Fond tributes paid to war veteran Bert, 86

One of the last remaining World War Two veterans in Leominster has died aged 86.

Herbert John Barrington, known as Bert, was a long standing member of Leominster's Royal British Legion and one of very few remaining veterans from the war in the town. During the conflict he served with the Royal Army Service Corps and saw service in India and Japan.

He was with the British Commonwealth Occupational Forces serving in Tokyo, Asakura and Kochi in 1946 and Ebisu Camp, India in 1947.

Mr Barrington died on December 22 and his funeral was held at the Priory Church in Leominster last Tuesday.

Frank Low, chairman of the Leominster branch of the RBL, said: "Herbert was one of our few remaining World War Two veterans, we probably have another one or two left.

"He was an active member until a couple of years ago and he was a typical old soldier.

"We had a standard bearer and Paul Kemp from Ludlow came to play the Last Post. Members formed a guard of honour for Herbert's coffin to be taken into church."

After the service, held Leominster's Priory Church, everyone was invited to share memories at the Royal British Legion Club in Leominster.

Daughter-in-law Linda said he was born in Bridge Street in Leominster and stayed in the area all his life.

She said that his son had passed away about a year ago and his wife had died a couple of months ago.