YoungWillz 19,094 Posted May 11, 2015 Obituary for Ewen McDonald, a former RAF pilot who ended up in Stalag Luft III (the inspiration for The Great Escape movie), who has died at 94. http://www.scotsman.com/news/obituaries/obituary-ewen-mcdonald-headmaster-and-raf-pilot-1-3768881 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Creep 7,013 Posted May 13, 2015 America's oldest WWII veteran, Richard Overton, is my fucking hero--and unless you're a complete cunt, he will be yours, too! SC http://www.businessinsider.com/veteran-richard-overton-109-birthday-2015-5?fb_action_ids=1042652009080179&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B874929869245043%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maryportfuncity 10,017 Posted May 13, 2015 America's oldest WWII veteran, Richard Overton, is my fucking hero--and unless you're a complete cunt, he will be yours, too! SC http://www.businessinsider.com/veteran-richard-overton-109-birthday-2015-5?fb_action_ids=1042652009080179&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B874929869245043%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D A cigar smoking 109 year old and his teeth are as white as that... Summat wrong there, surely. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phantom 2,469 Posted May 13, 2015 America's oldest WWII veteran, Richard Overton, is my fucking hero--and unless you're a complete cunt, he will be yours, too! SC http://www.businessinsider.com/veteran-richard-overton-109-birthday-2015-5?fb_action_ids=1042652009080179&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B874929869245043%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D A cigar smoking 109 year old and his teeth are as white as that... Summat wrong there, surely. It's easy if you put them in a glass to soak overnight. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charon 4,938 Posted May 13, 2015 America's oldest WWII veteran, Richard Overton, is my fucking hero--and unless you're a complete cunt, he will be yours, too! SC &action_type_map=["og.shares"]&action_ref_map=[]]http://www.businessinsider.com/veteran-richard-overton-109-birthday-2015-5?fb_action_ids=1042652009080179&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=[874929869245043]&action_type_map=["og.shares"]&action_ref_map=[] So he would've been about 40 by the time the US joined in, hardly heroic.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phantom 2,469 Posted May 13, 2015 America's oldest WWII veteran, Richard Overton, is my fucking hero--and unless you're a complete cunt, he will be yours, too! SC &action_type_map=["og.shares"]&action_ref_map=[]]http://www.businessinsider.com/veteran-richard-overton-109-birthday-2015-5?fb_action_ids=1042652009080179&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=[874929869245043]&action_type_map=["og.shares"]&action_ref_map=[] So he would've been about 40 by the time the US joined in, hardly heroic.... The U.S. go overboard with constantly thanking people for their service regarding what role they may have played in any conflict. My father-in-law was drafted during the Vietnam war, but spent the entirity working in a mailroom in Germany. His brother on the other hand did a runner and went AWOL rather than risk being sent to the front line, especially after seeing some of his friends come back in wooden boxes. The other day I had to drop off my dry-cleaning, the dry cleaners is just a couple of doors down from the local Army / National Guard recruitment office. The guy that worked there was just popping out for his break and as he walked to his car someone walked past him and said "Thank you for your service". This is where my cynical attitude goes into overdrive. Am I supposed to thank someone for ordering paperclips and handing out free t-shirts to people that apply to join? It's not as if he's making any sacrifice by sitting in an office in a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Magere Hein 1,397 Posted May 13, 2015 The U.S. go overboard with constantly thanking people for their service regarding what role they may have played in any conflict. It's a somewhat difficult subject. Those who serve in the military during war, even doing a non-combat job, do a valuable service to their country. After all armies and navies don't run on soldiers, sailors and airmen alone. That said, the same can be said of the men and women who build ships, planes, tanks or paperclips. Until recently the Dutch attitude to veterans was rather low-key: they got a pension if they needed one and were supposed to keep quiet. There are reasons for that: the Dutch didn't do much heroic in WWII, they did in the Indonesian war of Independence, but that was a political defeat and their efforts in UN missions were often politically controversial. Occasionally veterans let themselves be seen and heard, but most chose to remain silent, even to their families and friends. During the last decade some more official recognition of veterans occurs, and immediately discussions started, also among veterans themselves, about desk soldiers and such. Apparently there's no right way of doing it. Anyway, at the occasion of 50 years of liberation in 1995, the city of Rotterdam did a marvelous thing: they invited hundreds of British, Canadian and US veterans, both airmen and soldiers, for a victory parade; air fare, accomodation and expenses paid by the city. It was a wonderful opportunity to give those men a big cheer and have a chat with them. It was a sunny day, so I took a few to the local beer garden for more chats and a good piss-up. It's sad to think most of them are dead now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charon 4,938 Posted May 13, 2015 With America it is because they live on uber war footing. Flegs everywhere and don't you dare disrespect it. Ffs, no (proper) dissent allowed, the nazi fucks. Worked with one when he came over to the old country when he was 17, so he's got me on fb. Worth it as he's became a redneck trucker Posts shit like this daily , but as I don't have any huns or Tories on Feb, I need the right wing fascist release. