93 Year Old Irish Soldier describes World War One, 1988

He was 93 in this interview and it's incredible how mentally alert and articulate he is.

He passed away at 97, four years after this interview. RIP jack

I love how he talks so quick and swift... most elderly at that age, the conversations are slow and often painfully slow... this guy is like a fire hydrant of recollections... a historical goldmine.

"Without favour, affection, malice or ill will". Rolled of the tongue of a man in his 10th decade. Wow

The interviewer did a great job of asking a question and then shutting up. I wish today’s hosts would learn from this guy.

You know why this is a great interview? He shuts up and lets the man talk. Some modern interviewers could learn a thing or two from him.

"War is War, you kill or be killed." This gentleman summed up the hells of war perfectly. Because across all generations, war is terrible. No ifs, ands or buts. I'm so happy and glad that there is a record straight from the mouth of someone who served over a century ago, live and in the flesh so that way we can all hear it. So many of his buddies didn't survive, and this gentleman does a great service in honoring their memories by sharing his story. He was living proof of the experiences so many experienced during WW1. Written and recorded records of things like this are so important. For it's videos like this that keeps not only this man's legacy alive, but to keep alive actual testimony and witness from someone who served his country and lived to tell the tale. May this gentlemen, as well as all of those who served in both World Wars, rest in heavenly peace. 🙏

My Great-uncle, the first visit to his grave was in 2016, for 100 years he had no visitor, a renamed street was the clue to find him and we did. He was injured previously was allowed to go home for a week because it was Lent (Catholic Holiday) and he got married, he returned to the front to be injured again and die from his wounds. He was 21, joined the army in 1913. Don't give up searching for the soldier if you have one missing. Private John Kelly, 11298, 8th Bat., Royal Irish Fusiliers, died on Friday August 11, 1916 and is buried in Chocques Military Cemetery (Grave 1. J. 37), Pas de Calais, France. He was born in Dublin.

When a man like this speaks, you stay silent and listen to every word.

I've never seen an interview with a real WW1 veteran before. Brilliant.

Excellent interviewer. Asks an intelligent question, shuts up and then listens to the answer. ✅ At 93 this hero and classy gentleman is laser sharp. He brings history of the Great War to real life. This man and his experience is priceless. Protect this interview like it is a treasure because it is. Bow with honour and respect to this great man. 🇮🇪 🇨🇦 🇬🇧.

this man saw things that could turn a human insane, the audience laughing about the rats eating your food, they just dont understand what this man went through neither do we, nothing but respect for this gentlemen.

I like the way the interviewer just let him talk.

Best line in the interview is when Jack talks about joining the Army, "I thought I was going to see the world but I damn near saw the second world". How dapper and smart he looked for a 93 year old, sharp as a tack, died in 1992, age 97. He was also an Old Contemptible which means he was one of the first soldiers in France in August 1914.

I could listen to this man for months...they don't make them like that anymore. My humble utmost respect to you Jack

A true soldier. As a combat veteran of Afghanistan, I’ve still seen nothing compared to these men. There are things that stick with you for life. He seems to have a sense of humor about the whole affair. Many soldiers use humor as a coping mechanism. Just talk to any medic to find out. This man was in a war that took place before my grandparents were born, yet a good soldier is a good soldier. A good man is a good man. The same now as it was over 100 years ago. Much respect.

Can you imagine how sparky this kid was back in the war if this is what he were like at 93?

"I went there to see the world and I dam near saw the second world." God bless him, at least he has a sense of humour about it.

I am almost 53 and in 1st grade about 1974 an American World War I Vet came to visit our class. A very tall thin man wearing his old uniform. He was soft spoken and humble. The other students asked him questions even then I found awkward. "are you a hero"? "did you kill anyone" ? He laughed it all off as kids who could not understand. He just said he was a kid and did what his country asked of him. He said he was no hero and just had a job to do". Looking back I wish I had the chance to ask him real questions with what I know now. He was just one of many men and women in that war, and now they are all gone. His story and name lost as far as I know. I live in the same town he came to visit our school all those years ago. Wish I could know where he is buried and leave something, flowers, note, candle. I will take his memory to my grave.

My great-grandfather, Private McComb, fought in Ww1. He was a Roman Catholic, and his mother was from Ireland. 23 May 1916. Unit name - Anzac Cyclist Battalion, Reinforcement 3 AWM Embarkation Roll number 12/2/3 Embarkation details. Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A67 Orsova on 1 August 1916. He survived the war and passed away in December 1958. Buried in Hamilton, Victoria Australia. Rest easy Pops