Salute as hero Donald, 110, makes final journey
A hearse bearing the old soldier’s coffin will make its way through Ilkeston following a noon service at the local football stadium in one of its function rooms. Places there are limited – so townsfolk are invited to pay their respects as the solemn cortege makes its way to the town’s Market Place on Friday (8 August).
It is expected to set off from the home of Ilkeston Town FC at around 12:50pm. The route will take it up Bath Street, where mourners are encouraged to gather towards the top.
The farewell to Donald, who was a huge motorcycle fan, has been organised by the Royal British Legion. Veterans and Forces personnel will pay tribute to him as the Market Place Cenotaph becomes the focus of salutes just after 1pm.
The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and the High Sheriff will be attending along with Erewash Borough Council dignitaries including Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson. His predecessor Cllr Kate Fennelly – who served in the RAF – will be among the bike riders.
A bugler will play The Last Post before the hearse leaves town at 1.30pm for a private cremation. Ex-Desert Rat Donald was involved in the D-Day landings, where he survived a bullet to the leg. He lived at the Canal Vue Care Home near Ilkeston Town FC’s New Manor Ground. Just weeks before he died the hero was granted the Freedom of the Borough in a ceremony at the care home. A delegation from the town hall was led by the Mayor – as Erewash council leader James Dawson gave a speech paying tribute to the nation’s oldest war veteran.
He said at the time: “As we mark the 80th Anniversary this year of Victory In Europe, and Victory Over Japan this year, it is as important now as it was then to recognise the efforts of Donald and his generation.” The news of Donald’s death on 11 July saw flags bearing the borough’s crest flown at half mast. Cllr Dawson said: “Erewash was privileged to count him as a resident.”
Motorcycle organisations involved in the funeral procession include the Armed Forces Bikers, Royal British Legion Riders Branch, Household Division Motorcycle Club, Widows Sons Masonic Bikers, Blue Knights and Sherwood Harley Davidson Chapter. The council issued the following timings for Friday’s funeral events:
11:30 – Bikers to meet at Morrisons, 107 Nottingham Road, Ilkeston., Derbyshire, DE7 5NN
11:45 – Bikers set out from Morrisons to escort hearse and family to the football ground via Chalons Way
12 noon – Donald and his family are greeted at the New Manor Ground by a guard of honour of junior footballers and cadets. Town Hall dignitaries including the Mayor attend a memorial service there
12:50 – Bikers escort the hearse from the ground
1:15pm – Arrival at the Cenotaph
1:30pm – Hearse leaves town for a private cremation service.