The President of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, Ben Bradshaw, was among the hundreds of people who gathered outside Wells Cathedral to pay their last respects to Harry Patch.
One of the last honours to be bestowed on WW1 veteran Harry Patch before he died was an honorary Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.
The award was made last month as a surprise 111th birthday present to the man who said he would rather be remembered as a plumber than a soldier.
Mr Patch became a plumber after the war and writes about his trade in his autobiography the Last Fighting Tommy. He received news of his fellowship in a personal letter from CIPHE chief executive and secretary, Blane Judd, enclosing a gold lapel badge given to fellows of the institute.
The citation for the honorary fellowship states: “In recognition, as the British super centenarian, of his commitment, dedication and service to the plumbing industry.
“For his outstanding commitment to safeguarding public health by promoting good plumbing practise and in undertaking prestigious installations throughout the South West, including the Wills Memorial Building, where he attended the formal opening of the building by King George V and Queen Mary on 9th June1925.
“For the worldwide respect Harry has earned as a national hero and ambassador for his country.”
Commented Blane Judd, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering: “Harry was an amazing gentleman. This award is granted in only a few instances and given to individuals who we feel have made significant contributions to the plumbing and heating engineering industry. The whole nation had huge respect for Harry and we felt it was only right that we should recognise his long service to our industry and the country. The plumbing profession has lost a great elder-statesman.”
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