Soaring tribute to Hartlepool Second World War RAF veteran John William Reeve at funeral

Standard bearers during the funeral service for John William Reeve at Stranton Crematorium. Picture by FRANK REID

Numerous ex-servicemen’s groups provided a guard of honour and lowered their standards as John William Reeve was laid to rest at Hartlepool’s Stranton Cemetery on Friday, May 22.

John, from Hartlepool, who was 95, saw action in India and Burma between 1943 and 1947 as a rear gunner in Liberator aeroplanes.

His coffin was draped with the Union Jack flag and also that of the RAF as it was carried into the chapel.

John Reeve remained active well into his old age.

The Hartlepool branch of the Royal Air Force Association were among forces groups and veterans to take part in the tribute while observing social distancing.

John’s daughter Pauline Reeve said: “He wouldn’t believe it. I burst into tears when they told me they were arranging it.

“Dad would be looking down so proud. He loved being in the RAF.

“Many times he said he wished he was still in it.”

Family members are supported as they lead John William Reeve’s cortage as it makes its way to Stranton Crematorium. Picture by FRANK REID

When victory was declared in Europe in 1945, John, a sergeant and warrant officer with RAF 99 Squadron, was sent to Burma as the war against Japan continued to rage for another two years.

Pauline added: “Dad didn’t talk a lot about what he did. We have found out a lot more since he passed away with old photographs that we have found.

“It must have been awful for them, to be sitting at the back of the plane seeing what was coming.

“He used to say how cold it was.”

A bugler played the Last Post and forces organisations lowered standards as John Reeve (pictured right in the RAF) was carried into Stranton Crematorium chapel.

After the war John, who married wife Flo in 1949, chose warmer jobs working as a fireman on steam trains that travelled all over the country.

Later he worked in the blast furnaces at Hartlepool steelworks.

John and Flo, who died in 2008, lived in Moor Street, off Raby Road, before moving into Burbank Court where they enjoyed joining in all the social outings and activities.

They had two children; Pauline and John who died only in March.

John also leaves grandchild Victoria and great-grandchildren Caitlain and Drew.

Hartlepool’s forces organisations have held similar tributes at veterans funerals recently including former British Legion chairman John Neville and Charles Humphrey, Hartlepool’s most decorated veteran.

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