Call for veterans to help salute fallen comrade at Doncaster funeral

A call out has gone out for Korean veterans to help salute a fallen comrade at his funeral on Monday.
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Gerald Loveday passed away at home after a short illness on September 9, at the age of 88.

He was married to Sylvia - together they had five children,10 grandchildren and 19 great grandad children. He also had two brothers, Brian and Geoff.

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Gerald lived all his life in Doncaster and worked for British Bridon Ropes for many years.

Gerald Loveday's funeral is taking place on Monday.Gerald Loveday's funeral is taking place on Monday.
Gerald Loveday's funeral is taking place on Monday.

He joined the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers when he was called up to do National Service in 1950.

He fought in the Korean War, also referred to as 'the forgotten war', where he served as a machine gunner and suffered a serious gunshot injury.

Gerald took part in the battle of Imjin River, which is noted for its ferocity and heavy casualties.

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When he returned home to Doncaster, he returned to work at Bridon Ropes and stayed there for many years.

He later worked at RAF Lindholme as a security guard, continuing his association with the Armed Forces.

In his later years he lived on Pearwood Crescent in Balby where he was well known and very popular in the community. He was a member of the committee for British Bridon social club and would call the numbers for bingo games.

Gerald was an active member of The British Korean Veterans and paid respects on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in London on several occasions with the association. which was an important part of his life.

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His grandson Daniel said: "He was a fair old character - if you met him you’d never forget him, he had a way with words.

“He said when I go, I want to be surrounded by family, friends and veterans. That was one of his last wishes.”

Gerald's funeral takes place on Monday (September 21) at 2pm at Rose Hill Cemetery in Cantley. All veterans are requested to wear medals.

Due to covid resticitions this will be an outdoor service with no restrictions on numbers.

The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers from Newcastle are sending a contingent to pay their respects.

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