Cadets paid their respects to a Second World War veteran who “will be missed by everyone who knew him”. 

Corporal Harold Noor, who joined the army in 1944, served for 27 years and regularly attended the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club in March. 

Jeff Walters, who runs the breakfast club and veterans hub, said: “He was a really fun gentleman who will be missed by everyone who knew him.” 

Cpl Noor died at the age of 96. 

Members of the March and Chatteris Army Cadet Detachments attended Cpl Noor’s funeral on January 4, escorting the hearse and formed a guard of honour to salute the coffin as it passed. 

Cambs Times: Army cadets paid their respects at the funeral of Corporal Harold Noor.Army cadets paid their respects at the funeral of Corporal Harold Noor. (Image: SI Doug Stuart)

Cambs Times: Cadets and members of veterans' groups lead the hearse.Cadets and members of veterans' groups lead the hearse. (Image: SI Doug Stuart)

The funeral at Fenland Crematorium honoured Cpl Noor’s life, including a chorus of ‘The Quartermasters Store’ and a rendition of ‘The Last Post’. 

Many army and Royal Air Force air cadets said it was an honour to take part in the service. 

Cambs Times: Cadets playing the role of standard bearer at Corporal Harold Noor's funeral.Cadets playing the role of standard bearer at Corporal Harold Noor's funeral. (Image: SI Doug Stuart)

Cambs Times: Cadets paid their respects to Corporal Harold Noor at his funeral service.Cadets paid their respects to Corporal Harold Noor at his funeral service. (Image: SI Doug Stuart)

Cambs Times: Corporal Harold Noor's coffin is carried into Fenland Crematorium.Corporal Harold Noor's coffin is carried into Fenland Crematorium. (Image: SI Doug Stuart)

Staff Sergeant Rob Silveri, commander of the March Army Cadet Detachment, told his cadets: “Your behaviour and manners were exemplary and respectful; well done all.” 

As well as 17 years in the Territorial Army, Cpl Noor served with units including the Royal Army Service Corps and the North Somerset Yeomanry, and earned the airborne forces maroon beret. 

Having grown up in a Catholic orphanage in the 1930s, Cpl Noor had to change ways in army life but quickly adapted. 

Cambs Times: Corporal Harold Noor started as a cadet before joining the army in 1944.Corporal Harold Noor started as a cadet before joining the army in 1944. (Image: SI Doug Stuart)

Cambs Times: Corporal Harold Noor was also a member of the Territorial Army.Corporal Harold Noor was also a member of the Territorial Army. (Image: Supplied by SI Doug Stuart)

 

He also featured in the Guinness World Records for being carried 26 miles on a stretcher, and while fond of a drink, was known for joking with his colleagues. 

Harold’s daughter, Thelma, said her father “loved the army; it gave him purpose in life, and stability during hard times.” 

March Armed Forces and Veterans Hub is a drop-in centre for veterans and families at Cassanos on March High Street, open Thursdays 10am-4pm. 

The Hub offers advice on issues from finances to post-traumatic stress disorder.  

The Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club, at the same venue, meets on the first Saturday of every month.