After a call for people to attend his funeral, hundreds of mourners gave a World War Two veteran who had no close family or friends the send-off he deserved.
Maurice Winspear, 98, was a member of the Royal Scots Fusiliers who spent four years on the front lines in Italy seeking to overthrow Mussolini’s fascist regime. He died alone.
Before his death on May 13, the veteran, who also served in Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, spent the last 13 years of his life at a Middlesbrough care home.
Funerals are a time to rejoice. Sue Dicken, the person who put out the call for people to come to his burial, said she was ‘absolutely overwhelmed’ by the response.
It was also a reflection of what the ‘brave and unassuming gentleman deserved,’ she continued.
As hundreds bid their final goodbyes, bikers from the Eight & Aces, bag pipers, and military standards lined the road and followed the mournful procession of his hearse.
‘I was utterly stunned by the sheer volume of individuals in attendance,’ Ms Dicken added.
‘I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who came out to pay their respects and be a part of Maurice’s final goodbye.’
‘Some would attribute it to social media’s extraordinary influence. I’d rather believe it’s a manifestation of genuine human compassion. I’ll be eternally grateful for that.’
Whitby, where he was born in 1923 and grew up, remained his favorite spot since he adored the sea.
He enlisted in the army as a youth and participated in the Sicily landings in 1943, a bloody battle for which he received three Italian Star campaign medals.
He later served in Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, and upon his return, he purchased a home in Redcar and began working as a fitter for United Bus Company before joining British Steel.
He transferred to Upsall House Care Home after losing his sight, where he enjoyed listening to his Bing Crosby cassettes.
The passionate Middlesbrough F.C. supporter, who was no longer able to see matches, enjoyed listening to them on the radio, and one of their chants was played during the service as a reference to his love for Boro.
‘They say veteran soldiers never die; they just fade away,’ Ms Dicken remarked. Today, I couldn’t stand here and watch Maurice go away.
‘Your presence here has verified that this brave and humble individual deserved to be recognized.’
Upsall House carers Charlotte Taylor and Bethany Younes spent a lot of time with Maurice and were both present for the service.
‘It’s fantastic,’ Ms Younes added. It’s really a lovely farewell. We were ecstatic.’
‘It was his home, and we were his family,’ Ms Taylor continued. He received the proper send-off.’
‘I came along because of great admiration for a guy like Maurice who did everything he could for his family and fellow countrymen and defended the country and the faith,’ said Major Pat Ralph, MM, head of the Yorkshire Regiment Association.
‘He was one of the fortunate ones who was able to make it all the way to the finish.’
‘A lot of his coworkers didn’t, and we remember them on Remembrance Day, just as we will Maurice this November.’
‘I’m a veteran myself, so with Maurice not having any family to give him a send-off we wanted to,’ said John Main, from Peterlee, who was one of the bikers from the Eight & Aces.
‘We thought it was our responsibility.’ The turnout astounded me.’