DUNKIRK veteran Arthur Taylor received a moving send off at his funeral yesterday afternoon.
More than one hundred people filled Bournemouth Crematorium for the service of thanksgiving after the war hero died at the age of 98 on December 28, 2018.
The hearse carrying Arthur’s coffin, which was draped in the Union Jack, was led to the chapel by a parade of standards.
At the start of the service, a special ensign of St George that only the Dunkirk Little Ships are allowed to fly was also placed on top of the coffin, along with Arthur’s RAF cap and medals.
Rev Barry Kent, chaplain of Bournemouth and Poole Dunkirk Veterans, led proceedings. Arthur’s son, Major Stephen Taylor, delivered a detailed and moving tribute on behalf of the family.
He detailed how Arthur joined the armed forces, his various postings all over the world during 36 years with the RAF and his efforts to ensure the importance of Dunkirk was never forgotten.
“In all, father had a very interesting, eventful and full life,” said Stephen.
“He was very influential towards the children’s lifestyle and he will be sorely missed by everyone who met him.”
In May 1940, Arthur spent 36 hours on the beach at Dunkirk before he was rescued and brought back to Britain on an armed fishing trawler. He rejoined the war effort three months later and played his part in the Battle of Britain.
After his RAF career, Arthur dedicated his time to sharing his experience of Dunkirk, while attending a variety of events and commemorations up until a few months before his death.
Arthur lived in Christchurch with his with Vera following his time in the armed forces.
Ian Gilbert, Vice Admiral of The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, also paid tribute to Arthur.
He said it had been an honour and a privilege to have spent time with the veteran, whose passion embodied the Dunkirk spirit.
Ian was delighted to see Arthur at last year’s Little Ships of Dunkirk on the Thames, where he had been “at his best”.
“He will be sadly missed by us all but never forgotten,” said Ian.
Barry Appleby conducted the funeral service of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, before the exhortation by Wing Commander Philip Pring, Last Post and a minute’s silence.
Read more about Dunkirk war hero Arthur Taylor
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