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Due Respect.
TonyJones


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 188
Location: Essex
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Dear Martin,
thanks for that information which I will pass on to the Hitch
family.I am to meet Mrs Sandra Barker this Sunday at the Guard's Chapel at Wellington Barracks for a choir service and will discuss the matter further with her.I have sent a recorded letter (trackable) today to the particular researcher that dealt with the Fred Hitch portrayal,signed by both myself and Mrs Barker,on behalf of the Hitch family,to ask for the Hitch family to have the chance to correct the account of the story of 1362 Private Fred Hitch that was featured in the programme.We have asked this to be in the form of a public apology from C5,the agents who commissioned the programme,plus,the programme markers to issue a written apology.
The family's discontent revolves around the introduction of Fred Hitch VC to the British Public as a 'Petty Criminal',a character judgement.There is also reference to the fact that Fred Hitch VC 'may have sold his VC for self-gain'.There is no proof of this (as far as I know) and the statement has been 'cherry-picked' from conjecture written elsewhere.Julian Whybra's observations were also noted by the extended Hitch family.The programme seems to depict that 1362 Private Fred Hitch was decorated with the VC for being 'shot in the shoulder'.There's no mention of his role to evacuate the patients below the 8ft drop outside of the burning hospital by providing a breakfall for the patients on his 'good side',or dispensing bullets to the defenders with Corporal Allen whilst injured.There's no mention of the Fred Hitch VC bravery award for cabbies in Chiswick either.
Like you say,they,ve heard the term 'attested' a term with which they are probably not familiar with,then next heard 'judge',one plus two equals five etc as you mention.Much easier to come up with this poor account of a brave soldier-much harder to perform the heroics or appreciate them.Cheers.

Tony.


Last edited by TonyJones on Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:01 am; edited 1 time in total
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Martin Everett


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 786
Location: Brecon
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Dear Tony,

Just as a point - and this why John Young and I raised the issue on this site. We did supply the programme makers with the correct information about Fred Hitch and others. It just seems a very cavalier approach by the production companies particularly when dealing with gallant soldiers and their families.

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Martin Everett
Brecon, Powys
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Expert Advice.
TonyJones


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 188
Location: Essex
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Dear Martin,
thanks once again for the comments.I noticed the remarks of this nature that you had made earlier in the discussion.I've tried to emphasise to C5 'viewers comments' again today,that this is a moral issue rather than a legal one that it being raised.The C5 website about this programme quotes the intention to pay 'due respect' to the Victoria Cross recipients featured in the programme.I have asked for the researcher involved to provide a reply within a period of seven days of receipt of the letter.I feel that despite advice being sought from yourself,John Young and Mrs Sandra Barker about the biographical details of Fred Hitch VC,that the correct facts about this brave soldier have been eschewed in favour of the more cavalier/sensationalistic approach that you mention.Whilst sensationalism seems to be the current method of 'treatment' applied to 'here today gone later today' pseudo-celebrities,it has no place in the world of gallantry and valour.It must be a source of annoyance for yourself and John Young to have poeple 'seek advice' in this manner,then to ignore that advice which you have given freely and which usually takes up unnecessary time.Thanks.

Tony.
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Rich
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In following this discussion, I'm just wondering why the producers did not get in touch with Martin or John or the Hitch family or anybody else who could speak on the "facts" authoritatively prior to the telecast. Mark of respect I'd think. In my view, I believe, at times, people get lazy and want the easy way of doing things and don't want possible "trouble", i.e. dissension on facts, production values etc etc. from contributors. Looks like those fellows wanted to do their own thing. Unfortunately, we see the results of this here. I hope it gets sorted out.
Union Jack Club VC display
Simon Rosbottom


Joined: 14 Jun 2006
Posts: 287
Location: London, UK
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Loosely related to the mention of a VC registry discussed earlier, the Union Jack Club near Waterloo Station has a very fine VC display in the lobby. I remember spending a disproportionate part of last years office Christmas party looking it over instead of socialising with my colleagues.

No medals on display but I recall a series of wooden wall panels with the name, rank, and location of all the awards in alphabetical order. Lots of photos of many of the VC recipients and a few accounts of their actions. It took me a couple of hours to take it all in. Well worth a visit if you are passing and can get in or get an invite.

A link to their website is included and you can see some photos of the lobby on the site.

All current servicemen are automatically members and ex-sevicemen can apply. Sorry - no officers!

http://www.ujclub.co.uk/

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The Scorer


Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 338
Location: Newport
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Civil Servants are also all members, and I have stayed there quite a few times.

It's actually a very good place to stay in London. It's right opposite the Waterloo East Station and round the corner from the Waterloo Main Line Station. There are various types of rooms, which are good value for London and there's also a very good bar and restaurant.

Very Happy
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Victoria Cross Heroes
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