Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday 5th July, 1940

Tributes To Young Airman

Funeral At Donisthorpe

There were many tributes on Sunday at the funeral of a young airman, whose internment in Donisthorpe cemetery was witnessed by a large number of people. He was Flight-Sergeant Gerald Greenwood, aged 23, of Ashby Road, Moira, son of Mr and Mrs Greenwood, well-known and respectable residents.

Flight-Sergeant Greenwood, who won a scholarship to Ashby-de-la-Zouch Grammar School, left with a fine school record for Cranwell, where a few years ago he “passed out” and became a pilot.

The whole of the large Moira and Donisthorpe mining area was in mourning and the cortege for over a mile passed houses where every blind was drawn. Solemn-faced miners, their wives and children stood at street junctions saluting the coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack and beautiful wreaths. There were sailors and soldiers too, in the crowd. It was all a very great tribute to one of the lads of the village who had given his life in defence of his country’s liberties.

The internment at Donisthorpe Cemetery was preceded by a service at Moira Centenary Methodist Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Gordon Moody, of Measham.

The minister said they were present to salute one who had died in the service of his country and to show their sympathy to the bereaved. The bearers were members of the Moira platoon of the Ashby L.D.V. in uniform, and then came two airmen.

The chief mourners were Mr and Mrs Greenwood (father and mother), Mr L. Greenwood (brother, who is a research chemist) and the fiancée of the deceased. There were also present Major H. W. Soutar (in command of the L.D.V. of Ashby and Coalville), Captain T. A. Woodcock (headmaster of Ashby Grammar School) and Mr J. Jones (representing the school), Alderman and Mrs E. W. Tandy, and many others representing various walks of life.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 14/1/2023