Poppy-wearing pensioner foils sledgehammer raid on jewellers

Daily Telegraph ^ | October 31, 2008

[Cincinatus' Wife]

The moment when the pensioner caught up with the thief was caught on camera. Photo: TIM STEWART TSW

[agere_contra]

But these days people don't want to have a go in case a robber has a weapon.

Not so. People fear prosecution.

[edcoil]

England has outlawed weapons how can criminals get weapons?

[norraad]

F'the weapon, a good ol'timer knows how to git'in close real fast, give no time for any weapon but strong ol'hands to be effective.

That's a skill that takes time to develop, like slow cooked black-eyed peas.

[norraad]

Here’s a broom, clean up ‘da glass, . . punk!

[Rastus]

What does “poppy-wearing” mean. I read the story to find out, but it never says.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

God bless him!!!!! He’s a WW2 survivor and tough as nails! We just lost my FIL who was a veteran in the UK. He shot down Nazi planes approaching the coasts. This is a truly, incredible generation. They appreciate the fight for freedom and have not forgotten. It was my honor to play for a Remembrance Day Service at a local cathedral. It was a moving experience and I was filled with pride - even tho I was American.

[JRandomFreeper]

His weight is on his right foot and he's in good position to use his mass to his advantage. Good on the old codger.

Of course, if he's 80 and wearing a poppy, Flander's field probably doesn't hold much fear for him.

/johnny

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

The poppy is for remembrance of the WW1 and WW2 dead the living. The poppy fields of France.

[Peter Horry]

“But these days people don’t want to have a go in case a robber has a weapon”
In the old days “Mr. Poppy” would have simply have separated his umbrella, become armed, and would have been ready to “have a go at it”. There was less crime in most areas when this was the norm.

[US_MilitaryRules]

A standard view of the streets in the USSA after Nov. 4, 2008.

[Ancesthntr]

Good on him.

But he best get hiself a good barrister. You see, he tackled the guy. In other words, he assaulted him. The evidence is on the tape.

Gramps is looking a a couple years in the pokey. Such is the state of things in (formerly) Great Britain.

Get ready for the same here, if the Obamessiah wins.

[JRandomFreeper]

What does “poppy-wearing” mean. I read the story to find out, but it never says.

It's sad that you have to ask. Damning indictment on our education system.

Google "Flander's Field". Ensure adequate tissues are available.

/johnny

[ArrogantBustard]

“poppy-wearing”

---

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

---

Indicates that he's a military veteran.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Poppy Program

[ArrogantBustard]

I’ve always liked the last stanza ... puts real “punch” in the thing.

[tbpiper]

I expect the pensioner will be charged for assulting the robber.

[norraad]

Speakin’o fields, I was in my grandfather garden as a 12 year old with him one day also with neighborhood bully spoutin’ off about his prowess eventually challenging my grandfather, next thing you know after one lightnin'quick punch out of the blue there's a bully laid out on a tomato plant with X's for eyes.

After that master bully was "so nice to me,..

..lord, he wuz luvy dovy."

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Article has been expanded as they’ve found out who the pensioner is.

____________

....Witnesses said Mr Grove shouted “I’ve got your DNA” as he grabbed the robber’s balaclava.

The unlikely hero is 6ft 3ins tall and uses a walking stick after he was hit by a bus.

Friends call him John and said his wife had died a number of years ago.

Ernest Jones said it would be rewarding him with a Rolex watch. ........

[Timocrat]

But spokesman Tim Jackson said: “It is, however, dangerous to do this and our priority is safety of the public and staff.”

Typical Nancy response of the modern police authority. They're jealous because an eighty year old is doing a better job than the police.