Felixstowe veteran Anthony Valentine is laid to rest

Mr Valentine, who served his country for 30 years, passed away at his home at the end of September, aged 85.

The Funeral of Anthony Valentine who served in all three armed services and was accompanied by a motorcycle guard of honour. (Image: Lucy Taylor, Newsquest) Mr Valentine's funeral was organised by Smith Family Funeral Directors. (Image: Lucy Taylor) Serviceman line up to pay their respects. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

The hearse was pulled by black horses, dressed for the occasion with black plumes. (Image: Lucy Taylor) A community has come together to pay their respects to a Felixstowe serviceman and give him a fitting farewell. 

Mr Valentine joined up as a young cadet in the early 1960s, becoming part of the 1st East Anglian Regiment, which is today known as the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, The Vikings.

He went on to serve in the Fleet Air Arm, the air force of the Royal Navy.

Anthony Valentine pictured in September with Jay Lorenz, who tried to help him find former comrades and also organised the motorcycle escort for Mr Valentine's funeral. (Image: Jay Lorenz)

Anthony Valentine during his army days as a young man. (Image: Jay Lorenz / Family of Anthony Valentine) Duties led Mr Valentine all over the world. In his later years, he proudly told his six children stories from his time in the forces, from seeing Hitler’s trenches with his own eyes to being stationed at Spandau Prison during the changing of the guards.

This was a former military prison in West Berlin, with one of its most notorious inmates being Rudolf Hess, deputy Führer to Hitler.

Recently, Mr Valentine was diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies, the same disease which was battled by the late Robin Williams.

His dying wish was to be reunited with some of those with whom he had served all those years ago.

Mr Valentine's coffin, covered with the Union Jack. Mr Valentine proudly served his country for 30 years. (Image: Lucy Taylor, Newsquest)

Many people wrote in to the Ipswich Star, some who believed they remembered Mr Valentine, others who simply wanted to say that he and his family would be in their thoughts.

Mr Valentine and his family were delighted to hear from one former colleague, who was stationed in Kladow in Spandau.

The pair remembered each other, said one of Mr Valentine’s daughters, Gemma, and were able to reminisce before Mr Valentine passed away.

Bike escort organiser Jay Lorenz (left) and Funeral Director Luke Smith. (Image: Lucy Taylor, Newsquest)

Mr Valentine was accompanied on his final journey by an escort of motorcycles organised by Jay Lorenz, himself a former serviceman from Felixstowe.

A guard of honour was waiting at the crematorium, as friends and family gathered to say goodbye.