As a child in the 1970s my neighbour across the road was a very elderly chap named Mr Hills (no first name terms with adults in those days!) He was a lovely, straight up dignified chap heading for his eighties. Every day I’d see him polishing his doorstep - a big brass thing - as I went to school. I knew he had been in World War One but that was it.
He never talked about the war and it wasn’t until many years later I discovered he had been a fighter Ace in the Great War. If it had been me I’d’ told all and sundry but that wasn’t their way.
As you say, an amazing generation whose like we shall sadly ne’er see again.
I recall a teacher from my early teens. Rather elderly and semi retired but good natured and patient with us immature fools. He was rescued from the North Sea when his ship, HMS Nottingham was torpedoed by a u boat in 1916. Never talked about it or anything else about his service. It got mentioned by the headmaster at his retirement presentation. I often wish I'd asked him and others of his era about what they lived through and experienced.
Thanks for sharing your story Paul your old teacher was a true example of selfless heroism. WWII undoubtedly showed the very best of British it’s something we need to shout from the rooftops. I’m sick of hearing how racist, colonialist and downright evil Brits are as shown on MSM and other outlets with an axe to grind. I’m proud of Britain and its people I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. 🇬🇧❤️
It was the way that generation of Brits were. It was my parents’ generation. They knew what they were fighting for. There was lots of camaraderie. There are pockets of community spirit still but it’s more dispersed and not mainstream.
Hi Paul, it was great to read your article about Patrick Moore. I first met Patrick when I was a deputy head in Camden. When I came to Bishop Ward I asked Patrick to join me. I needed his support and guidance. I knew something of his WWII experience, but not in the detail you provide. When he got off the beaches in France in 1944, he went straight to Mass. I believe he returned to the same church every year to remember those who had fallen. What a man!
I follow your career avidly on GB News and admire your nuanced and insightful contributions. For me, you are the sane voice of the Labour Party. Keep up the good work. I'm proud of you.
A very touching tribute that brilliantly describes not only Mr Moore, but thousands just like him, who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. They were characterised by a quiet dignity, never boasting about their exploits, or the fully-justified recognition that they received as a result of their bravery. Sadly, it’s often only after their passing that we learn about the true extent of what they went through. True heroes.
Thank you for sharing.
As a child in the 1970s my neighbour across the road was a very elderly chap named Mr Hills (no first name terms with adults in those days!) He was a lovely, straight up dignified chap heading for his eighties. Every day I’d see him polishing his doorstep - a big brass thing - as I went to school. I knew he had been in World War One but that was it.
He never talked about the war and it wasn’t until many years later I discovered he had been a fighter Ace in the Great War. If it had been me I’d’ told all and sundry but that wasn’t their way.
As you say, an amazing generation whose like we shall sadly ne’er see again.
Thank you again.
I recall a teacher from my early teens. Rather elderly and semi retired but good natured and patient with us immature fools. He was rescued from the North Sea when his ship, HMS Nottingham was torpedoed by a u boat in 1916. Never talked about it or anything else about his service. It got mentioned by the headmaster at his retirement presentation. I often wish I'd asked him and others of his era about what they lived through and experienced.
A lovely story.
These stories choke me up when I read them. A true warrior and hero! I’ll salute all those fellas today.
Thanks for sharing your story Paul your old teacher was a true example of selfless heroism. WWII undoubtedly showed the very best of British it’s something we need to shout from the rooftops. I’m sick of hearing how racist, colonialist and downright evil Brits are as shown on MSM and other outlets with an axe to grind. I’m proud of Britain and its people I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. 🇬🇧❤️
I don’t think the French think that Elaine, especially those that live in the Normandy area.
It was the way that generation of Brits were. It was my parents’ generation. They knew what they were fighting for. There was lots of camaraderie. There are pockets of community spirit still but it’s more dispersed and not mainstream.
Lovely story. Typical of the humility of that generation, a characteristic sadly fast disappearing.
Very poignant. If only we could travel back in time. So many things we missed. Or, at least, didn’t stop to appreciate their significance
Hi Paul, it was great to read your article about Patrick Moore. I first met Patrick when I was a deputy head in Camden. When I came to Bishop Ward I asked Patrick to join me. I needed his support and guidance. I knew something of his WWII experience, but not in the detail you provide. When he got off the beaches in France in 1944, he went straight to Mass. I believe he returned to the same church every year to remember those who had fallen. What a man!
I follow your career avidly on GB News and admire your nuanced and insightful contributions. For me, you are the sane voice of the Labour Party. Keep up the good work. I'm proud of you.
A lovely piece, Paul. In contrast, in 80 years time the main discussion will what pronoun the teachers used.
a lovely tribute
A very touching tribute that brilliantly describes not only Mr Moore, but thousands just like him, who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. They were characterised by a quiet dignity, never boasting about their exploits, or the fully-justified recognition that they received as a result of their bravery. Sadly, it’s often only after their passing that we learn about the true extent of what they went through. True heroes.
Well said.
The only thing one should think about today. I hope the election campaigning has been suspended.
Yeah, but I bet he had white privilege didn’t he🫡
I think ex service personnel should be encouraged into the education sector.
I completely agree.