Give our Herbie a hero’s send-off! Family of WWII paratrooper who saw action at the Rhine Crossing in 1945 call for servicemen to join his funeral procession after his death aged 97

• EXCLUSIVE: Private Herbert ‘Herbie’ Bray died at care home in Mullion, Cornwall
• Family told that flag bearers from the Army and Navy will be there  

The family of a war hero who was thought to be one of the last surviving Second World War paratroopers before his death this month are appealing for military personnel to take part in his funeral procession.

Private Herbert ‘Herbie’ Bray died aged 97 at a care home in Mullion, Cornwall on October 17th.

His family plan to give the former soldier a hero’s send-off – and want military or ex-military personnel to join a funeral procession through the Cornish village where he grew up and returned to after being de-mobbed.

His grandson Jordan Jane, 26, said: ‘He loved all things to do with the military and was very proud of his service.

‘We have been told flag bearers from the Army and Navy will be there, but all ex-military are welcome. We are hoping there will be some military vehicles in the procession.’

Bray joined the Parachute Regiment in 1944 at the age of 18 and saw action at the Rhine Crossing.

The family of a war hero thought to be one of the last surviving paratroopers from WWII are appealing for military personnel to take part in his funeral procession. Private Herbert ‘Herbie’ Bray died aged 97 at a care home in Mullion, Cornwall on October 17th

Bray (pictured centre)joined the Parachute Regiment in 1944 at the age of 18 and saw action at the Rhine Crossing

He later served in Palestine and after leaving the Army returned to Mullion where he worked as a builder until he retired in his early 80s.

His brother also served in the Airborne Forces during World War Two but was sadly killed on duty.

Mr Jane added: ‘Herbie was a true hero to both me and my brother Ben.

‘He was also a fantastic great-grandfather to my kids, and I know a great dad to my mum.

‘He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all.’

Bray ater served in Palestine and after leaving the Army returned to Mullion where he worked as a builder until he retired in his early 80s. His brother also served in the Airborne Forces during World War Two but was sadly killed on duty

Bray (back row, second from left) is seen with other members of his unit during the war

British troops are seen using floating pontoons to cross the Rhine in March 1945

The family put out the appeal for people to attend the funeral on November 7th on social media and believe he is one of the last surviving members of the ‘Paras’.

They said: ‘We would like to welcome everyone to his service in Mullion St Mellanus Church on 7 November at 11am, including any military personnel.

‘We kindly request that any military or ex-military guests wear their uniform as Herbie loved to see soldiers, sailors and pilots in uniform.’

They added: ‘There will be a military procession through the village led by a lone bagpiper, and we have invited any military guests to join this procession and other guests to watch from the sides.’

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