THE man believed to be Warrington’s oldest war veteran Sid Wilson has died aged 103 and will be given a military send off at his funeral on Tuesday, October 8th.
Sid, who lived at Cinnamon Brow, joined the RAF when he was 23, was given a special civic reception at the town hall last year to celebrate his 102nd birthday.
The funeral will take place at Walton Lea at 10:20 AM – 11:20 AM.
Family friend Julie Francis, who helped organise last year’s event is seeking a piper and bugler who can offer their services free of charge to help ensure Sid gets a proper send off.
Members of the Royal British Legion and biker veterans have already pledged their support.
Any one who can help should email Julie at [email protected]
Sid was born during the year of the Battle of the Somme.
When he joined the RAF in 1939 he served in Italy and Egypt, returning to England four and half years later around the time of D-Day in June 1944.
Sid joined RAF 39 Squadron, first working on the arms section of Blenheim Bombers and then Spitfires. His unit worked closely with the 8th army, spending much of his time in the desert working as an instrument maker on spitfires.
Before the war ended he married his WAAF girlfriend Marjorie and had one son, Robin.
He later became a teacher and moved to Warrington following his retirement aged 65, to live nearer his son.
Warrington’s oldest war veteran celebrates 102nd birthday at town hall
