'Perfect send-off': 'Phenomenal' funeral for WWII hero as Royal Navy honours sailor who died aged 106
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Guests were amazed to see dozens of sailors and veterans standing to attention in tribute to Jack
Emotional family members were overwhelmed to see the brilliant tribute for a Second World War veteran who died aged 106.
Serving Royal Navy sailors and veterans arrived in their numbers to the funeral of John Meacham, known as Jack to his family and those who knew him. Dozens of people saluted the procession as the veteran and his loved ones made their way towards Portchester Crematorium this morning (June 4).
Grandson Greg Meacham described him as a “war hero, and the loveliest man you would ever meet”, who had a drive to achieve his goals and be there for those he cared about. Speaking to The News after the service, he said: “It was massively overwhelming. We didn’t expect the numbers to turn out like they did, and look as smart as they did.
“This send-off was the least he deserved. He was a war veteran and a proud and amazing man. He deserved all of that.”
Jack’s other grandson Kevin added: “It was phenomenal and a real eye-opener. It was well-respected for him. We knew something was going to happen, but we didn’t know it would be this big.”
“Absolutely beautiful”
The standard bearers marched in front of the hearse along Upper Cornaway Lane and into the Crematorium. Saluting sailors stood to attention as the procession winded round towards the north chapel.
After intermittent showers, bright sunshine greeted the procession group as they walked to the entrance. Tears were shed as the coffin was carried into the chapel.
Describing the service while trying to contain his emotions, Greg said: “I couldn’t hold myself together at certain points. It was the sense of pride and knowing him, and the fact he reached 106.”
Granddaughter-in-law Lesley Meacham added: “It just felt amazing. From all the young sailors up to the old veterans, you couldn’t have asked for a better send-off for him. It was absolutely beautiful. The service was sad but a full celebration of his life. It was nice to hear from different people from different parts of his life as well.”
Growing up in Aldershot, Jack moved to Portsmouth and stayed there to raise his family. He served in the Royal Navy between 1938 and 1952, reaching the rank of Chief Steward. Jack was assigned to various ships during the Second World War.
These include HMS Aurora, HMS Hebe, HMS Croome, and HMS Wren. The veteran told his family stories of how he survived a bomb scare in Portsmouth and faced down an Italian destroyer, but stayed humble about his service.
“The perfect send-off”
After the war, he primarily worked as an electrician and handyman, doing jobs alongside his son John. Jack was determined to stay active and keep helping others in his old age. He kept running errands and completing repairs at the Harry Sotnick House care home in Cranleigh Avenue, Fratton, well into his 100s.
Jack lived independently up until the age of 105, and only begrudgingly allowed his family to help with the shopping. He had to experience several sad moments in his life including the passing of his son John, wife Peggy, and later partner Jan. The veteran passed away on May 9 of natural causes, surrounded by family members and loved ones.
Kevin said: “It was a family event with the Royal Navy alongside it. It was the perfect send-off. He always kept himself busy, cooking for our dad while he was in his 100s. He always kept his mind ticking over.”
“An absolute honour”
The Searson Family funeral directors organised the proceedings. Andy Searson was shocked at the strong response.
“This is the biggest turnout for a ceremonial tribute I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
A callout was made on social media for standard bearers, veterans, and sailors to be part of Jack’s funeral. Personnel answered in their droves, with two platoons from HMS Excellent and HMS Collingwood attending alongside former personnel.
Lieutenant Commander Paul Winch, officer in charge of phase two training at the Fareham base, said Jack’s story will inspire new sailors training at the Fareham base. The Portsmouth born and bred sailor added: “It’s an absolute honour to be here for a Second World War veteran.
“Achieving the age of 106 is remarkable, and it’s a privilege to be here with the team. Some of these sailors have only been in the Royal Navy for 20 weeks. When they read the tribute and we told them about Jack, they wanted to honour him.
“He maintained a sailor’s spirit throughout his life and held that as he worked into his 100s. Our presence shows the family our appreciation for Jack.”
AB Harry Terrell, 20, joined the Royal Navy in January this year and is stationed at HMS Collingwood. “It was a very powerful service,” he added. “I think everyone can agree it was a privilege to be part of.
“Jack’s story makes me proud to be part of the navy, hearing what other people have achieved. This will definitely be memorable and I’m sure everyone else involved feels the same.”
The Royal Naval Association organised much of the military commemorations. Funeral Support Officer Jon Everett, who served in the Royal Navy for ten years and reached the rank of Leading Hand, said: “It’s always an honour to help and support any funeral, especially for Second World War veterans. The call to action was made and I threw myself into it.
“The Royal Navy Association is very good at comradeship. We bring people together, and you can see the amount of veterans and personnel here. We’ve come together to celebrate Jack’s career, his service to our country during the war, and his life after it. The reaction just shows that once you’re navy, you’re always navy. It’s an honour to support the family during Jack’s last journey.”