Public invited to funeral of 100-year-old war veteran with no family
Former RAF leading aircraftman Oswald Dixon died aged 100 four years after moving into a care home due to dementia and blindness.
Saturday 5 October 2019 09:59, UK
A care home is inviting members of the public to attend the funeral of a Second World War RAF veteran with no family in the UK.
Oswald Dixon died last week at the age of 100 after living his last four years at a home for retired service personnel in Salford, Greater Manchester.
He had arrived in the UK before the end of the Second World War after joining the RAF in 1944 as a flight mechanic in Jamaica.
He rose to become a leading aircraftman and remained in the service training new recruits until he retired.
Mr Dixon had moved to Broughton House in 2015 when he became unable to care for himself, having become blind and suffering with dementia.
After receiving best wishes from the Queen on his 100th birthday, celebrated at the home in April this year, the committed Christian said he was proud to reach the milestone.
"I've always tried to live life as it should be lived, by doing the right things for other people," he said.
Facebook statements from the care home said: "His warm character will be missed by everyone involved at Broughton House.
"It is with regret that Oswald has no family members in the UK and his funeral will take place at Agecroft Crematorium on Wednesday 9th of October at 2.20pm.
"Members of the public are welcome."
A number of individuals and groups, including RAF cadets, have responded by saying they will attend the funeral to give Mr Dixon an appropriate send-off.
Broughton House said the RAF has been contacted to provide a flag for the coffin and several posters on its Facebook page pledged to spread the word among veterans groups.