A VETERAN of the Second World War is set to receive a fitting funeral thanks to the efforts of his friends.

Ronald Frank Melbourne sadly died aged 96 earlier this month, alone at his home on Reynolds Street in Latchford.

The former Royal Artillery Gunner enlisted in the Armed Forces aged 19 in March 1943, and he continued to serve in the Army until 1948.

As is often the case with those who have served in the military, Ronald rarely talked about his time in the Armed Forces, although he is known to have been deployed oversees during the Second World War.

Warrington Guardian:

With no surviving family members, two of Ronald’s friends came together to passionately appeal for help in ensuring he has the funeral he deserved.

This is due to take place tomorrow morning, Friday, at Warrington Cemetery, with plenty of military elements planned to thank him for his service to his country.

Julie Francis, one of Ronald’s friends who helped to organise his funeral, said: “My mate Cheryl Rouke owns the sunbed shop Bez Beds on Reynolds Street, and she looked after him daily.

“He used to live next door above the betting shop, and he would often go in the shop and talk to everyone.

Warrington Guardian:

“He would often go for a drink in The Cheshire Cheese and The Hop Pole pubs, and he was a loveable character.

“Everyone knew him around Latchford. A lot of people called him Tony, although we don’t know why, but he was just one of those loveable people who had a smile and would chat with everybody.”

A carriage drawn by four horses is set to carry Ronald’s coffin from his Reynolds Street home to the cemetery on Manchester Road tomorrow morning at around 10am.

Warrington Guardian:

At the service at around 10.30am, veterans will carry his coffin and military flags will be held by standard bearers.

The Last Post will be played by a bugler at the graveside, where Ronald will be buried in the same plot as his brother.

Covid restrictions mean that the number of people able to attend his funeral is limited, however people are more than welcome to line the route to pay their respects beforehand.