A Glasgow veteran’s funeral was packed out with more than 250 mourners - after his carers feared only two people would show up.
Former Gunner William Dunsmore died at the age of 80 with no family and, as reported by Glasgow Live, an armed forces charity launched a heartbreaking social media appeal, urging people to attend his funeral service.
Veterans and serving soldiers from across Scotland gathered to give Willie - who served in the Royal Artillery from 1956 to 1960 - a fitting send off.
A piper escorted his coffin and a Royal Artillery guard of honour stood to attention at his final journey into the crematorium.
His coffin was topped with a Royal Artillery banner and his regiment’s headdress. The service, in Craigton Crematorium, was so packed that many veterans and well wishers had to watch his service on TV screens outside the main hall.
Willie’s pal and carer Frances McColl said: “I have never seen anything like it. I honestly thought there would only be a couple of people. I am amazed, it is wonderful to see so many folk here.
“He was a lovely old guy. I would take him up his Irn Bru and American cream soda. He was a cantankerous old git at times but he was lovable and a real charmer. He was also very clever.”
Willie served his time as a motor mechanic and also spent four years in the Army with the Royal Artillery when it’s thought he may have served in Cyprus. His wife Jessy died suddenly at the age of just 59 and eventually he came under the care of the local authority.
After a bad fall last December, Willie was unable to return home and had initially moved into Mearns Kirk House then latterly Darnley Court care home, where he spent his last few days.
His eulogy read: “Willie was born in Glasgow on 26th January 1939. He was an only child and although we don’t know his parents’ names, we do know that he was very close to them and that they were good to him.
“He served his time as a motor mechanic and also spent 4 years in the Army with the Royal Artillery, from 1956 to 1960, which is possibly when he discovered his love for Cyprus.
“Willie was to find love when he met Jessy at the dancing. They went on to get married and would both loved to have had children, but unfortunately, it just didn’t happen for them.
“They initially set up home in Cardonald before later moving to Cornalee Road in Pollock. Willie adored Jessy and did everything for her, but sadly, their time together was cut short when Jessy died suddenly at the age of just 59, leaving Willie feeling quite lost without her.
“For quite a number of years now, Willie has been under the care of the local authority and made an impact on everyone he came into contact with. He could be a cantankerous auld bandit, but also a right charmer with the ladies. He was a clever and articulate man, which I’m sure added to his charm!
“Frances here was Willie’s ‘wee sweetheart’ and he was aye trying tae winch her. She took him his True Crime magazines along with his Irn Bru and American Cream Soda.
“Being a bit of a dog lover himself, Willie was always asking after Frances’ dog, Jimmy. For all he liked his Irn Bru and cream soda, Willie’s favourite tipples were of the alcoholic sort, mainly Tennent’s Lager and Sweetheart Stout, and his favourite meal was a fish supper from Mr Tasty’s chippy.
“Although he had been an independent man who liked doing his own thing, Willie, latterly, was quite happy being looked after. He liked having people round about him, especially the ladies, and enjoyed a good laugh.
“As we all do, Willie had his own wee quirks, one of which was that he seemed to have a bit of a ‘thing’ for steam cleaners. He owned goodness knows how many, but from what I gather, didn’t ever get the length of actually switching them on. Ah well, as they say, it’s the thought that counts.”
Linda Liddell, Glasgow branch secretary of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said: “We are so grateful to the incredible military community in Glasgow for making sure that Willie got the recognition he deserved.
“It is always very sad to lose a treasured member of our local veteran community but thanks to the fantastic response to our social media request I’m sure his send off did him proud.”
