Military funeral for war veteran

A SECOND WORLD War veteran’s final wish to have a military funeral is to be granted after his death aged 98.

Benjamin Boocock’s coffin will be carried on a gun carriage after a West Yorkshire army regiment answered the Leeds veteran’s plea to be buried with military honours.

Mr Boocock, of Bramhope, Leeds, served in the in the Royal Regiment of Artillery from 1939 to 1946, rising to the rank of sergeant.

In late 2017, Mr Boocock contacted 269 (West Riding) Battery, Royal Artillery asking if they would keep his war diary safe after his death.

Captain Jonathan James of 269 Battery, said: “He said he had buried all of his friends from the war, ensuring that they all had a minimum of a Union Flag on their coffins. He was fearful that as the last surviving member of the Second World War West Riding Gunners he wouldn’t get that honour.”

Captain James’ commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Crookes supported giving Mr Boocock a military funeral.

Mr Boocock’s coffin will be carried on top of a 25-pounder field gun towed by a military vehicle.

The funeral service for Mr Boocock, who died on January 30, will be held at St John the Baptist Church in Adel at 11am on Saturday February 23. All are welcome at the service.