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Creep 7,013 Posted May 13, 2015 Whoa, I couldn't give a rats ass if Overton was military, the fact he drinks scotch and smokes 12 cigars a day at 109 is a total 'fuck you' to the Reaper and conventional health wisdom. Period. For that he is my hero. SC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungWillz 19,094 Posted May 29, 2015 Kenneth Toop, crewman on HMS Royal Oak which was sunk off Orkney (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Royal_Oak_(08), 91. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/islands/orkney/593935/one-of-the-last-survivors-of-royal-oak-disaster-dies/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungWillz 19,094 Posted June 10, 2015 The last of the Navajo Code Talkers, Chester Nez, is dead at 93: http://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/last-of-the-navajo-code-talkers-has-died-aged-93.html#.VTzph4-Myno.facebook The Navajo Code was formed out of a Native American Language to safely communicate on the Pacific Front of the World War. Hmm, apparently Chester wasn't the last. I have this on Bahe Ketchum, 96. http://www.abc15.com/news/region-northern-az/other/navajo-code-talker-bahe-ketchum-dies-in-flagstaff-at-age-96. Was Bahe the last? I'm not speculating. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Creep 7,013 Posted June 18, 2015 While Americans are busy being overzealous in thanking veterans for their service, Brits are busy kicking theirs to death. A Second World War fighter pilot has died after being attacked in an NHS hospital by a fellow patient. Kenneth Tyrer, 90, hit his head and broke his hip when he was kicked to the floor. Two days later he was dead. In good Yank fashion, allow me to thank Hurricane and Spitfire pilot Kenneth Tyner for his service SC http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3128797/Spitfire-hero-90-kicked-death-NHS-ward-fellow-patient-Victim-s-family-report-assault-police-say-accountable.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490 PS: what joiurnist says "Second World War"?? It's WWII. Jeesh. What next First World War? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Zorders 1,269 Posted June 18, 2015 While Americans are busy being overzealous in thanking veterans for their service, Brits are busy kicking theirs to death. A Second World War fighter pilot has died after being attacked in an NHS hospital by a fellow patient. Kenneth Tyrer, 90, hit his head and broke his hip when he was kicked to the floor. Two days later he was dead. In good Yank fashion, allow me to thank Hurricane and Spitfire pilot Kenneth Tyner for his service SC http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3128797/Spitfire-hero-90-kicked-death-NHS-ward-fellow-patient-Victim-s-family-report-assault-police-say-accountable.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490 PS: what joiurnist says "Second World War"?? It's WWII. Jeesh. What next First World War? You're lucky this thing's in a US museum or I'd fly it all the way across the pond and crash land on your nuts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Magere Hein 1,397 Posted June 18, 2015 PS: what joiurnist says "Second World War"?? It's WWII. Jeesh. What next First World War? I'm pretty sure 22nd century historians will talk about the World War (1914 - 1945, with a 21 year armistice 1918 - 1939) and perhaps they'll have another that hasn't happened yet. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcreptile 10,234 Posted July 7, 2015 Norman Poole, owning the first British feet on french ground during D-Day, has died at 95: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3152073/Ex-SAS-paratrooper-British-soldier-set-foot-occupied-France-D-Day-died-aged-95.html He apparently died in June already, but the search function showed nothing so... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phantom 2,469 Posted July 7, 2015 Norman Poole, owning the first British feet on french ground during D-Day, has died at 95: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3152073/Ex-SAS-paratrooper-British-soldier-set-foot-occupied-France-D-Day-died-aged-95.html He apparently died in June already, but the search function showed nothing so... The Daily Mail article is only a few hours old, and what with him being as his family have said, a private person. They probably only announced his death yesterday or early this morning. The only news articles I could see online were from the Daily Mail and the Bristol Post. