ASHES OF KINGSTON ‘FORGOTTEN’ PARATROOPER SCATTERED ON BRECON BEACONS
Terence (kneeling, fourth from right) with the 3 Para anti tank platoon in 1979
The ashes of ‘forgotten’ soldier Terence ‘Paddy’ Purcell, whose funeral took place in Kingston last month, were scattered on the Brecon Beacons in an emotional ceremony at the weekend.
He had no known family or friends and had faced a lonely farewell at Kingston upon Thames Crematorium but an urgent appeal on X (formerly Twitter) prompted a massive turn out for the former Paratrooper.
Paddy, from South Armagh, and who worked secretly as a spy in Northern Ireland, died aged 70, in a Kingston care home with no known relatives.
The poignant post read: “He has no family, no-one should take their final journey alone, please retweet. RIP Sir.”
The scattering and the service took place at the top of Pen Y Fan, organised by the British Airborne Forces Club which orchestrates the annual Fan Dance Wander to raise funds to assist veterans and to pay tribute to fallen heroes and celebrate the lives of veterans who have passed since the last gathering.
In a sombre but uplifting occasion, a sea of men dressed in maroon attire adorned with the iconic Airborne Pegasus symbol and The Parachute Regiment badge, drew together with laughter and camaraderie in the car park at the mountain’s base.
Among them stood family members, wives, widows, and youngsters, who them formed a procession of walkers ascending the 2-mile journey, braving the unpredictable weather and threat of rain.
As well as Paddy, the ashes were scattered for fellow fallen heroes Denzil Connick and Keith Gaff Ghafoor.
Celebrant Bob Craft addressed the 180 attendees saying: “We have gathered again here on top of Pen y Fan, a site deeply cherished by us all and forever entwined with our airborne journeys, from our days as young lads, to the seasoned years that followed.
“Today, we gather to bid a heartfelt physical farewell to three of our airborne brethren: Denzil, Gaff, and Paddy.
“In their hometowns, their lives have already been celebrated.
“Today’s service extends this celebration, as we release parts of their ashes into the air, wind and across the grasses of this special place. Today, we have a single stick of three.
“Denzil Connick’s legacy will be honoured as his sons, Matthew and Stephen, scatter some of his ashes here.
“Additional portions will accompany Theresa to Arnhem in September for scattering, while the remaining ashes will rest near the family home, marked by a bench, a place for Theresa, family, and friends to gather and remember.
“Keith Gaff Ghafoor is also represented by his family today. They will scatter some of his ashes here, while another portion is destined for Peterlee airfield this June, to be released into the sky by Mark Robson beneath his parachute canopy.
“Paddy Purcell’s final tribute will be managed by Nick Butler, who guards his ashes today for scattering. Further, Nick will coordinate with Mark Robson, ensuring Paddy’s remaining ashes soar through the skies in a similar parachute tribute.
“As we prepare for the scattering ceremony, the recorded music of Pomp and Circumstance No. 4, “The Parachute Regiment Slow March,” performed by the 2 Para band, will stir our spirits.
“Amidst this poignant music and ensuing silence, we invite quiet reflection on the lives of these three great men.
“For those inclined, this moment provides a fitting opportunity to offer prayers, send wishes, or simply to fill the air with good vibes.”
A bugle sounded Reveille across the remote mountain and in closing the Celebrant added: “Let us remember these airborne brothers.
“Today, we pay our respects and honour their memory.
“As we depart from this site and leave them behind, we will keep them in our thoughts.
“When we walk the mountain and experience the wind and rain, along with the fleeting sunshine, they will be in our memories.
“In quiet moments, as we reflect upon our histories, we will think of them.”
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Brecon Beacons, UK – In a poignant and heartfelt gathering at the Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, the British Airborne Forces Club orchestrated the annual Fan Dance Wander to raise funds to assist veterans and to pay tribute to fallen heroes and celebrate the lives of veterans who have passed since the last assembly.
On this somber yet uplifting occasion, a sea of men dressed in maroon attire adorned with the iconic Airborne Pegasus symbol and The Parachute Regiment badge, drew together with laughter and camaraderie in the car park at the mountain’s base. Among them stood family members, wives, widows, and youngsters, including young Archie who joined his family in ascending the mountain to commemorate his grandfather’s life and witness his ashes being scattered atop Pen Y Fan.
As the procession of walkers ascended the 2-mile journey, braving the unpredictable weather and threat of rain, a peculiar sight caught the attendees’ attention – the figure of “The Airborne Celebrant” Bob Craft, clad in a navy blue suit and maroon beret, making his way up the hill to oversee the proceedings and deliver a heartfelt service in support of the BAFC and the families present.
With a watchful eye on the skies as the mist passed, the gathering was serenaded by the haunting bungalow call of “Fall in” followed by the stirring melody of “The Ride of the Valkyries” a recording performed by the 2 Para band. The service, led by Bob Craft, included poignant moments such as a short poem and the dignified scattering of ashes, honouring veterans like Denzil Connick MBE, Keith “Gaff” Ghafoor, and Terrence Paddy Purcell.
The scattering was conducted with utmost reverence, resembling a departure from a plane with military traditions like single stick of three, Pomp and Circumstance No4, the Paras slow march, allowing for contemplation and reflection.
Following a heartfelt remembrance, the gathering descended to the tunes of Major General John Frost music for a touching celebration of life, later that afternoon complete with a hog roast and beer many memories were shared followed by an auction that raised funds for the continuing support of the airborne community.
The annual Fan Dance Wander stands as a tribute to the unyielding spirit and camaraderie of the British Airborne Forces, honouring the sacrifices made and the memories cherished by families and comrades alike.
