Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Hundreds say farewell to WWII hero Derek, 93
One of last surviving veterans on Merchant Navy rescue ships
Poignant and heartfelt tributes were paid as Monklands bid an emotional farewell to a “national hero”.
Beloved Chapelhall man Derek Robson, who served his country with great distinction and wonderful bravery in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War, passed away on April 29, aged 93.
Hundreds turned out for Derek’s funeral at McLaren’s in Airdrie on Friday afternoon in a fitting commemoration of his legacy.
A representative of the Queen attended the ceremony to honour Derek, with the charity Help for Heroes – who Derek was a great supporter of throughout his life – bringing along a flag, the Merchant Navy supplying a drape to adorn Derek’s coffin and Legion Scotland providing a piper for the packed service.
Born in Hollywood, Belfast, on August 24, 1923, Derek displayed immeasurable courage by volunteering to go to war and took to the seas at the tender age of 16.
He fought on the rescue ships during World War II and remarkably managed to survive three torpedo attacks on his vessels throughout the conflict.
During one of the attacks, Derek was left clinging to a life raft at sea for nearly a week with little hope of survival before being spotted by a plane flying overhead and rescued.
Derek was believed to be one of the last surviving veterans to serve with the Merchant Navy rescue ships and has been described as a “national hero” by the organisation.
His service to the navy was made all the more astonishing as Derek suffered from health issues from a very young age; he was diagnosed with meningitis aged just four years old and had to use a seven-inch built-up boot.
Derek was also a keen boxing fan and his time spent in the war led to an unexpected treat as the captain of one of his ships managed to get him a near-front row ticket for a bout involving legendary boxer Joe Louis in New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden.
Derek was buried beside his one true love, wife Lillian – who passed away in 2004 – at Holytown Cemetery.
The couple moved into their home on Chapelhall’s Lauchope Street in 1959 and though they never had any children, they shared their love with their family and friends.
Alex Chapman stayed across the road from Derek and Lillian for 35 years and as well as becoming a very close friend, says the couple treated him “like a son”.
Alex, 73, told the Advertiser: “Derek and I were always there for each other and I went with him back to his childhood home in Ireland.
“We also went on a caravan trip to Kinghorn for Derek’s 90th birthday and his family were all there. It was a lovely day.
“When Derek volunteered to go to war, his parents were worried about him, but he showed great courage and ended up travelling all around the world.
“He loved the sea and served his country with great distinction.
“I contacted the Merchant Navy to tell them Derek had passed away and they told me that Derek was a national hero.
“They and representatives from the British Legion, Help for Heroes and the Queen all came to Derek’s funeral to honour Derek’s service.
“Derek’s nieces and nephews were in attendance too and it was a beautiful sendoff for him.
“Derek played such an important part in so many people’s lives, and he will never be forgotten.”