Second World War veteran Jack Rowe laid to rest after appeal by Royal British Legion
A Second World War veteran was given an heroic send-off by family, friends and fellow ex-servicemen at his funeral.
Jack Rowe, aged 95, was laid to rest at Stourbridge Crematorium yesterday.
Veterans and Royal British Legion members lowered military flags during the short service and a bugle was played to signal its end.
Mr Rowe served in RAF during war before becoming a journalist.
He was described as a 'private person and gentleman' by friends who said he did not like speaking about the war.
Cradley Royal British Legion and Ex-Servicemen Association held an appeal for people to attend his service.
Chairman Norman Catton, said: "He was also a very private person.
"I got the impression after going back over my memories that he was probably in the RAF. But I think he had a nasty experience that he wanted to forget and did not speak about the war.
"I knew Jack for about 15 to 20 years. It was mainly seeing him at the pub. He always sat at a table on his own and so did I too. One day when the pub was busy we sat next to each other and got talking.
"We were close acquaintances as well as friends. Jack was a very hard man to get details out of."
Mr Catton, aged 81, added that Mr Rowe worked as a journalist after the war during the 1940s to the 1950s.
He regularly attended the The Edward VII and Tavern Pub in Halesowen where he was popular among the staff.
Barbara Woodin, 60, landlady at the Edward Vll pub, said: "Jack was a very private person , a gentleman.
"He never talked much about the war days. He used to come into the King Edward most days to have his lunch.
"The staff used to make a big fuss of him because of his age. We always took care of him and made sure he got a taxi to this home."
Jack was born in Romsley, near Halesowen. He was married for more than 60 years, but his wife died.
Pastor Steve Hyde led the service and told the congregation that Jack loved cricket while growing up.
After the RAF his career was in journalism and he worked at the Birmingham Evening Gazette before moving to the Birmingham Evening Mail.
He later became self-employed. Two legion members stood at the front of the service with flags, one stood at the back with the bugle and played the Last Post.
The Lord Is My Shepherd and the Lord's Prayer were read out and a minute's silence was held for him as part of the 40 minute service.
Mr Catton added: "Jack was a good old guy, he cared about other people."
