I also had the privilege today to attend the service for Mr Dunsmore.
As stated above the attendance was well into three figures. Among the throng gathering there were Glengarry's and military caps and berets of many hues. I was among the traditionally suited and booted, but many were just good folk who had taken an hour or so off work or their daily routine to pay their respects. Also the Bikers who arrived in their own "colours" deserve a mention in despatches.
Mr Dunsmore was led to the entrance of the Crematorium by a young piper called Alan who we were informed had kindly offered his services. This civilian salutes you young man.
Flanked by bearers with Union Flag and Military Colours, coffin draped in the flag of his regiment, it was a truly strange but poignant and humbling experience to stand among strangers to watch and pay tribute to a man almost none of us had met.
There was press and photographers in attendance to witness Mr Dunsmore on his last journey so you may get something in some newspapers.
The Celebrant managed to give us a background to the life of William Dunsmore. Born in 1939 at the outbreak of war, William was an only child. He served in the Military from 1956 till 1960 and that is where he gained his love of Cyprus. He married Jessie, the love of his life, but they were never gifted with the blessing of children. Sadly she passed at the cruelly young age of 59 and his life was never the same. Mr Dunsmore unfortunately had a fall just over a year ago and was in the care of the Local Authority in between spells in hospital. None of the above stopped him enjoying his can of Tennents or flirting with his home helps and carers who sat at the front where family would usually take their place.
We only have to turn the pages of a newspaper, switch on our TV's, or observe the behaviour of some politicians, to despair at the what has become of common decent humanity in this day and age. Today at Craigton Crematorium, among strangers, it made me feel good to be part of the human race.
Thank you William Dunsmore for your service.