WW1 - Pte E Harding

This is  someone I knew that served in the first world war. His name on his medals is Pte. E.Harding and he was a relative of the prominent Kaye family of our town, which included the Mayor Mr. W. Kaye.

Shell Shock

Private Harding was one might say, lucky enough to return home from the Great War 1914 – 1918, but not without problems to his health. He came home with something that was not recognised at the time, but latterly it has been diagnosed as Shell Shocked. The poor man suffered this illness for quite some time, before the powers that be placed Mr Harding in an Asylum. [For anyone who doesn’t know what an Asylum was like in the early 1900’s, they should read about them on the internet]. Mr. Harding died in the Asylum shortly afterwards, a forgotten Hero.

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  • I believe the last of the surviving W.W.1 veterans passed away when in his 90’s. Being the age I am I had the privilege of meeting a few of them. Not many spoke of their experiences, but all were very proud to have served their country. Many was the time over a beer that if the subject of W.W.1. came up it wasn’t long before a tear came to their eyes. It was then that I knew it was time to change the subject . I have been to the Cenotaph on the Sunday nearest to the 11th November on a couple of occasions, with everyone wearing their Poppies. There is always literately thousands present. But recently I have made do with watching the Parade on television, and yes, I don’t mind admitting , I always have a lump in my throat, and tears in my eyes.. It always gets me, Alan

    By alan curtis (21/03/2013)

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