Another Poilu is dead

[Kirk]

A friend of mine, a french WWI vet, has died. His name was Roger Raby. He was 102. I knew him only 1.5 years, but visited him several times and corresponded with him.
One letter he sent was an 8 page description of his military service and would be good reading for most of you. He served most of the war along the Chemins Des Dames near Soissons, in which time he was part of the failed Nivelle offensive. He saw nearly all the changes that came about during the war. In Jan. 1915 when he joined he was outfitted with the Red pants and Kepi and Blue jacket. These were soon after faded out of use because they stood out so well to snipers.
Towards the end of the war he remembered seeing a flame-thrower in use by the Germans. He was the only vet I ever met who saw one in use.
Lastly, He was still suspicious of Germany. But at the same time, he looked back with a sort of sympathy at the Germans that he fought. He was keenly aware that their situation was a miserable as his.

Perhaps one of the saddest parts of his story is that he lived in a retirement center and had hardly any visitors. I was one of the few came.
I would hope that if you know of any vets WWI or WWII, you will remember them and pay a visit or write a letter. That will mean much more to them than eulogising them after they are gone.

Yours truly,
Kirk Goolsby

Two veterans have departed this life recently both with RFC connections. One being Ken Old(s) of who I know nothing. The second Darcy Jones had a full obituary in the Daily Telegraph. He was believed to be the last living Gallipoli veteran in the UK. He was a cavalryman who joined the RFC in 1918. Flying in the Middle east before returning to the UK.

andy

It's sad to hear how these veterans are passing away... Perhaps you could post his 8pg letter to the Forum.

Very true, they are forgotten