Hundreds Of Strangers Attend RAF Veteran's Funeral

Military charity SSAFA organised Mr King's funeral. (Image: Erica Donnelly/Facebook).

A plea from an Armed Forces charity saw 200 strangers attend a veteran's funeral, after he passed away with no close friends or family. 

Leonard John King, a Royal Air Force veteran, died aged 94.

But when workers at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity heard that no one was set to attend Mr King's funeral, they decided to step in.

"We were honoured to be able to help ensure Mr King had a fitting celebration of his life.”

The charity took to Twitter to call for strangers to attend the funeral at Southend crematorium. 

Earlier today, the funeral took place with an estimated 200 people attending to pay their tributes to a man, they did not know.

"He would've loved it and he would've done the same thing for another veteran"

Michele Turner-Everett, the charity's Divisional Secretary of Southend & Rochford, said:

“It is incredibly sad when a veteran dies with no friends or family to celebrate their life and service to our country. 

 “After hearing about the funeral for RAF veteran Leonard John King, SSAFA Southend arranged for a bugler and flag bearer to attend to ensure our respects were paid to this brave man.

 “We were honoured to be able to help ensure Mr King had a fitting celebration of his life.”

Michele Turner-Everett, the charity's Divisional Secretary of Southend & Rochford, said:

“It is incredibly sad when a veteran dies with no friends or family to celebrate their life and service to our country. 

 “After hearing about the funeral for RAF veteran Leonard John King, SSAFA Southend arranged for a bugler and flag bearer to attend to ensure our respects were paid to this brave man.

 “We were honoured to be able to help ensure Mr King had a fitting celebration of his life.”

Mr King completed his flight training in Canada and later flew the Mosquito in World War II as part of No. 23 Squadron. 

After leaving the force, he went on to set up an electrical company alongside his co-pilot. 

Karen Tuck (Mr King's carer) said he was 'very passionate' and 'loved his flying'.

Mrs Tuck said "it would've been too much of a fuss for him (Mr King) but he would've loved it and he would've done the same thing for another veteran".

She added that "all walks of life" were at the funeral and a group of firefighters gave the hearse a guard of honour.

Tributes to Mr King were posted on Twitter: