After vicar’s plea on Facebook, more than 200 strangers show up at Marine’s funeral

Reverend Bob Mason posted details of Royal Marin James McConnell's funeral on Facebook, hoping that the man who died without relatives in a care home in Southsea, Hampshire, wouldn't be buried at Milton Cemetery without mourners.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, in this day and age it is tragic enough that anyone has to leave this world with no one to mourn their passing, but this man was family and I am sure you will agree deserves a better send off," Mason wrote on Facebook. "If you can make it to the graveside for that time to pay your respects to a former brother in arms then please try to be there."

More than 200 strangers showed up to honour the 70-year-old veteran's life, including a significant Marine presence.

"The great majority of you who have come here today did not know James McConnell but wanted him to have a dignified farewell," Mason said at the funeral. "I thank you for that kindness and generosity of spirit."

"It was mentioned wrongly that he did not have family; the corps family is bigger and better than most people would know. We are all family and always will be," Danny Marshall, a former Marine, told BBC News.

Richie Puttock from the Royal Marines Association travelled 140 miles to the funeral.

"I had to ensure he got the send-off he deserved. It was an absolutely fantastic service. I think his story pricked the conscience of those who heard it, because nobody wants to think they will have a funeral with nobody there. Wherever he is now, I’m sure he would have been pleased," Puttock told the Daily Mail.

He added, "Every other royal marine is your brother and will be until the day you die. So although he didn't have blood family, that didn't mean he didn't have another family."