Plans to honour WW2 veteran who died with no surviving family as Royal British Legion plans huge send off

Plans have been revealed to honour a World War Two pilot who has no surviving family, as the Royal British Legion prepares for a huge send-off.

Alfred “Barney” Barnett was a World War Two bomber pilot and died at the age of 104 earlier this month at Bodmin Hospital.

The RAF Pathfinder flew on around 80 missions during his time in the air force.

He participated in some of the biggest bombing raids of World War Two and once said that he was more nervous when he wasn’t flying bomber jets than when he was.

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Veterans across Cornwall have been called to stand for him at his funeral next week after he died with no remaining family.

Bodmin’s Royal British Legion branch, who are organising his funeral, are asking veterans to attend wearing blazers, medals and headdress.

Derek Coad, Chairman, said: “I have just be informed of the passing of Albert 'Barney' Barnett. Barney passed away in Bodmin hospital at 104 years old.

"Barney was a World War Two Bomber pilot. He survived 80 combat sorties over Germany. Latterly he flew as a Pathfinder. Barney had no surviving family.

"His funeral is at Bodmin Crematorium on the 20th of May at 1130. I have been asked by Barney’s friend Gerry to organise the funeral. If you are available on the day would you like to attend?

"Blazers, medals and headdress would be appropriate. If you are a member of an association please parade your Standard at the funeral.

"This man deserves a send off!"

Mr Barnett was interviewed by the BBC in 2023.

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He joined the RAF after his mother’s house was bombed and he decided to fight back.

He said his role in the war as a Pathfinder was to mark areas with a target indicator before calling in the main force.

In his time in the air force, he was also a gunner on a Lancaster, which he could also fly.

He would go on to fly Whitleys and Wellington bombers.

He said that arriving and leaving bombings, he would “go through hell,” but upon getting there, he would be calm.

“I'm no ruddy hero,” he said.

"But there it is, all over now. I got seven bob a day for that.”

His funeral will be held at 11:30am at Glynn Valley Crematorium on May 20.

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