A SECOND World War veteran from Keighley has died.

Edgar Bottomley, 94, was in the Royal Navy, having joined the service in 1943 as a 19-year-old.

He was an engine room artificer on corvettes and destroyers and took part in gruelling Arctic convoys to provide the Soviet Union with vital supplies.

His wife, Kathleen, said: “He didn’t talk much about his service in the war. He wasn’t a loud person – he would make his point, then that would be it.

“But so many people knew him locally, and he continued collecting for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal right up until last year.

“There was a huge crowd at his funeral, there weren’t enough seats for everyone.”

Mr Bottomley was born in Ingrow , though his family then moved to Parkwood. He attended Parkwood Methodist Church, where he first met his future wife, Kathleen Milligan, during a social event.

She joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the war, working in Nottingham for the Royal Army Pay Corps while Mr Bottomley was stationed in Scotland.

Mr Bottomley stayed in the Navy until late 1946, but was given leave for his marriage in June of that year. He and his fiancée were married at St Mary’s Church in Dalton Lane, then lived in Thwaites Brow.

They have one son, Stuart, who lives in Riddlesden.

Mr Bottomley worked as an engineer until his retirement at 65, including stints for Prince Smith and Stells and for a motorbike manufacturer at Saltaire.

However, he was mostly employed at NSF, in Keighley, where he became manager of the tool room and was heavily involved in supporting apprentices.

In 1985 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to community and industry.

Mrs Bottomley said her husband was a staunch supporter of the Royal British Legion, first joining its Haworth branch, then later becoming a member of the legion in Keighley.

He was a keen sportsman, having been president of Keighley Cricket Club and a fan of both Keighley Cougars and Leeds United Football Club.

He died last month (March) at Airedale Hospital. His funeral was on March 29 at Long Lee Methodist Church, followed by cremation at Oakworth.

Ian Walkden, of Men of Worth military history group, said: “Edgar was a real gentleman in every sense of the word. The church was packed for his funeral.”

The service was attended by West Yorkshire deputy lieutenant squadron leader David Dinmore, along with representatives from Keighley Royal British Legion and the Submariners Association.

Bugler Judith Hales played The Last Post and Reveille, and poppy wreaths were laid on Mr Bottomley’s coffin.