One of Britain’s last surviving Second World War paratroopers dies aged 97 – as heartbroken family appeal for mourners to attend his funeral
- “Herbie” Bray joined the war in 1944 at the age of 18 and served at the Rhine crossing
- Grandson Jordan Jane said Mr Bray was “our hero as a child and still is today”
A family has called on mourners to attend the funeral of one of the last surviving paratroopers of the Second World War.
Herbert “Herbie” Samuel Bray, from Mullion, Cornwall, died recently aged 97. His grandson Jordan Jane, 26, described the veteran as a “remarkable man and soldier” whose life “served the country.”
Mr Jane, from Truro, Cornwall, said serving and former staff who attended the funeral were asked to wear uniforms and medals.
Jordan said: “Grandad was our hero as a child and still is today, he was humble, loyal and an all-round top man.”
“He was always an inspiration to us and his war stories were incredible to listen to.”
“He looked after us a lot as children and always took us on trips, we were his world and you could really see that.”
Herbert “Herbie” Samuel Bray takes photographs during his service as a paratrooper in World War II
Mr Bray (pictured here with his wife Rita) recently died aged 97 and the community was invited to his funeral
Mr. Bray joined the war in 1944 at the age of 18 and served as a paratrooper at the Rhine crossing and then in Palestine. Pictured (from right): Herbert Bray, wife Rita and grandson Ben at Trebah Garden Cornwall Military Day
Herbert Samuel Bray (centre) pictured during his time as captain for Mullion FC
Herbert “Herbie” Samuel Bray (second right) takes photos with soldiers during his service as a paratrooper in World War II
Mr. Bray joined the war in 1944 at the age of 18 and served as a paratrooper at the Rhine crossing and then in Palestine.
He later became captain of Mullion Football Club after returning home from duty and lived in Mullion for most of his life.
Jordan hoped to honor Herbert’s memory after naming his newborn baby “Herbie” and hopes the service will bring to light his grandfather’s positive impact on those around him.
Mr Jane added: “As one of the last surviving paratroopers to have served in the Second World War, we invite everyone to come to the procession and funeral to pay their respects to a remarkable man.”
“Anyone who is military or former military is invited to wear their uniform and/or medals to honor Herbie’s life of service to the country.”
The funeral will take place at Mullion Parish Church on November 7th at 11:00am GMT, following a procession through the village at 10:45am.