Hundreds of people from across the UK gathered in Lancashire to pay their respects to Harold Jellicoe Percival, a World War Two veteran who served as ground crew on the famous Dambusters raids. Mr Percival, known as Coe, died last month at the age of 99. He never married or had children.
The funeral home organising the service placed an advert in a newspaper appealing for attendees. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds turning out on Armistice Day to honour the former RAF serviceman. The Reverend Alan Clark, who conducted the service, said: 'We marvel at the power of the printed word, whether on paper or screen.'
Mr Percival's nephew, Andrew Colyer-Worrsall, described the turnout as 'just remarkable'. He said: 'He was a quiet man, an ordinary man who did his duty and served in the war. To see so many people turn up, it's just overwhelming.'
The funeral took place at Lytham Park Crematorium, where the Dambusters March played as Mr Percival's coffin was carried in. A two-minute silence was observed to mark the anniversary of the World War One armistice. About 100 people were inside the crematorium, with another 400 standing silently outside in the rain.
Relatives of Mr Percival thanked those who attended and helped spread the word, saying: 'We are overwhelmed. This shows how great the British public are.' The RAF Association Leyland branch also helped ensure the funeral was well attended, with standard bearer Stuart Dagger stating: 'We are saying goodbye to a hero.'