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungWillz 19,094 Posted July 7, 2015 Antoni Jabłoński, the man who hoisted the Polish flag after the fall of Berlin in 1945 has passed away at 96. http://www.thenews.pl/1/11/Artykul/212917,Berlin-45-flag-hoister-dies Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Guest Posted July 7, 2015 Antoni Jabłoński, the man who hoisted the Polish flag after the fall of Berlin in 1945 has passed away at 96. http://www.thenews.pl/1/11/Artykul/212917,Berlin-45-flag-hoister-dies omg we're losing bits of living history every day these days ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mijkediablo 79 Posted July 8, 2015 Susan Ahn Cuddy, Korean American Naval officer, dead at 100. http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/pioneering-korean-american-wwii-navy-veteran-susan-ahn-cuddy-dies-at-100-1.356957 She is believed to be the first Asian American female U.S. Navy officer and became the Navy's first female gunnery officer during World War II, according to her official 2002 biography, "Willow Tree Shade: The Susan Ahn Cuddy Story," written by John Cha. Rising to the rank of lieutenant, she later went on to work for U.S. Navy Intelligence, the Library of Congress and the National Security Agency. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcreptile 10,234 Posted July 23, 2015 The last of the Navajo Code Talkers, Chester Nez, is dead at 93: http://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/last-of-the-navajo-code-talkers-has-died-aged-93.html#.VTzph4-Myno.facebook The Navajo Code was formed out of a Native American Language to safely communicate on the Pacific Front of the World War. Hmm, apparently Chester wasn't the last. I have this on Bahe Ketchum, 96. http://www.abc15.com/news/region-northern-az/other/navajo-code-talker-bahe-ketchum-dies-in-flagstaff-at-age-96. Was Bahe the last? I'm not speculating. The mystery intensifies with another Navajo code talker, Kee Etsicitty, dying at 92 on July 21st according to Wikipedia: http://www.kvoa.com/story/29600997/navajo-code-talker-from-new-mexico-dies Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Creep 7,013 Posted July 24, 2015 The last of the Navajo Code Talkers, Chester Nez, is dead at 93: http://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/last-of-the-navajo-code-talkers-has-died-aged-93.html#.VTzph4-Myno.facebook The Navajo Code was formed out of a Native American Language to safely communicate on the Pacific Front of the World War. Hmm, apparently Chester wasn't the last. I have this on Bahe Ketchum, 96. http://www.abc15.com/news/region-northern-az/other/navajo-code-talker-bahe-ketchum-dies-in-flagstaff-at-age-96. Was Bahe the last? I'm not speculating. The mystery intensifies with another Navajo code talker, Kee Etsicitty, dying at 92 on July 21st according to Wikipedia: http://www.kvoa.com/story/29600997/navajo-code-talker-from-new-mexico-dies You know, after a fair number of pints I have been known to speak Navajo Code. SC 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Creep 7,013 Posted July 31, 2015 William R. White, a former member of the famed squadron of African-American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen, has died. He was 88.White died July 24 at his home in Smithfield, VA.RIP good sir. SC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Creep 7,013 Posted August 16, 2015 Oh he's 'over 100' and a minor 'political' figure, but basically no one for those threads. But I found THIS interesting as hell! "A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 25, for John Victor Beahrs, a longtime Palo Alto resident who saw frontline action in the Pacific during World War II and served on the Palo Alto City Council during the tumultuous 1960s-1970s. Beahrs died July 23 at age 100, leaving behind a large family whose members helped him celebrate his 100th birthday last Oct. 19.... ...During World War II he served in Naval intelligence and amphibious forces of the Pacific Fleet, including serving as beachmaster in the assault landings on Okinawa and Iwo Jima, for which he received a commendation. wow! well done sir. RIP SC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungWillz 19,094 Posted August 17, 2015 America's oldest WWII veteran, Richard Overton, is my fucking hero--and unless you're a complete cunt, he will be yours, too! SC http://www.businessinsider.com/veteran-richard-overton-109-birthday-2015-5?fb_action_ids=1042652009080179&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B874929869245043%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D Emma Didlake dies at 110 - apparently older than Overton who now is believed to hold the title of America's oldest veteran. http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/us-world/article/America-s-oldest-known-veteran-dies-at-110-6448731.php Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Creep 7,013 Posted August 18, 2015 America's oldest WWII veteran, Richard Overton, is my fucking hero--and unless you're a complete cunt, he will be yours, too! SC&action_type_map=["og.shares"]&action_ref_map=[]]http://www.businessinsider.com/veteran-richard-overton-109-birthday-2015-5?fb_action_ids=1042652009080179&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=[874929869245043]&action_type_map=["og.shares"]&action_ref_map=[] Emma Didlake dies at 110 - apparently older than Overton who now is believed to hold the title of America's oldest veteran. http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/us-world/article/America-s-oldest-known-veteran-dies-at-110-6448731.php But she didn't smoke 12 cigars a day. I'm also guessing all 110 year olds die 'suddenly' RIP SC 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
