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Post by Eric Roper on Jul 30, 2009 10:17:27 GMT 1
Major H McDortch MBE, Korean Veteran/The King's Regiment Harry passed away suddenly on Tuesday 28th July 2008 in Hospital. Funeral details to be arranged. RIP Major Harry
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Post by Frenchie on Jul 30, 2009 10:43:17 GMT 1
Rest in Peace Major
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Post by Eric Roper on Jul 30, 2009 21:53:18 GMT 1
Eric, We have sorted out the funeral details today. It is going to take place on Wednesday 5th August at 1.0pm. We will meet at Shaw & Sons The Old Parsonage 20 Park Street Bolton Lancashire BL1 4BD Telephone number 01204 526218 We are getting there for 12.30pm. Leaving to go to the Crem, Overdale West, BL1 5BU at 12.45pm. The service will be at 1.00pm Thanks Eric. Michelle
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Post by Eric Roper on Aug 5, 2009 10:08:47 GMT 1
MAJOR HERBERT HENRY (‘HARRY’) McDORTCH MBE 1917 - 2009 Herbert Henry (Harry) McDortch was born in Manchester on 29th Nov 1917, during the time the Regiment he was later to serve in was at war in Ypres and Cambrai in World War 1. Harry enlisted into the Army in April 1933 at the age of 15 and after a short spell of Recruit Training he joined the King’s Regiment, where he served for 34 years both as a Soldier and then as a Late Entry Officer. He held all ranks from Private/Kingsman to Regimental Sergeant Major prior to being commissioned. Harry served in the Far East and Middle East during Word War 2. Harry quickly climbed the ranks and served as a (Warrant Officer Class 2) Company Sergeant Major in Korea were he received a Mentioned in Dispatches (MID) for his outstanding leadership and unselfish contribution to the war effort. Harry later served with distinction with the Regiment in Kuwait and was awarded a Membership of the Most Excellent Order an MBE. Harry was commissioned on 1st January 1957, to Lieutenant, and served as the Mechanical Transport Officer and later on promotion to Captain as Quartermaster. Harry was married, not only to the King’s Regiment but to a lovely lady, Penelope, affectionately known as Penny, who sadly passed away on the 18th June 2007. Major Harry and Penny only had the one child a son; Dudley who lives in Florida. Sadly he is unable to be here today. I do know his heart is with you all today and Michelle is recording the events on video ready to send to him. Harry’s interests included Golf, Amateur Photography, Walking and Gardening but as Michelle informed me only last week his real love was his Regiment and the soldiers he served with. Harry was asked to pen together a few words of his past. One of the questions asked was names of children, he wrote, Dudley, now married and producing children! He was asked for his qualifications, Harry wrote, ‘Nothing Special!’ At that time Harry may not have been a man of many words but I can guarantee that a Mention in Dispatches and an MBE speak volumes! I believe Harry’s qualities were courage, leadership, unselfishness, dedication to duty and the ability to command respect. I have not heard one negative comment made about Maj Harry and that put in context with our leaders of today tells me Harry had those special qualities that made him a legend in the Regiment. Rest in peace Harry ‘Nec Aspera Terrent’ Captain (Ret'd) Mick Hunt
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Post by Frenchie on Aug 5, 2009 12:00:09 GMT 1
Thanks Eric, If it's OK with you I will put this on the main Obituaries section on the main site.
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