Just Heard On The News....

[boxtops]

... that hundreds of people turned up to the funeral today of that old serviceman featured on here yesterday, who didn't have anyone to attend his funeral. Wonderful - well done, people.

[Mamyalynne]

The power of the media - so very glad.

[Orderlimit]

Good news, I was hoping that would happen.

[baza]

gave the old fellow a good send off, great public spirit.

[Mamyalynne]

Re


http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/ChatterBank/Question1290538.html

[daffy654]

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/nephew-stunned-by-war-hero-send-off-1-6234965

[boxtops]

Thanks mamya, I couldn't find the earlier thread quickly!

[pusskin]

He did have one Nephew turn up i am pleased to say boxie.

[Baldric]

Great response, well done to all

[Brenden]

This story lifted my faith in human beings - well done all of you.

[pixie373]

I didn't see that thread yesterday, but so pleased he got a good send-off.

His nephew said,
//He was not a hero, he was just someone who did his duty in World War Two, //

I think that makes him a hero.

[jake-the-peg]

Well I'm glad people turned up for him but as ground crew in Bomber command I can see why people would question the hero tag.

[boxtops]

I don't think we knew yesterday that he'd even got a nephew!

[McMouse]

What a great result. Many years back I was the RM representative at the funeral of an old soldier who had died at The Star & Garter hospital and there was just me, a nurse from the hospital and a chaplain. A miserable send off for a decorated veteran of two world wars.

[boxtops]

Jake - ground crew were vital, without them the planes wouldn't have flown.

[jno]

the one thing that does mark out WW2 survivors is that so many of them were conscripts. I admire them more than today's soldiers, who are doing a job voluntarily. Glad he got a decent send-off.

This story is also a nudge to those who think Facebook and Twitter are evil.

[Sqad]

boxy....Jake is questioning the title of "hero."

[hc4361]

Shame there was nobody to befriend or visit him in his later years, though

[viv38]

My thoughts exactly hc, I'm sure he would have appreciated all this concern before he died, but I'm glad he had a good send off, bless him.

[Kromovaracun]

You can see a video of it here (you have to scroll down):

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/harold-percival-funeral-over-two-hundred-strangers-attend-service-for-raf-veteran-after-newspaper-appeal-for-mourners-goes-viral-8932318.html

[hc4361]

Anyone touched by this story of a lonely, elderly gent who feels they can help other lonely elderly people can make a start here:
http://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/