After hearing he would only be receiving one mourner, about 100 well-wishers showed up to the RAF veteran’s funeral.
The 97-year-old World War Two veteran Ronald Gale of Ipswich, Suffolk, passed away in December without ever being married, having children, or having any close relatives.
When the Royal British Legion learned of the predicament, they launched a public plea; originally, only one neighbour and two attorneys had registered to attend the funeral.
It turned out that Mr. Gale had a close relationship with two other neighbours, who enthusiastically seized the chance to express their condolences.
The appeal then spread like wildfire locally, and the service ended up so busy that the doors of the chapel at Ipswich Crematorium were kept open to allow people to hear from outside.
They were joined by uniformed representatives of the Army, RAF and cadets, as well as bagpiper who played as Mr Gale’s hearse arrived and a bugler who played at the service.
Neighbour Des Welham said: ‘I think he’d be shocked to see how many people have turned out for him today.
‘It was a beautiful service and so moving to see so many come to pay their respects.’
‘He’d be so taken aback’, added Maisie Perry, a close friend and neighbour of the veteran.
Arun Achary said: ‘Myself, Maisie and Des would often take him out for meals.
‘He was a wonderful man. He was caring and so polite. Every day he would be sharply dressed in a suit.’
Little is known of Mr Gale’s military service besides a picture taken in July 1944 revealing he was part of the No. 47 Flight Squadron and No. 36 R&C Wing squad at the time.