Recent Additions    & Updates Contact author Revealed: an unknown soldier of Ypres Old Allies honoured on Remembrance Day Great War veterans lead Cenotaph march past The youngest casualty Unveiling of plaque to Capt Bruce Bairnsfather Limited edition Bruce Bairnsfather postcard issued First-hand stories by surviving US veterans Story with a happy ending... News Clips 2001-3 Survivor of first world war dies at 108 Evening whispers on the Somme (poem) Scotland's oldest man turns 107 The Soldier's Sweetheart New Writing by new writers Memorial Gates Trust Search the site Private William McBride Buried far from the battlefield Private Sydney Bone Unusual or intriguing war memorials The Accrington Pals Amazon Bookstore Site Information Contents FAQ Contact Author   Resources Index of Poems Newsclips 2001 Further Reading Notes & Queries Can you help Useful links original content © 2002

from Manchester Evening News, Friday August 27, 1999

Jibe about 'thick' soldiers leaves a son fighting mad

BY SARAH LESTER

CONTROVERSIAL radio talk show host James Stannage has come under fire after describing First World War soldiers as "thick and ignorant."

The comments were made during a discussion about national pride on Piccadilly Magic 1152.

Joe Dodd, 63, from Droylsden (right), whose dad George served in the Manchester Regiment between 1908 and 1924, blasted Mr Stannage's views as absolute treachery.

"It a disgraceful thing to say, I was very shocked. People from every village and town fought for their country and laid down their lives. It's disrespectful to their memory.

"James Stannage wouldn't have a microphone to speak into if it wasn't for those young men. I feel very angry at what I heard.

"I would like to see him stand at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day and see if he could repeat those words there. He should be made to give a public apology."

Mr Stannage said: "I, like many othhers, lost family and know people who lost family and friends in World War One. But, it doesn't mean I don't think that many of the young soldiers were ignorant of what they were letting themselves into. They were completely unaware of what lay ahead and I certainly wouldn't die for my country like that."

Dave Shearer, programme director at Piccadilly Magic 1152, said:

"James Stannage's views on this subject are well known to his audience and have been aired by him  over many programmes."

In 1997 Piccadilly Radio was fined £10,000 by the Radio Authority for comments made by Mr Stannage about grief-riders, hours after the deaths of five teenagers in a car crash in Cheetham. He was taken off air for 24 hours and later apologised.

Back to News Clips Contents