People nearby saw what had happened

[EngLearner]

The following was written by an American English speaker as an example of how to use the verb "get":

Somebody slipped and fell into the river in winter. People nearby saw what had happened and managed to fish him out. But he's wet and shivering strongly. The person who has taken the lead in looking after him says to no one in particular: "Somebody get him some dry clothes! He needs to warm up."

He didn't include the bolded "had" in the sentence. Does the sentence sound natural with the "had" included?

 

[teechar]

Before we answer, can you please tell us where you got that piece of text from?

 

[EngLearner]

Before we answer, can you please tell us where you got that piece of text from?

On another forum. But I think you won't be able to access that section of the forum because only those users who have been members for a certain amount of time can access it.

 

[teechar]

Yes, that extra "had" would be okay.

 

[5jj]

It would be OK, but I'd probably stick with the past simple.

 

[emsr2d2]

On another forum. But I think you won't be able to access that section of the forum because only those users who have been members for a certain amount of time can access it.

OK, on this occasion we'll let it go, but in future please remember that it is a requirement of the forum that you provide the source whenever you quote someone else's words. When you joined, you accepted the forum rules.

 

[EngLearner]

OK, on this occasion we'll let it go, but in future please remember that it is a requirement of the forum that you provide the source whenever you quote someone else's words. When you joined, you accepted the forum rules.

OK.