'Donald epitomised all that was great and all we have to be grateful for to his generation'

HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Ilkeston and around 180 motorcyclists paid a “wonderful tribute” by riding in convoy to mark the funeral of the UK’s oldest Second World War veteran.

- By OSCAR FISHER & SOPHIE ROBINSON

Donald Rose, who was a D-Day veteran and fought with the 7th Armoured Division, known as the Desert Rats, in North Africa, died last month aged 110.

The service, held on Friday at Ilkeston Football Ground, was attended by Mr Rose's family, members of the armed forces, the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, the High Sheriff, the Mayor of Erewash and others who wanted to pay tribute to the “war hero”.

Some bikers who escorted the hearse to the service attached Union Flags and other flags reading “Lest we forget” to their motorbikes, while children outside the football ground held a banner which said: “For our tomorrow you gave your today. RIP Donald Rose.”

On Friday, the coffin of Mr Rose, a lover of motorbikes, was escorted from Ilkeston Town Football Club by more than 180 bikers, as well as dozens of military personnel, following a memorial service at the club's New Manor Ground. The procession travelled into the town centre and along Bath Street, before being greeted by hundreds of mourners who paid their respects.

A bugler played a touching rendition of the Last Post before the hearse left Ilkeston Market Place for a private cremation.