Hundreds attend WW2 veteran bomber pilot's funeral

Hundreds of veterans have been commemorating the life of a Second World War bomber pilot who died without living relatives, at his funeral.

Alfred 'Barney' Barnett served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and flew 80 combat sorties over Germany during the war.

About 200 people attended the service at Glynn Valley Crematorium in Bodmin, Cornwall on Wednesday, in which Barnett's coffin was covered in a Union Jack flag, his medals, and other artefacts.

RAF station commander at St Mawgan, Wing Cdr Gareth Elliott said Barnett was 104 years old when he died and he wanted to ensure the pilot's "service is not forgotten".

Elliot said he remained close to the RAF throughout his life and his wish was for his medals, logbooks, artifacts to be held in trust by St Mawgan station.

"For us it's incredibly important, even without family, he is remembered.

"We can continue looking after his legacy, ensuring his stories and his service is not forgotten," he said.

Elliott said Barnett lived an "extraordinary life of service".

"He joined the Royal Air Force in 1941 in response to his mother's house being bombed in London and decided it was time to fight back himself.

"He initially serviced as an air gunner, then later commissioned and went on to train as a pilot."

"I think when we remember people like Alfred, it helps us learn about our history and recognise the values that they stood for."

Chairman of the Bodmin branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) Derek Coad had organised the funeral, with help from others.

Coad said: "I didn't know Barney, but you only need to read a few minutes of his history to realise what an absolutely remarkable man he was.

"I put the word out to the veteran's community to make this a special send off."

Former colour sergeant in the Royal Marines, Gareth Sharp said he had known Barnett since 1985, describing his friend as a "colourful character".

"He liked people and used to reminisce all the time about his RAF days.

"He used to tell all the different stories all the time right up to until he passed away."

Friend Brian Leveridge said he had known Barnett since 1957, adding he had a "fantastic memory".

In an interview in November 2023, Barney told the BBC, as part of its 'We Were There' project, he said: "I'm no ruddy hero".

His ashes will be interred alongside those of his wife Thelma in St Neot churchyard in Cornwall.

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