Another RAF veteran passes away with no family or friends to attend his funeral
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Another RAF veteran passes away with no family or friends to attend his funeral
From the RAFA website:
Sadly another RAF veteran has passed away with no family or friends to attend his funeral. The gentleman was adopted with no brothers and sisters, never married or had children.
It is believed that Mr George Anthony Crossland served in Fighter Squadron 33 and served from 1960 to 1965. The funeral will take place on Thursday 25th September 2014, 10:20 at Warrington Crematorium, Chester Road, Walton, Warrington, WA4 6TB.
The Burtonwood and Warrington branch of the RAF Assocation will be showing their support and we are encouraging anyone in the area to attend to pay their respects.
It is believed that Mr George Anthony Crossland served in Fighter Squadron 33 and served from 1960 to 1965. The funeral will take place on Thursday 25th September 2014, 10:20 at Warrington Crematorium, Chester Road, Walton, Warrington, WA4 6TB.
The Burtonwood and Warrington branch of the RAF Assocation will be showing their support and we are encouraging anyone in the area to attend to pay their respects.
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Here in the United States, we have an organization that is dedicated to ensuring Veterans with no Next of Kin, receive a proper burial and are not left alone when they are buried.
Of all the projects and programs I am associated with.....this one really gives me a real sense of satisfaction.
Seeing people and groups of all kinds coming together to honor a Veteran of our Military in this manner is something that is worth every bit of time and effort that goes into it.
A few weeks back I rode in a Motorcycle escort for 16 Veterans, along with about 400 other Bikers along a route of about Two Hundred Miles. When we arrived at the National Cemetery for the Funerals that were done with full Military Honors performed by National Guard and Active Duty Military personnel.....those being buried were not alone. Their Brothers and Sisters from their Military Family were there to render a Hand Salute, Hear the Rifle Salute fired, and Stand at Attention and render a hand Salute while Taps was sounded.
That is as it should be.
Locate, Identify and Inter - Missing in America Project
Of all the projects and programs I am associated with.....this one really gives me a real sense of satisfaction.
Seeing people and groups of all kinds coming together to honor a Veteran of our Military in this manner is something that is worth every bit of time and effort that goes into it.
A few weeks back I rode in a Motorcycle escort for 16 Veterans, along with about 400 other Bikers along a route of about Two Hundred Miles. When we arrived at the National Cemetery for the Funerals that were done with full Military Honors performed by National Guard and Active Duty Military personnel.....those being buried were not alone. Their Brothers and Sisters from their Military Family were there to render a Hand Salute, Hear the Rifle Salute fired, and Stand at Attention and render a hand Salute while Taps was sounded.
That is as it should be.
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Bob, even today the US looks after its Vets much more than the UK does. My father died in 1984 after serving in the RAF for 31 years (and all thro WW2, being decorated for gallantry). Despite me (as a serving RAF officer) informing the RAF of his passing, no one was interested.
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Bob, even today the US looks after its Vets much more than the UK does.
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Very true. There's certainly a feeling of 'Yeah, you did 22 years, so what? You got paid didn't you?' in the UK. Very little respect given (if any) to ex servicemen here except amongst ourselves. When I was doing the Aviano detatchments back in the 90's the USAF transports used to come in regularly with some elderley folk on board. They were US vets who could travel for peanuts and have a cheap holiday in Italy.
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Could you imagine that in the RAF, there's your butty box, if you squeeze past the freight you'll find a seat down the back of the Herc somewhere.
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My experience of leaving the RAF, in the official sense was "Hand back your kit, give back your ID card and your car pass, get off the station, you are now officially a security risk, don't come back".
I don't expect any military participation at my funeral.
I don't expect any military participation at my funeral.
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"Hand back your kit, give back your ID card and your car pass, get off the station, you are now officially a security risk, don't come back".
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Being in an exclusive club.
Is it your or you're? Whichever, you are in it. The very fact that someone took the trouble (Ricardian) on here put this bit of random, if trivial news up one day ago and already there is a general feeling of sorrow for the poor deceased chap.
If you were in the RAF and are now long out, there are still people who were likewise, and will show an interest. You are in an exclusive club. I bet quite a few people now show up at Mr Crossland's funeral.
Yes its tough the day you go out the door, but so what? Its just the nature of the club, equally hard and soft, you all know that.
Granted the Americans are good at looking after their people, a lot of others are to. I've slowly come to realise our attitude reflects our British nature and class system I'm afraid. T'was ever thus.
' = apologies in advance to the Apostrophe Protection Society on this one.
If you were in the RAF and are now long out, there are still people who were likewise, and will show an interest. You are in an exclusive club. I bet quite a few people now show up at Mr Crossland's funeral.
