World War Two Veteran’s Family “Overwhelmed” by Funeral Attendance After Appeal

The relatives of a World War Two veteran, who had issued a public appeal for attendees at his funeral, expressed being “overwhelmed” by the significant number of armed forces representatives who arrived to honor him. Ron Banks, a Royal Navy veteran originally from Warrington, passed away last month in Preston at the age of 99. Prior to the funeral, it was anticipated that only about 10 mourners would be present at Preston Crematorium, just days before Remembrance weekend, a period during which Mr. Banks consistently participated in special commemorative services. Jonathan Tinning, his nephew, remarked that his kind and humble uncle, who would “slip me a fiver,” would have been “very moved by this turnout.” Born in Warrington in 1925, Mr. Banks enlisted in the Royal Navy at 17 years old, serving as an anti-aircraft gunner aboard the HMS Glory. According to his niece, Sara Singleton, he was present on the vessel when Japanese officers formally signed a surrender document on 2 September 1945. Ms. Singleton noted that his service in the Navy ignited his passion for travel, an activity he pursued into his 80s alongside his wife, Vera, who passed away in 2016. Members of various Armed Forces veteran groups raised their standards as the hearse approached the crematorium on a particularly cold day. Mr. Banks’ 83-year-old sister, Brenda Tinning, visibly emotional, stated: “I am overwhelmed – he would have been so proud.” She added: “We are so grateful as a family that people have turned out.” Petty Officer Andy O’Donnell, a serving sailor who saw the appeal on social media, commented: “I am based in Loughborough but was home on leave and thought I had to come and pay my respects.” Stuart Dagger, the standard bearer for the Preston branch of the Royal Air Force Association, completed a night shift ending at 07:00 GMT before proceeding to the service. He remarked: “This is what it is all about. Gentlemen like this fought for our freedom and must be remembered, especially this weekend.”