UK bids farewell to coronavirus hero Captain Tom Moore with plane fly-past, gun salute at funeral
- Soldiers formed a guard of honour and gave a firing salute at a ceremony held by the 100-year-old war veteran’s family in Bedford
- Moore, who died in February, raised nearly US$45 million for health care charities by completing 100 lengths of his garden last year
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Soldiers formed a guard of honour at the small ceremony held by Moore’s family at a crematorium in Bedford in central England.
Six soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment, the successor to the one Moore served in during world war II, carried his coffin, draped with the Union flag and his military cap and sword as 14 soldiers gave a firing salute.
A second world war-era plane from a nearby RAF base flew over the crematorium and later a bugler sounded the Last Post, followed by a minute’s silence.
“The Armed Forces are immensely proud to contribute to the celebration of his extraordinary life of service,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
He raised nearly £33 million (US$45 million) for health care charities by completing 100 lengths of his garden before his 100th birthday in April last year.
The image of the stooped but dapper veteran, leaning on his walking frame and rarely seen without shining military service medals pinned to his blazer, and a regimental tie, was a rare good news story in a gloomy year.
Prince Harry congratulates Tom Moore after he raises millions for health service
His funeral was a more private affair, reflecting his family’s wishes and the antivirus restrictions in place.
Only his two daughters Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira, four grandchildren and his sons-in-law attended.
Moore’s performance of You’ll Never Walk Alone, a charity single that he recorded with Michael Ball, was played at the start of the ceremony.
He had asked for his epitaph to be “I told you I was old, ” inspired by comedian Spike Milligan whose gravestone says “I told you I was ill.”
His ashes were later to be interred in a family plot in his native Yorkshire in northern England, with his parents and grandparents.
The family set up an online book of condolences that gathered thousands of messages.
“RIP Captain Sir Tom. Truly a life well lived and an inspiration to us all – shining a light in very dark days,” wrote Debbie Mather
“Your courage and determination to reach your goal and the money you raised for the NHS was unbelievable,” wrote Sandra Norbrun.
