At 111 years old, Harry Patch was the last surviving Tommy and the last British soldier to have fought in the trenches of the First World War.

Harry was working as a plumber’s apprentice at 18 years old when he was called up for service. He served with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. Like many of his generation, Harry was reluctant to speak about his experiences of war. In fact it took 80 years until he was ready to share his stories; stories that are still painful to recall. Most poignant for Harry was the loss of three of his best friends who were killed during the Battle of Passchendaele 1917, when a shell exploded just yards from where he was standing. Harry stays his own personal remembrance day is 22 September as it marks the day he lost those three very dear friends.

Harry’s stories serve as a stark reminder of the great loss endured during WWI and the lasting effects of war on its participants. He continued to support British Forces, including the Royal British Legion by launching their Poppy Appeal in Summerset in 2008. Harry Patch passed away on 25 July 2009.
 

We were there  for Harry from the day he joined. For over 100 years we have supported the Armed Forces and their families with affordable accommodation and welfare breaks. We are the Victory Services Club; the all ranks, tri-service, family friendly London based Club.

We are a charity that offers membership to the military community for the rest of their lives, free membership to those who currently serve and rooms in the heart of London's West End.