David J. Rose

By djrose007

Bill Bratty's Escort

Rob and myself turned up to escort my old friend, William John Bratty known simply as Bill, on his final journey. He was also ex-RAF telegraphist, as was I.
Rob was REME Airborne, paratrooper. A great bloke but he'd forgotten his maroon beret. I offered him my blue RAF beret but he politely declined HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I had it spare as I was wearing my Oman Veterans Association sand coloured beret.
We escorted the hearse, and the funeral directors limo with the family, the four and half miles to the cemetery blocking roundabouts and side roads so the two cars did not get split up. As you can see, I had a black and white Union Flag and the RAF Ensign, the drivers realised we were escorting the funeral cortege and stopped quietly as it passed. A wave to them, in acknowledgement of their patience, always got a nod or wave back.
It was a great service, and his daughter gave a great eulogy, quite funny at times but that was Bill, a real Northern Irish character, always with a joke. He was a serial marathon runner too but, in the end it was cancer that got to him I'm afraid.
RIP Bill, we WILL remember you.

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