The RAF hero who died alone: Fears no one will attend airman's funeral

The public are being urged to pay their respects to an RAF hero who took part in the D-Day landings, amid fears that nobody will attend the veteran’s funeral.

Brave Sidney Marshall, 90, died at home on June 16.

The former RAF serviceman from St Annes, Lancashire, who took part in the D-Day landings, has no immediate family living nearby and few, if any, may be able to attend his service.

But undertaker Eddie Jacobs is now asking for Armed Forces personnel past and present together with members of the public, to attend Mr Marshall’s funeral.

Mr Jacobs said: ‘Sid is survived by elderly brothers and sisters but has no immediate family of his own.

‘None of his relatives live locally and his wife, Elizabeth, died last year.

‘Sid served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War as a flight sergeant in 9 Squadron, as a Mid Upper Gunner on Lancaster Aircraft.

‘He completed 28 sorties over heavily-defended targets in Germany and was involved in attacks on the German battleship The Tirpitz and the D-Day landings.’

Mr Marshall was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his exploits and remained in the RAF after the war, retiring as a warrant officer.  He is one of eight siblings.

Mr Jacobs said only one of the brothers, who lives out of the area, may be able to attend.

He added: ‘It would be appreciated if any serving or retired service personnel could attend Sid’s funeral and give him the send-off he deserves.’

[Hundreds attend 99-year-old man’s funeral after appeal goes viral]

Councillor Ed Nash, Fylde Council Armed Forces member and Community Covenant Leader, added: ‘I would love to see anyone who is serving to come along.

‘I will tell all my veterans to make an appearance.

‘I will certainly make an appearance and will speak to the RAF Association to try and get a good turn-out.’

[Hero's Welcome For 'Great Escape' D-Day Veteran]

The service will be held at Lytham Park Crematorium at 1.30pm on Friday, July 4.

Donations can be made to the RAF Benevolent Fund, c/o Roland L.Whitehead and Daughter at the funeral directors in East Bank Road, St Annes, FY8 1ND.