Hoisted on the shoulders of three sergeants and smiling to the full throated chorus, led by the Colonel of his regiment, "For he’s a jolly good fellow" Corporal Henry Harvey, of "The 65th of Foot" The York and Lancaster Regiment, probably the oldest serving soldier in the British Army, received a rousing send off into ‘civvy street’ on Wednesday. Known throughout the regiment as ‘Sam’, Corporal Harvey received a parting gift such as few ranker veterans could anticipate - a handsome silver replica of the regimental badge, the tiger. The presentation was made by the Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier C.G. Robbins CBE. Brigadier Robbins described Corporal Harvey as "a very distinguished old soldier."

Now 66 years old, ‘Sam’ has lost his last battle to stay with his regiment. Four years ago he took the highly unusual but successful step of writing to King George VI pleading for the deferment of his discharge. When it expires next month, he will have completed 43 years service.

Before the presentation was made, Corporal Sam’s record was read to the gathering by the Commanding Officer of the Depot, Major J.V. Hawkins, from the time of his enlistment in January 1912, and through both World Wars. The names rang like battle honours - France, Salonika, India, Egypt, Bulgaria, Russia, Turkey, Germany, Palestine.

And Sam, smart in his ‘blue patrols’, his long row of medals shining brilliantly, told his comrades that he had considered deserting, and losing his former service, so that he could start again! He was not severing all connection with the Services he announced as he hoped to be employed at the Union Jack Club, London.