HandoutA military funeral has been held in Somerset for a Royal Air Force veteran who died in October aged 102.
Allan Perry, from Yeovil, was the last surviving founder member of an RAF Regiment the King’s Colour Squadron, which was formed in 1942.
His funeral was held on Monday at Yeovil Crematorium, with some of the mourners travelling several hours to attend.
Air Marshall Sir Christopher Coville said: “The last time I saw him – which wasn’t very long ago – he still was able to communicate and was very chatty. He was in every respect a role model for all of us.”
Mr Perry’s coffin was draped in the RAF’s colours and had pallbearers from the King’s Colour Squadron, with a guard of honour of current serving personnel for Mr Parry and his family.
He served in the squadron throughout the Second World War, leaving in 1946 to return to Yeovil where he spent the rest of his working life.
Sir Coville continued: “He was very quiet and and underneath that was a bit of steel.
“I’m led to believe he was a bit of a scallywag when he was growing up.
“Very often, the best troops are the ones always in trouble.”
Mo Perry, Mr Parry’s son, said: “Dad was nicknamed the good shepherd while on active service, as the armoured car he drove brought up the rear of many convoys to make sure everyone got to their destination safely.
“He wrote his memoirs aged 90 for the RAF – he was a great man.”
Simon Woodrow, chair of the Yeovil & District Royal British Legion: “Some [mourners] have driven five hours to get here.
“It’s lovely that so many people have come to pay their respects.”
