WW2 Bomber Command Hero Remembered

17 February 2020

Earlier this year, Paul Capper, Proprietor of Eastleigh’s Independent Funeral Directors Ltd, alerted SSAFA Hampshire and others that George Peter Osbourne (known as ‘Paul’), a World War 2 Bomber Command veteran had sadly passed aged 96, had no relatives and only 2 close friends attending his funeral. The power of social media then took over with the result being standing room only at the Eastleigh Crematorium for a fitting farewell to a true RAF Hero. On 2 December, SSAFA Hampshire was honoured to be one of the 4 military charities that benefited from the public donations made at the funeral of Paul along with funeral fees, £500 each, in a special presentation evening at The Eastleigh Chandlers Ford and District Branch Veteran’s Christmas Party. All 4 charities also received an extremely kind £1,500 donation from the Westerleigh Group, operators of crematoria and cemeteries in the area.

The presentation ceremony centred on tributes and respect towards the hero that was George Peter Osbourne (Paul). And saved for the Nation to enjoy, Paul’s historic photograph albums were purchased by Paul Capper and his business partner Pauline Peters - who kindly donated the album to the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC); Sally Taylor MBE, BBC South Today kindly received the album on behalf of the IBCC.

A really special mention must go to Paul Capper and Pauline Peters without whom this story might never have been told. Charities that benefitted from the evening were SSAFA Hampshire, RAF Association, The Royal British Legion and the Southampton Veterans Drop-In Centre.