Funeral of forces stalwart Ernest ‘Tat’ Adams next week

Mr Adams, who died earlier this month at the age of 97, collected money for every Poppy Appeal since its launch in 1945.

He also went to every Remembrance Day service since 1922, when he first attended with his dad when he was just four.

His funeral will take place on Wednesday, August 19 at Pontefract Crematorium.

The cortege will leave Mr Adam’s former home in Upton at 10.45am before the service in Pontefract at 11.20am.

Coun Sandra Pickin, secretary of the Hemsworth branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), said: “Tat was just a true gentleman. He was a really happy guy and I don’t think I can ever remember him being miserable. “He would do anything for anyone and he always had a smile for everybody.”

Mr Adams, of Upton, was also a member of the former South Elmsall Rotary Club and the Royal Naval Association. He spent 17 years in the armed forces, starting as a seaman and working his way up to acting chief petty officer.