Radiohead release song in tribute to Harry Patch

Radiohead has released a song as a tribute to Harry Patch, who was the last living British soldier to have seen action in the First World War trenches until he died aged 111 on July 25.

The new song was premiered without fanfare at the end of Radio 4's Today programme this morning, in advance of Patch's funeral tomorrow.

Thom Yorke, the band's lead singer (pictured left), was inspired to write Harry Patch (In Memory Of) after hearing an interview with the veteran soldier recorded for the Today programme in 2005.

In it, he recalled the "disastrous" 1917 battle of Passchendaele and told of his fears that people "will never learn". "The Third World War will be chemical," the former plumber said.

Of world leaders, he said: "Give 'em a rifle each and let them fight it out. Don't lose a thousand men."

His words are reflected in Yorke's sparse anti-war lyrics, which are printed in full on Radiohead's website: "I've seen hell upon this earth/The next will be chemical but they will never learn."

Thom Yorke wrote of the song on his blog: "It would be very easy for our generation to forget the true horror of war, without the likes of Harry to remind us. I hope we do not forget."

The Guardian gave the new song four stars, writing: "Considering the solemnity of the subject, the song finds Radiohead at their most understated and serene, a respectful and ceremonial contrast to the fury of Harrowdown Hill, the song Yorke wrote in tribute to Dr David Kelly."

The song can be downloaded from Radiohead's website for £1. All proceeds will go to the Royal British Legion. ·