Hundreds turn out for funeral of WWII Hero who died with no known relatives

Thomas Cox, 90, fought against the Nazis but faced a service with no mourners until veterans, serving soldiers and members of the public answered an appeal to attend.

Hundreds paid their respects to the World War II Hero

HUNDREDS turned out yesterday to honour a brave World War II hero who faced a funeral with no mourners. After an appeal was launched 200 people paid their respects to Thomas Cox, who served in the Royal Pioneer Corps, and died at the age of 90 with no known relatives.

Veteran's served as standard bearers

His local community was determined to give him a decent send-off and so many people turned out in respect they filled an overflow room at a crematorium and watched the service via video link. War veterans acted as standard bearers and led the funeral procession with the coffin of Mr Cox draped in a Union flag.

Hundreds paid their respects to veteran

Serving Army officers also joined the moving ceremony along with police officers, ambulance workers and members of the Royal British Legion Bikers to give Thomas a proper send-off. They all answered the call of the Royal Pioneer Corps Association who posted an appeal on the Facebook page asking for people to attend.

Serving officers honoured the WW2 hero

It was shared to veteran groups, army-related groups and other local groups in the North East and in 12 hours it was seen by over 100,000 people. Norman Brown, who launched the appeal for mourners, said: "He had one hell of a send-off."

Veterans came to give him 'one hell of a send-off'

Barbara Wood, whose son Charlie died in Afghanistan serving with 23 Pioneer Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps said: “It's amazing to see so many people turning up - I'm really pleased. It's important to show we appreciate what he did for our country.”

A veteran wipes a tear from his eye after the service

Local florist Beckie McLinn saw the plea and created a 3ft coffin top arrangement for Mr Cox, who lived alone in Stockton, Co Durham. Others laid wreaths and red flowers to mark the veteran's war service with moving tributes attached.

Local florists sent flowers

One read: "RIP brave soldier, gone but never forgotten" and another said: "Rest easy soldier, your duty's done. Goodnight and God bless." One bunch of red flowers said: "Rest in peace brother."

Mourners show their emotion as they bid farewell to the fallen hero

Reverend Robert Cooper told those gathered: “Thomas Cox may be a stranger to us but by being here today, we have recognised our bond of shared humanity. “There are many Thomas Coxes out there - many towards the end of their life who have no family or may well have outlived their contemporaries.

“It's good - very good - that we are here to mark Thomas's death, but how much better if we would have been able to come close to him during his life? “What better memorial could Thomas Cox have than if everyone who has been touched by his story made the effort, not just at Christmas but throughout the year, to befriend someone who is isolated?