Jack Davenport, 87, a Burma Star veteran whose funeral took place at St Bartholomew’s Church, Wootton Bassett, on Friday, had lived in the town for over 30 years.

His family moved to Tetbury from London when he was very young.

He joined the RAF in 1940 and served in North Africa from 1941- 42 and in Burma from 1943. He returned to the UK in 1946, and subsequent postings included Yatesbury, where he met his wife Marge.

The couple had three children, Colin, Keith and Lynn, and later grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs Davenport died in 1991.

Mr Davenport enjoyed a distinguished career in which he was promoted to Warrant Officer, won a long service and good conduct medal and an MBE. After retiring from the RAF at 55, he worked as a civilian in accountancy at Lyneham, where his popularity was recognised in the naming of The Jack Davenport Suite at the Sergeants Mess.

During over 67 years’ association with the RAF, Mr Davenport made many friends and his family recall that he only left after three retirement parties. “If Jack had had his way he would have carried on working forever. Indeed he insisted on getting sick notes, for work, much to the surprise of his doctor, until he was in his eighties,” they said.

Mr Davenport played cricket and football for the RAF and for Wiltshire, and was a member of the Chippenham United team which won the 2nd division of the Western League. He also played as an amateur for Chippenham Town while many other players were professionals and was invited for trials by Cardiff City and Arsenal.

When his playing days were over he managed cricket teams and umpired. He was also a keen card player and organised whist drives in the Jack Davenport Suite.

He was immensely proud of his wartime service and was rarely seen without his Burma Star Association tie or badge.

He latterly lived at Wingfield Care Home, Trowbridge, where he died on New Year’s Eve.