SWINFORD Cross was named after a racehorse but was known to friends as Sid or Sam, and as Uncle Dick to his family. Born in Willesden in 1912, Sid was raised in Paddington. As a young boy, during World War One, he was evacuated to Torquay in Devon where he lodged with the grandparents of the priest who later conducted his funeral service. Sid’s career was with the Metropolitan Police, both on foot patrol and also as chauffeur for senior members of the cabinet; and on one occasion for the future King Hussein of Jordan. At the outbreak of the Second World War he joined 2 Commandos and was stationed at Speen Bridge in Scotland, reputed to be one of the hardest training camps for the Armed Forces. He saw service in Salerno, where many of his colleagues were lost, as well as Yugoslavia and Albania.

After resuming his career with the Met, Sid helped police the 1951 Festival of Britain.

He and his wife Dora moved to Cannon Close, Broadstone, in 1968 where Sid was employed as a security officer with Plesseys.

After retiring he became a member and chairman of their Sports and Social Club. The kind-hearted couple organised coffee mornings to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Sadly, Dora died in 1998. The oldest bingo caller in Poole, Sid continued to run a club at Selby Close in Broadstone, under the auspices of Age Concern. This organisation hosted a celebration in his honour when he reached his century A loyal member of the Royal British Legion, Sid became a familiar sight outside the Fleetsbridge branch of Tesco.

He collected for the annual Poppy Appeal into his very late 90s, raising more than £26,000 for the worthy cause.

In recognition of his work in the community he received the Millennium Medal from the mayor, as well as a special certificate.

After moving to Macaulay Road, Sid became a regular at St John’s Church He continued to drive until he was 96 but in his final months, failing health necessitated him going into care.

A stubbornly determined character, Sid almost reached his 101st birthday.