Jack Meacham passed away of natural causes at the age of 106

Dedicated Royal Navy personnel will attend the funeral of a Second World War veteran from Portsmouth.

John Meacham, known as Jack to his family and those who knew him, passed away at the age of 106. He died of natural causes surrounded by loving family members on May 9.

Jack Meacham, who served in the Royal Navy between 1938 and 1952, has died at the age of 106. | Family contribution

placeholder image — Jack Meacham, who served in the Royal Navy between 1938 and 1952, has died at the age of 106. | Family contribution

In a heartfelt tribute, grandson Greg Meacham described Jack as “a war hero and the loveliest man you would ever meet”. He added: “He would do anything for anyone. His drive was amazing, and a lot of people can look at him and learn from it. He was a proud man, very strong-willed. Sometimes stubborn, fiercely independent, and a very good cook. He made me and my wife braised beef once and that was the best thing I’ve ever had.”

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Jack joined the Royal Navy in 1938 and served on HMS Aurora, HMS Hebe, HMS Croome, and HMS Wren, throughout the Second World War. A callout was made on social media for serving military personnel, veterans, and the general public to line the route to Portchester Crematorium during his funeral tomorrow (June 4).

The response was enormous and many kind-hearted volunteers have rallied to the cause. Two platoons of sailors from HMS Collingwood and HMS Excellent answered the call and will be present for the commemorations at 10.15am. They will be joined by standard bearers and other military attendees.

The Searson Family funeral directors will be in charge of the service. Debi Searson said: “My thanks to Jon from the Royal Naval Association for the hard work of contacting people and putting this online which has resulted in such a lovely response from so many people. It is our pleasure to look after such wonderful people and their families and an honour to try and give people the best send-off possible. Anyone else who has helped then Jacks family and all of us at Searsons would like to express our sincere thanks.”

Personnel and standard bearers will line up along Upper Cornaway Lane at 10.15am. The family and funeral directors will be travelling from Admiral Jellicoe House in Locksway Road from 9.45am.