Claude Choules

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Gary
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Claude Choules

Post by Gary »

Hi people

Just been reading the News of the World yesterday (British Sunday newspaper).
A new book is being released called "The last of the last".
Its about Claude Choules who is the last known survivor who served in WW1.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Final-Surv ... 903&sr=1-1

I'm hoping Santa and Rudolph will have it on their sleigh with my name on it come December 25th

Anyway, the newspaper printed a couple of extracts form the book.

Claude claimed that one time the searchlights aboard HMS Revenge didnt operate because someone had cut the cables.
The perpetrator was removed from the ship by marines and never seen again - (shot at dawn?).
Wether he was a spy or more probably a disgruntled crewman I dont know.
Claude also claimed that Revenge downed a Zepplin with her A and B turrets!!!
I never knew that!

This book sounds like one for the must read pile folks
God created the world in 6 days.........and on the 7th day he built the Scharnhorst
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RF
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Re: Claude Choules

Post by RF »

Unfortunately the link no longer seems to be working - is there a new address, or has the article been removed completely?
''Give me a Ping and one Ping only'' - Sean Connery.
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Gary
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Re: Claude Choules

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Sorry for the very late reply RF

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Final-Surv ... 870&sr=1-1

Santa did deliever me a copy - I'm half way through reading it.

Claude and some of the Revenge seaman went ashore in Malta (between the wars) and took the train across the island.
When they tried to return they were told that they would have a long wait for a train back.
Lo and behold they spotted an empty engine in the railyard and one of the smart arse lads said "Anyone know how to fire it up?"
A pair of stokers stepped forward and said that they would be able to do it.
So the sailors nicked the train!!!!!!!!
Upon returning to HMS Revenge, they were all lined up on the quarterdeck by the Captain whilst the very angry Station master came onboard but fortunately for them he was unable to identify any of the culprits :lol: :lol: :lol:
God created the world in 6 days.........and on the 7th day he built the Scharnhorst
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RF
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Re: Claude Choules

Post by RF »

I can't really imagine a bunch of Kriegsmarine sailors pulling of such a stunt - but I wonder how Lutjens or Raeder might have reacted if they had......
''Give me a Ping and one Ping only'' - Sean Connery.
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Gary
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Re: Claude Choules

Post by Gary »

I can't really imagine a bunch of Kriegsmarine sailors pulling of such a stunt

I agree RF
Buggering about seems to be a British trait - you only have to look at holidays abroad (Spanish/Greek) and any loutish behaviour or trouble can, about 8 times out of 10, be laid at the door of British people.
God created the world in 6 days.........and on the 7th day he built the Scharnhorst
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RF
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Re: Claude Choules

Post by RF »

''Buggering about'' is a pretty useful trait in our national psyche - just look at the likes of Henry VIII, Cromwell and Winston Churchill......
''Give me a Ping and one Ping only'' - Sean Connery.
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