Last Tommy marks 111th birthday

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The Belgian Ambassador was among those sending their birthday wishes to Mr Patch, whose birthday is on Wednesday June 17.

But he had a small party for family and friends in the garden of his care home, Fletcher House, in Wells, Somerset, on Saturday.

A box of Belgian chocolates and books were among the gifts along with a letter from the Belgian Ambassador, Jean-Michel Veranneman de Watervliet, congratulating Mr Patch.

Mr Patch was a machine-gunner in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and fought during the Battle of Passchendaele, in Ypres, which claimed the lives of more than 70,000 soldiers.

He served in the trenches as a private from June to September 1917 when he was seriously injured by a shell explosion which killed three of his friends.

Last year on his 110th birthday the Ambassador presented him with Belgium's highest military accolade. The Knights of Leopold medal was bestowed by the King of Belgium in recognition of Mr Patch's participation in the bloody battle of Passchendaele.

He was also awarded France's highest decoration, the Legion d'honneur medal earlier this year, by the French Ambassador Maurice Gourdault-Montagne.

The Avon Glen Pipe and Drums Band played Amazing Grace as Mr Patch enjoyed his favourite treat, a strawberry tea. Children from Clyst Vale Community College, Broadclyst, Exeter, who have learnt about Mr Patch in history lessons, baked cakes and sent handmade cards.

It was only on his 100th birthday that Mr Patch first came under the spotlight and spoke about his experiences, he has since become an icon for The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.