Yes its tough the day you go out the door, but so what? Its just the nature of the club, equally hard and soft, you all know that.
Granted the Americans are good at looking after their people, a lot of others are to. I've slowly come to realise our attitude reflects our British nature and class system I'm afraid. T'was ever thus.
' = apologies in advance to the Apostrophe Protection Society on this one.
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After some detective work and speaking to the RAFA Welfare Officer for the North West, it turns out that Mr Crossland either served or had a very strong connection with 3(F) Sqn.
The story I was told is a very sad one in so much as Mr Crossland died alone in his house which was in a state of disrepair when the Environmental Health people were called in. The only thing that was lovingly protected and hanging up in a cover was his RAF blazer with the 3(F) badge on it.
If any of the Coningsby or Fighter chaps can spread the word I am sure the gesture would be appreciated as according to the authorities he has no known surviving relatives and few friends.
The funeral will take place on Thursday 25th September 2014, 10:20 at Warrington Crematorium, Chester Road, Walton, Warrington, WA4 6TB.
RIP George Crossland
The story I was told is a very sad one in so much as Mr Crossland died alone in his house which was in a state of disrepair when the Environmental Health people were called in. The only thing that was lovingly protected and hanging up in a cover was his RAF blazer with the 3(F) badge on it.
If any of the Coningsby or Fighter chaps can spread the word I am sure the gesture would be appreciated as according to the authorities he has no known surviving relatives and few friends.
The funeral will take place on Thursday 25th September 2014, 10:20 at Warrington Crematorium, Chester Road, Walton, Warrington, WA4 6TB.
RIP George Crossland
Below the Glidepath - not correcting
It's been mentioned several times before, but a far more worthy system would be one where former service people don't actually live and die alone in the first place, rather than one that can generate a good turnout at a funeral. That said, never forget everyone has a right to be an old curmudgeon if they choose, and some choose.
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Seems many are concerned about "getting" and not "giving".
The "giving" part is what makes you the better person as it reminds One that you value something that is larger than yourself.
The Deceased knows nothing of what you do and as there are no Next of Kin to be appreciative of your actions, it gets down to those who participate in these things knowing there are others in Life who place a unique value upon their Military service and that of others.
Showing Honor and Respect to a complete stranger, but a person who shared your Service in the Military, is the least we can do especially at that last final act of their Life.
I have always come away from such things feeling a bit better for the experience.
I always got as more than I gave when I did.
Two,
You are exactly right. That is why we place so much value upon working with Veteran's Charities and other Veterans Out Reach efforts.
My one Chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) raises $40,000 a year for Veteran's Charities and participate in the Patriot Guard Riders Funeral Escort program along with many other efforts throughout the Year.
Back during the Government Shutdown where Obama ordered the War Memorials Barrycaded......a few Hundred Thousand of Us went to Washington DC and removed the Barrycades and assisted WWII Veterans in visiting their Memorial. We then removed those Barrycades from the Vietnam Memorial and carried them to the White House for his inspection.
In my State we have 764,384 Veterans amongst the Population making us 12% of the Total Population. 573,472 served in Combat or Combat Areas.
Simply put....there are a lot of Us!
The "giving" part is what makes you the better person as it reminds One that you value something that is larger than yourself.
The Deceased knows nothing of what you do and as there are no Next of Kin to be appreciative of your actions, it gets down to those who participate in these things knowing there are others in Life who place a unique value upon their Military service and that of others.
Showing Honor and Respect to a complete stranger, but a person who shared your Service in the Military, is the least we can do especially at that last final act of their Life.
I have always come away from such things feeling a bit better for the experience.
I always got as more than I gave when I did.
Two,
You are exactly right. That is why we place so much value upon working with Veteran's Charities and other Veterans Out Reach efforts.
My one Chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) raises $40,000 a year for Veteran's Charities and participate in the Patriot Guard Riders Funeral Escort program along with many other efforts throughout the Year.
Back during the Government Shutdown where Obama ordered the War Memorials Barrycaded......a few Hundred Thousand of Us went to Washington DC and removed the Barrycades and assisted WWII Veterans in visiting their Memorial. We then removed those Barrycades from the Vietnam Memorial and carried them to the White House for his inspection.
In my State we have 764,384 Veterans amongst the Population making us 12% of the Total Population. 573,472 served in Combat or Combat Areas.
Simply put....there are a lot of Us!
Last edited by Boudreaux Bob; 22nd Sep 2014 at 12:08.
