Funeral plans revealed for much-loved Cornish D-Day veteran Harry Billinge
The 96-year-old passed away last week following a short illness
The funeral plans for Harry Billinge, the much-loved D-Day veteran from Cornwall, have been released.
The 96-year-old from St Austell passed away on 5th April 2022 following a short illness and tributes flooded in from across the country.
His daughter Sally Billinge-Shandley described him as "a man that always gave his word, his word was solid. He always fought for what he believed in."
Now it has been confirmed that a service will take place at St Paul's Church in Charlestown on Tuesday 26th April. This will be followed by a private cremation for immediate family.
The car will make its way through St Austell so people can pay their respects along the route.
The notice on social media reads: "On April 5th 2022, peacefully at his home. Harry aged 96 years of St Austell. Loving and devoted husband of Sheila. Dearly loved dad of Margot, Sally and Christopher. Loving grandad of Claire and Amy. Great grandad of Taylor, Chelsea and Ross. Much loved and respected by his family, friends and colleagues.
"A Requiem Mass Service will be held at St Paul’s Church, Charlestown on Tuesday April 26th at 11am followed by a Private Cremation. Family spray only but donations if desired for the Normandy Memorial Trust and can be kindly placed in the donation box at the service.
"For those wishing to pay their respects, Harry will be leaving PCF Home 14-16 Mount Charles Road at 10.10am to travel along Victoria Road, Alexandra Road, East Hill, South Street, Trinity Street through Fore Street at 10.30am to pass the War Memorial Cross at Holy Trinity Church, High Cross Street, Tregonissey Road and Slades Road. Harry will then be leaving his home at 10.40am before continuing along Slades Road, Clifden Road, Holmbush Arch Road into Church Road, Charlestown."
You can find more information here.
About Harry Billinge
The former Royal Engineer was just 18 when he was one of the first British soldiers to land on Gold Beach in 1944.
He was a sapper attached to the 44 Royal Engineer Commandos and was one of only four survivors from his unit.
Mr Billinge later fought in Caen and the Falaise pocket in Normandy.
He was awarded an MBE in the 2020 New Year Honours List for his fundraising efforts in St Austell for the Normandy Memorial Trust after collecting more than £50,000 for veterans.
A year later, he said he was “deeply moved” after a Great Western Railway (GWR) Intercity Express train was named after him to mark 75 years since the end of the Second World War.
His name now features on Intercity Express Train number 802006 that runs between Penzance and London Paddington.