September 21, 2018
NO.247
UK World War II veteran Captain Gerald Fitzpatrick passed away on August 27 at the age of 99. Republic of China (Taiwan) Representative to the UK, Ambassador David Lin, and colleagues from the Taipei Representative Office in the UK attended the funeral in Leeds on September 20. On behalf of the government, Lin offered condolences to the bereaved, and expressed gratitude for Fitzpatrick’s longstanding friendship and unwavering support for Taiwan.
Fitzpatrick was a participant in the Battle of Yenangyaung in which R.O.C. forces attacked Japanese positions surrounding more than 7,000 British troops. Among those rescued, Captain Fitzpatrick witnessed the bravery of our nation’s servicemen. Especially grateful for the rescue, Captain Fitzpatrick was a great supporter of Taiwan. He wrote a book detailing his wartime experience and highlighting the R.O.C. army’s noble spirit and willingness to sacrifice for their fellow soldiers, as well as the country’s remarkable contributions in WWII. Captain Fitzpatrick visited Taiwan on multiple occasions, and attended National Day receptions as a guest of the Taipei Representative Office in the UK.
Captain Fitzpatrick was a true friend who had long spoken out for Taiwan in the international arena. To extend our gratitude and highest respect to the Captain, and to honor his will, officials of the Taipei Representative Office in the UK draped the R.O.C. flag over his coffin following the funeral in a profoundly solemn service.(E)