109 year-old WW1 veteran to name lifeboat – Fishupdate.com
109 year-old WW1 veteran to name lifeboat Published: 18 July, 2007
Proceeds from Harry Patch’s book are going to the RNLI
TWO new RNLI lifeboats will be named at a ceremony at the RNLIs Lifeboat College in Poole this Friday.
A D class lifeboat, The Doris and Harry, has been donated by war veteran Harry Patch.
Mr Patch is from Somerset and, at 109 years-old, is the last living infantryman of World War I. He has recently had a book written about his recollections of the Great War by friend and biographer, Richard Van Emden, of which the proceeds are being donated to the RNLI to pay for the lifeboat.
The Doris and Harry will enter the RNLIs relief fleet of lifeboats a fleet that is based around the coast ready to stand in for operational vessels when necessary at strategic locations.
An Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Tabbycat, will also be named at the event. It was funded by Mr Samson, from Nottingham, who left a legacy for the RNLI.
Sarah Sleigh, RNLIs Personal Donations Manager, says of the two donors: “Were extremely grateful to both Mr Patch and Mr Samson for their generosity. This joint naming ceremony is a fantastic way to recognise their contributions to the charity.
“Without exception, all donations are welcomed by the RNLI. We rely on the public to ensure we are able to operate a lifeboat service 365 days of the year, and naming ceremonies such as these really help to show the generosity and dedication of our supporters.”
The joint naming ceremony precedes the RNLIs Open Days event, due to be held on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July, from 10am 6pm, at the RNLI Headquarters in West Quay Road, Poole.
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