Ref. 27967-11FRIENDS and family of one of Swindon's best-known war veterans have vowed he will never be forgotten.

Jack Howard, who served in both World War II and the Korean War, died suddenly at his home in Longleat Gardens, Penhill, days after taking part in a Remembrance Day parade. He was 80.

The founder and secretary of the Korean War Veterans' Association in Swindon, he had worked effortlessly to raise the profile of the conflict, often dubbed the forgotten war.

Thirteen days before he died he attended a reception in London hosted by Prince Charles to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.

As Mr Howard's Union Jack-draped coffin was carried into Kingsdown Crematorium, more than 40 ex-servicemen ignored the driving rain to stand silently to attention their own mark of respect to their friend, described by one as a "true gent,"

John Beauchamp, 74, the Swindon branch's standard-bearer, said: "Without him, this branch would not exist he was a brilliant chap.''

Major-General Mike Swindells read a moving eulogy.

In it he described the moment when Mr Howard asked him to join the association six years ago.

"It was very difficult to refuse an offer from somebody as determined as Jack," said Mr Swindells.

He then quoted from philosopher Goethe. " 'If we see one goal clearly then we may advance one step if we contemplate all goals at once we shall not advance at all.' I believe Jack saw all his goals clearly and so was able to advance several steps."

Aged 17, Mr Howard received his Army call-up papers.

He was enlisted into the Royal Army Service Corps, where his duties took him to the blood-soaked beaches of Normandy in the aftermath of the D-Day landings in June 1944.

He was also involved in bringing supplies to the survivors of the notorious Belsen death camp.

Five years ago he re-told his harrowing memories to the Evening Advertiser. He said: "I never want to see anything like it again.

"It was the worst sight of the war. It was unbelievable yet people still say it never happened."

After the service, Albert Davy, who lost his brother Tom in the Korean War, paid tribute to Mr Howard.

He said: "He really was the association's rock and he got things done.

"Jack always wanted to do things properly and well.

"He really was a true gent and we will all miss him terribly."

Mr Howard's daughter Bev Whyte, 53, said that her father would have been honoured by the efforts made by the association.

She said: "He loved his family and he was a very caring man."

A widower, he leaves behind four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mr Beauchamp confirmed that the association is looking into the possibility of creating a memorial to Mr Howard at the Territorial Army Centre in Church Place.

Kevin Shoesmith