August 6, 2009 11:11

Harry Patch's family welcome Radiohead tribute song Radiohead Tickets

'Harry would be 100 per cent' behind idea says grandson

Photo Gallery: Radiohead

The grandson of Harry Patch, the late British World War 1 veteran who was the last surviving UK soldier from the conflict until he passed away last month, has spoken about Radiohead's tribute song, 'Harry Patch (In Memory Of)'.

Yesterday (August 5) Radiohead made the song available as a download to benefit the Royal British Legion, with frontman Thom Yorke writing it after being inspired by a 2005 radio interview with Patch.

Now Patch's grandson, Roger Patch, has given his backing to the song, saying he believes that his granddad would be equally enamoured.

"Our family is very touched that Radiohead has reached out to its followers and especially the younger generation through the single that echoes Harry's interview in 2005," he told The Sun.

He added: "Harry loved music and would be 100 per cent behind Radiohead in raising awareness of the suffering of conflict – not least the futility of it – in a way that can also benefit the Legion. It's a great idea which we support wholeheartedly."

Patch is being buried today (August 6) in Wells, Somerset, with a public service taking place in Wells Cathedral.