Tributes paid to the UK's oldest second war veteran
More than 100 motorcyclists have paid a "wonderful tribute" by riding in convoy to mark the funeral of Donald Rose, who's originally from Surrey
More than 100 motorcyclists have paid a "wonderful tribute" by riding in convoy to mark the funeral of the UK's oldest Second World War veteran.
Donald Rose, who was believed to be Britain's oldest man, was born on Christmas Eve 1914.
Originally from Westcott, Surrey, he joined the army aged 23 and served in North Africa, Italy and France, according to the RBL.
Donald Rose, who was a D-Day veteran and fought as a Desert Rat in North Africa, died last month aged 110.
The service, held on Friday at Ilkeston Football Ground in Derbyshire, was attended by Mr Rose's family, members of the armed forces, the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, the High Sheriff, the Mayor of Erewash and others who wanted to pay tribute to the "war hero".
Some bikers who escorted the hearse to the service attached Union Flags and other flags reading "Lest we forget" to their motorbikes, while children outside the football ground held a banner which said: "For our tomorrow you gave your today. RIP Donald Rose."
Addressing a crowd of people gathered at the service, John Wallace, a parade marshal for the Royal British Legion in Derbyshire, said: "Don had an interest in motorbikes.
"It is fitting that Don's final journey is accompanied by so many like-minded people, and it is a wonderful tribute.
"He epitomised all that was great and all that we have to be grateful for to his generation."
The service was told that the great-grandfather joined the army because, in his own words, "they needed me to fight" and "I wanted to save this country from the fascists".
In May, Mr Rose joined 45 other veterans as guests of honour at a tea party celebration hosted by the RBL at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, to mark 80 years since VE Day.