp, no over the top cross etc....... but a simple wooden cross with brass name plate. I'm hoping, deep in side, that it's all due to bad timing on my part and that a "proper" headstone will be put in place soon.

Hi Les – rest assured that a new stone will be put in place later on in the spring. The wooden cross is merely temporary.

[pooter]

I posted a number of pictures of graves from the cemetery here:

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...29155&st=25

One of the programmes on Harry showed the grave with a stone in place - it was presumably been removed to allow the new details to be added, and I believe normal practise is to wait 6 months or a year before placing a stone to allow for soil in the grave to settle down to help avoid the stone subsiding.

The last we want is some over zealous Health and Safety exercise where they push over the stone because it might be unsafe.

[Gunner Bailey]

I think the wooden cross is quite appropriate for now. It harks back to the wooden crosses placed on the graves in France and Belgium until replaced with the headstones we know so well.

John

[Soren]

From what I understand Harry has been buried with his parents.

[J Banning]

Just in case anyone is passing the Bath area and wants to pay their respects at Harry Patch’s grave in Monkton Combe, please be advised that his new headstone is now in place. On what would have been his 112th birthday (17 June) about 20 friends and family gathered for a short service of dedication of the new headstone. It was a wonderful occasion and it was nice to catch up with friends. I know that his grave gets a lot of visitors – now it will be easier to find.

[Pighills]

What a lovely and fitting tribute to Harry. Thanks for posting it Jeremy.

[JimSmithson]

Thanks Jeremy. Probably not ever get there but nice to know it is a fitting place for him now.

Jim