A WHITE Royal Navy flag was draped over the coffin of city war veteran John Hewlett as he made his last journey into Worcester Cathedral.

His MBE, which Mr Hewlett received just hours before his death earlier this month, was lying proudly on top, along with his naval hat and medals.

The Royal British Legion stalwart had laid a wreath outside the cathedral at the war memorial every year since 1947.

His wife Betty, two children Pauline and Adrian, grandchildren and his great grandchild, along with members of his family and friends, attended his funeral yesterday.

The service, held in a packed Quire, was led by the Reverend Canon David Stanton and hymns included O God, Our Help in Ages Past by Isaac Watts; naval hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save and The Lord's my Shepherd.

Suzanne Roberts read the poem entitled Veteran's Pride by Jose G Acosta.

Mrs Roberts said: "He took great pride in everything he did. He was a huge presence in our lives and we will all miss him dearly."

Paying tribute, Terry Hewlett explained how greatly the 92-year-old would be missed by many and told the congregation of the man many called Jack.

Mr Hewlett, who lived in St John's, had joined the legion after he left the Navy in 1948, where he served on HMS Chaser and was a chief petty officer, responsible for repairing damaged ships.

Always smartly turned out wearing his medals and distinctive bowler hat, he was well known for laying a wreath to mark the end of the Second World War every year since 1947. "When he delivered the exaltation it was with sincerity and feeling," he added.

The flag on his coffin, known as the White Ensign, was the one which had been on his ship in 1945.

As his coffin left the cathedral, Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance number 2 - better known as Land of Hope and Glory - was played, chosen by his family as Mr Hewlett had, as a young man, run errands for him. Gathered around the war memorial where wreaths were laid, the last post was played as a mark of respect to such a prominent city figure.

Paying tribute, Rob Mountford, from the Sea Cadets, said Mr Hewlett had been an inspiration to many and he wanted to ensure his memory lived on.

Chris Nardman, from the Army Cadets, said: "It is a sad occasion.

"He was a stalwart of the city. If it wasn't for the likes of Jack we wouldn't be standing here today."

Allan Poyner, of the Worcester city branch of the Royal British Legion added: "He will be sorely missed. He was an institution."

Cyril Griffiths, of Moor Street, Worcester, attended the service. "I was a standard bearer for the legion for 13 years," said the 88-year-old. Me and Jack were big friends.

"The legion will never replace him. They will never replace Jack, the work he's done.

"He wanted no praise. Everybody who knew Jack liked him. He was a hell of a big friend of mine. I shall miss him."

In 2006 Mr Hewlett was presented with the legion's National Life Membership award after helping to raise more than £380,000 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

After the service Mr Hewlett was taken to Worcester Crematorium for committal.

  • Pictures - John Hewlett MBE and yesterday's funeral. Click here.
  • Video - yesterday's funeral. Click here.