One of Scotland’s oldest war heroes was laid to rest with full military honours after he died at the age of 102.
Forces legend was one of the last survivors of the first World War Two air raids on Britain. Serving Royal Marines saluted his coffin as he made his final journey yesterday.
His Marine beret and medals sat on top of his coffin as friends, family and veterans gathered to say farewell.
Mark McCraw, Scotland branch secretary of the Royal Marines Association, said: “Arthur had a close shave whilst serving on HMS Southampton when the first air raid of World War 2 took place near South Queensferry.
“The Southampton was protecting cargo ships in the North Sea but on October 16 1939 it was stationed in the Firth of Forth when German bombers flew unchallenged up the river on a mission, which it is now known was to blow up HMS Hood - flagship of the Royal Navy.
“When it was discovered that the Hood was not in the Forth, they targeted all the other ships. The Southampton was hit but the bomb passed through every deck and landed in the waters of the Forth, unexploded. Some 16 men lost their lives that day. Arthur was one of the lucky ones.”
Arthur went on the serve in Burma, the Atlantic and Africa during the war and rose to the rank of Colour Sergeant.
In 2017, we revealed how he got a heartwarming 100th birthday surprise from his old corps. Arthur - who enjoyed a drop of Guinness each day - was celebrating with his family when four Royal Marines turned up to present him with a special beret.
Arthur signed up in 1935, so they gave him the blue headdress worn by Marines at that time. The green beret they wear now was introduced in the 1940s.
A family member said: “It was very sudden. Arthur was still going for his half pint of Guinness each day but then he had to go into hospital where he went downhill. We are devastated. He will be deeply missed.”
Mr Walters passed away on Thursday November 8 after a short illness. At his 100th birthday party, we reported that Arthur was also given a copy of his service record and a framed replica of the form he signed to join up more than 80 years before at the age of 17.
Previously, he said: “I can still remember getting on my bike and peddling into Birmingham to sign up on July 10, 1935. It feels like yesterday.” Asked about life in the Marines, he added: “Well, I drank a lot of beer.”
His funeral was held at Warriston Crematorium, Edinburgh.
