A large crowd gathered at Ipswich Crematorium on Wednesday to pay tribute to a "wonderful" RAF veteran whose service was initially going to be attended by just three people.
Last month, the Royal British Legion posted a plea across social media after only one neighbour and two solicitors were due to be present at the funeral of Ronald Frank Gale - who died at the age of 97 on December 23.
The plea saw a huge response from people across Ipswich and further, with the service eventually becoming so busy that the West Chapel doors had to be kept open to ensure everyone could pay their respects.
"He'd be so taken aback," said Maisie Perry, a close friend and neighbour of Mr Gale.
"He was a very independent man.
"But it's so wonderful to see so many people coming to pay their respects."
Mr Gale died without marrying or having any children - living only with his beloved cats.
However, the veteran - whose only known image from recent years was on his bus pass - had developed a strong relationship with his neighbours.
"We were very close," said Arun Archary.
"Myself, Maisie and another neighbour Des would often take him out for meals.
"He was a wonderful man.
"He was caring and so polite. Every day he would be sharply dressed in a suit."
Little is known about Mr Gale's military service - other than a picture which shows him as part of the No. 47 Flight Squadron and No. 36 R&C Wing squad taken in July 1944.
"I think he'd be shocked to see how many people have turned out for him today," said neighbour Des Welham.
"It was a beautiful service and so moving to see so many come to pay their respects."
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