Former World War Two veteran Ken Anderton from Euxton has died aged 98

The funeral of a former World War Two sniper and glider pilot who has died aged 98 takes place tomorrow.
Ken Anderton with members of his familyKen Anderton with members of his family
Ken Anderton with members of his family

Ken Anderton from Euxton, who went into action at Arnhem in 1944 flying Horsa Gliders, died on Tuesday 22 after suffering from pneumonia.

Close friend and fellow ex army veteran James Freaney, 79, said Mr Anderton had been taken into Chorley and South Ribble General Hospital on Friday 18 but was gone just days later.

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"The guy's a hero," he said. "He was taken into Chorley Hospital and they found he was dehydrated and had pneumonia.

Ken Anderton being made Freeman of EuxtonKen Anderton being made Freeman of Euxton
Ken Anderton being made Freeman of Euxton

"He went in on Friday and died on Tuesday. He would have been 99 years old in November."

Army representatives are expected to turn out for the sombre occassion in full regalia as a tribute to the war veteran, who had recently been named a Freeman of Euxton.

Mr Freaney, pipe major of The Grumpy Old Men's Pipe Band, will be piping Mr Anderton's Hearse to the crematorium.

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The four-piece band are set to play songs including Abide With Me, Amazing Grace and ancient Scottish folk tune Flowers of the Forest.

Ken Anderton being made Freeman of EuxtonKen Anderton being made Freeman of Euxton
Ken Anderton being made Freeman of Euxton

A colour party from the Royal British Legion will also be in attendance as well as five representatives from the Army Air Corp from Lowestoft Norfolk, a group of ex armed forces bikers and veterans of the services.

Former army padre of 22 years, Rev Grant Ashton, vicar of Euxton Parish Church, will be taking the service.

Bugler Darryl Cartwright will play The Last Post as the service comes to an end.

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Mr Anderton lived on School Lane in Euxton for more than 36 years. His wife Connie passed away a few years ago. Their son Alan lives in Sweden with his family.

Mr Anderton's funeral will be held at Euxton Crematorium in Charnock Richard on Friday, September 1 at 10am.

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