HUNDREDS OF people travelled to Swinton, Greater Manchester, for the funeral of a 100-year-old veteran who died with no known family.

Oswald Dixon, who served in the RAF, was laid to rest yesterday. 

After his death on September 25, Broughton House Home for Veterans in Salford, the care home made a public appeal for people to attend his funeral. 

Dixon, joined the RAF in 1944, after arriving in the UK from Jamaica. 

Speaking at the celebrations of his 100th birthday, Dixon, who has been described as having a “warm character” by those who knew him, said he “always tried to live life as it should be lived, by doing things for other people”.

Broughton House’s appeal prompted hundreds of people to turn out for the veteran’s funeral, which was held at Agecroft Cemetery.

His coffin, which was wrapped in the Union Jack, was carried by RAF Cadets and members of 34 Squadron.

Following his funeral, Broughton House, where Dixon had been a resident since May 2015, posted a portrait of Dixon alongside a caption thanking those who turned out to pay their respects.

Chris Lindsay, CEO of Broughton House, said: “On behalf of all the residents and staff at Broughton House, I would like to thank both the military and veteran community, the people of GM and all those who travelled from afar and braved the elements to show their respect and support today for Oswald Dixon. He will be sadly missed by us all and may he rest in peace.”

Veterans minister Johnny Mercer tweeted: “A huge privilege to attend the funeral of 100 year old RAF veteran Oswald Dixon in Manchester this afternoon. He died with no known family; but actually had a huge one who all turned out today.”

“That was a massive turnout! Never seen the cemetery so full! Military everywhere all standing tall and proud, respect respect respect,” said one member of the public who attended.

Another wrote on Facebook: “What a fantastic turnout he had. It was a huge privilege to attend today. Rest in peace Oswald.”