I tend to go along with Hangarshuffle on this. Sure I'm proud of my 12 year's service, but like the majority of us in what we call "peacetime" I got through unscathed. I dont expect any special treatment, like ex-service discounts, etc, and I dont want people saying to me "thank you for your service" - no thanks are required. I volunteered, did the job, got paid, end of.
It is of course perfectly right that those did suffer as a result of their service should be well looked after, including the many who have such disorders as post-traumatic stress which have been sadly neglected in the past, but that apart, I don't see that most of us deserve any special treatment. Mrs TTN, who spent over 40 years as an overworked and underpaid midwife gets no such treatment - why should I expect it?
I'll be pleased if a big crowd turns up at Mr Crossland's funeral, but on the same day there will be scores of funerals of people who may have led equally productive lives whose deaths will go unremarked and unmourned.
(btw Hangarshuffle, in that instance it's you're
)
It is of course perfectly right that those did suffer as a result of their service should be well looked after, including the many who have such disorders as post-traumatic stress which have been sadly neglected in the past, but that apart, I don't see that most of us deserve any special treatment. Mrs TTN, who spent over 40 years as an overworked and underpaid midwife gets no such treatment - why should I expect it?
I'll be pleased if a big crowd turns up at Mr Crossland's funeral, but on the same day there will be scores of funerals of people who may have led equally productive lives whose deaths will go unremarked and unmourned.
(btw Hangarshuffle, in that instance it's you're
)
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Tankertrashnav
Yep. Works for me. I go regularly onto a (mainly) American guitar website, and find it almost nauseating with the 'thank you for your service' platitudes.
That said, I have no reason to believe it's not meant sincerely, however it makes me shudder.
I've nearly been 'out' longer than I was 'in' and certainly don't expect 'special' treatment because I served a lifetime ago - and was paid, trained and prepared for a life in Civvy St.
ANYBODY who has nobody at their funeral is sad, but that is perhaps nobody's responsibility but their own, however inoffensive they've been in their life.
I certainly won't wear 'sackcloth and ashes' for a lonely demise . . . whoever it is just because they 'served'.
Yep. Works for me. I go regularly onto a (mainly) American guitar website, and find it almost nauseating with the 'thank you for your service' platitudes.
That said, I have no reason to believe it's not meant sincerely, however it makes me shudder.
I've nearly been 'out' longer than I was 'in' and certainly don't expect 'special' treatment because I served a lifetime ago - and was paid, trained and prepared for a life in Civvy St.
ANYBODY who has nobody at their funeral is sad, but that is perhaps nobody's responsibility but their own, however inoffensive they've been in their life.
I certainly won't wear 'sackcloth and ashes' for a lonely demise . . . whoever it is just because they 'served'.
B W MAY is a sad man.....
When my father-in-law passed away a few years ago the US Army provided a colour party and made his internment something special for our family. He had been a SSGT flight engineer on B-17's [and a temp. USAF Major in the Cuban Missile crisis]
Our funeral director contacted the Army who in turn connected us to a local Guard unit who provided the most professional and polite female Captain and some enlisted personnel...it was like being in a movie..the flag was formally presented to us as a recognition of his service. I have it in my office!
When my father-in-law passed away a few years ago the US Army provided a colour party and made his internment something special for our family. He had been a SSGT flight engineer on B-17's [and a temp. USAF Major in the Cuban Missile crisis]
Our funeral director contacted the Army who in turn connected us to a local Guard unit who provided the most professional and polite female Captain and some enlisted personnel...it was like being in a movie..the flag was formally presented to us as a recognition of his service. I have it in my office!
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I think you miss my point, these threads are often 'aimed' at engendering some form of guilt because someone who served, died alone etc.
I feel sad for anybody that dies alone. However, I don't feel responsible for it, why should 'someone who served' be treated more favourably than say - a nurse or a doctor, or even a shop assistant?
I certainly would not criticise anybody who manages to mark the passing in a more positive manner, be they ex or non-service personnel.
I think you miss my point, these threads are often 'aimed' at engendering some form of guilt because someone who served, died alone etc.
I feel sad for anybody that dies alone. However, I don't feel responsible for it, why should 'someone who served' be treated more favourably than say - a nurse or a doctor, or even a shop assistant?
I certainly would not criticise anybody who manages to mark the passing in a more positive manner, be they ex or non-service personnel.
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I feel sad for anybody that dies alone. However, I don't feel responsible for it, why should 'someone who served' be treated more favourably than say - a nurse or a doctor, or even a shop assistant?
Likewise for Nurses or Doctors or Shop Assistants etc, one hopes there is a website devoted to those occupations and that they are saying hey, Florence Nightingale has died, how about a few of us gathering to see her off...