GEORGE
To-day I had the pleasure and privelege to attend the "Laying To Rest" of a dear friend, A Loyal Member of the Korean Veterans Association, and proudly acclaim him a member of that unique 'Band of Brothers' who dwell in that Bunker alongside that river most of us remember but well, the Imjin.
Yes,- today so the final parade of George Philipson, when he would stand before his maker, heels to-gether, stomach in, chest out, in true military bearing.
Those of us at this committal slowly followed the Union Flag draped coffin, preceded by The Standard of the Cumbria Branch of the British Korean Veterans Association. Many were those attending for besides his Korean comrades there were comrades from the era of The Second World War. George was indeed a true warrior and friend, and his passing will be a sad loss to those of us he leaves behind. At the close of the Committal proceedings, the sounds of a muted bugle could be heard, first there was that evening call, ''Lights Out'' followed by the awakening call, ''The Long Reveille'', truly a fitting tribute to an 'old' soldier. P'raps Reg a lone piper playing a lament would also have gone down well, but methinks the dram I'll take will maybe suffice, along with a few heedrums, hodrums I might mouth.
Cheerio Both and my thanks for your Friendship.
Frank.