Hawk flypast tribute to Skipton war hero Len Parry

AN RAF Hawk jet passed overhead as a mark of respect as mourners gathered for the funeral of Skipton war hero Corporal Len Parry.

Mr Parry, who died peacefully at Airedale Hospital on June 8 at the grand age of 103 years old; was unique in being awarded both the Burma Star and the Pacific Star medals.

He served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, escaped from captivity by the Japanese, and was one of the last remaining VJ veterans.

In honour of his service, Mr Parry was given a ceremonial military send off at Skipton Crematorium on Friday, attended by personnel from RAF Leeming, Skipton Royal British Legion, Skipton honorary freeman, Harry Dowson, friends and family.

George Martin, chair of Skipton RBL, said in his 29 years in the RAF, during which time he had attended numerous funerals, he had never seen anything as special as the ceremony given to Mr Parry.

Mr Martin said: "The morning began with a short private ceremony at the undertakers by personnel from RAF Leeming.

"Station Warrant Officer Stewart Thorpe and Sergeant Al Waring dressed the coffin in a Union Standard after which a Number One peaked hat, a RAF ensign, and Len's medals were placed on the coffin. There was then a toast to Mr Parry before his coffin was taken to the crematorium.

"The coffin and Len's family were met at the gates of the crematorium by British Legion standard bearers, RBL youth member Sam Henderson, RAF Sergeant Lee Athersmith and David Longstaff of the Royal Naval Association who led the procession through RAF route liners and guard of honours from the RAF and the RBL, " said Mr Martin.

And at 10.45am as people waited outside the chapel, the silence was broken by a RAF Hawk T2 aircraft from No11 Squadron RAF Leeming which gave a low and fast flypast in honour of Mr Parry.

Canon Ian Greenhalgh, from Grassington, conducted the service with Mr Parry's granddaughter Esme reading the poem, " He is gone"; she was followed by Mr Parry's son Nigel Parry who spoke about family memories and finally George Martin gave the eulogy of Len's service career.

Before the committal, the exhortation was recited by Mr Martin followed by the Last Post. A minute's silence was broken, and the Kohima Epitaph was spoken by Harry Dowson.

The items that had been placed on the coffin earlier in the day were removed and presented by RAF staff to Len's daughter, Roz Boothman.

Afterwards, Mrs Boothman posted: "On behalf of all Len Parry's  family and myself there is one person who arranged and sorted the "Black Hawk" fly past at dad's funeral on Friday and that was Janice and George Martin's son Craig who is based in Edwards Air Force California. I know he put so much work onto organising it and we are truly grateful as it was unbelievable, spectacular totally out of this world to watch - everyone gasped. I cannot imagine how dad would have felt. So proud."