A widow’s plea for her war veteran husband to have a fitting funeral have been answered
Margaret Allen of Stalham who wants to give her late husband Stanley "Jack" Allen a World World Two veteran a fitting send off at his funeral. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
Communities have rallied to help after widow's plea to give her war veteran husband a fitting funeral.
Margaret Allen of Stalham who wants to give her late husband Stanley "Jack" Allen a World World Two veteran a fitting send off at his funeral. Copy picture of Stanley "Jack" Allen. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
Margaret Allen, 68, from Upper Staithe Road in Stalham, was worried that not many would attend the funeral of her husband Stanley William Allen.
The couple have no children and Mr Allen's relatives live away in the north of the country.
Mr Allen spent the second world war in the Far East and battled in Burma and Kohima.
Several people have been in touch with the North Norfolk News to say they would like to attend his funeral.
Margaret Allen of Stalham who wants to give her late husband Stanley "Jack" Allen a World World Two veteran a fitting send off at his funeral. Copy picture of Stanley and Maraget on Horse Guards Trooping the Colour in June 2012. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
Terry Byrne, who is standard bearer for the Norwich branch of the Royal Army Service Corps, has expressed interest in attending with some of his colleagues and will be in contact with Ms Allen.
Ms Allen said: 'My phone has been ringing rather a lot and people have been very kind. I received a response from the Ministry of Defence who seemed interested and are going to pass my letter to the correct people in Surrey.
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'I have ordered a few limousines to take people to the funeral as I want to make sure the people of Stalham can come.'
Stan Kaye runs a group on Facebook called RIP The Final Journey which aims to ensure no war veteran has a lonely send off.
Mr Kaye, from Peterborough, said: 'I saw the article and wanted to get in touch. The group allows people to post about a veterans passing which means others can attend to pay their respects or take a moment to reflect. We need to give this brave veteran a good send off.'
Colin Chambers, chairman of the North Walsham and District Royal British Legion, will also be in contact with Ms Allen about making arrangements for the funeral.
Mr Allen served as a dispatch rider with the 4th British Field Ambulance and returned to Britain in August 1947. He worked as a postman and then a lighting technician in London. He stopped working in 1982 after he was made redundant. The couple, who married in 1971, moved to Stalham in 2000.
He died aged 90 on January 13 at North Walsham and District War Memorial Hospital, with his wife by his side.
The funeral is being held on February 22 at St Faiths Crematorium at 2.45pm.
Anyone wanting to attend the funeral or contribute in any way can contact Margaret Allen on 01692 580512.
