93 Year Old Irish Soldier describes World War One, 1988

Jack Campbell of The Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 16th Irish Division on Ireland's 'The Late Late Show'.

Dubliner Jack Campbell, Ireland's last "Old Contemptible" served in the Great War with four of his older brothers. He was gassed during the course of the war.

He died in Leopardstown Hospital on the 18th November 1992 aged 97.

[dermotosullivan]

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

[wicklowtownireland]

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

[dub]

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

[johnw]

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

[xpat]

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.

[alecaquino]

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

[bozothedog]

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.

[Jack-jozy]

These men saw the worst of the worst, huge respect

[johnsheahan]

This is the sort of person you want on your side. They should never be forgotten.

[airstrip]

I like the way the interviewer just let him talk.

[snafflefilms]

This interview needs to be preserved for all of history...

[jmitterii]

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.

[Sock]

"without favour, affection, malice or ill will"

Really hit me this finishing line. Can hardly think of a better way of putting it

[electriceyeslide]

In 1982, I was 9 years old, I met a man who was 93. He was born in 1889. He was an old cowboy. I’m blessed to have met someone who was born in the 1800s in my lifetime.

[georginathompson]

As he’s talking it’s as if he’s alive today. It brings history closer. So fortunate this interview was taken.

[forgottenknowledge]

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

[hirdy]

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

[colddiesel]

"Without favour or affection, malice or ill will." A fine quote and epitaph, from a universal soldier. RIP.

[CoolDrifty]

One can only hope to have this level of mental clarity at his age

[dannycarter]

Its for gents like this that we wear poppy's and remember every November. He was a proud Irishman who served in the British Army through choice, not through conscription. Thank you Jack and all Irish folk who have served in the British military.