THEY came from all walks of life to give a final salute to a war hero who touched lives all over the world.

There were friends, neighbours, comrades, Gulf War veterans - and even the exiled heir to the Polish throne.

But as Colonel George Robinson's coffin, draped in the Union Flag, was carried into church, mourners were united in memory of a man fearless in battle but compassionate in life.

Exiled Count Juliufz Nowina-Sokolnicki, who would become King of Poland if the nation ever decided to reinstate her monarchy, led funeral tributes to the Bolton military man, who was awarded 27 medals during an illustrious Army career.

The elderly royal, who fled Poland for Britain after Nazis and then Communists took control during the Second World War, said Col Robinson was a "great friend" who stood beside him when he formed a Polish government in exile to take on the dictatorship in his home country.

"He was the perfect officer and gentleman," he said. "He was a man of great honour who would always care about other people first before he cared about himself."

Earlier, members of the Middle East Forces Veterans' Association had carried Col Robinson's coffin into St Augustine's Church, Tonge Moor, Bolton, headed by standard bearers from the Fusilier Association and Royal British Legion.

Wreaths of poppies and flowers decorated the inside of hearses from war survivors, friends and young soldiers whose fight for Gulf War Syndrome recognition was championed by the colonel in later life.

One tribute read: "From all your lads. Rest well boss." Gulf survivor Andi Hagen, who has suffered from chronic fatigue since the war against Iraq, told mourners during the 45-minute service: "At a time when we needed allies and friends he was there."

During a full military funeral, Father Andrew Heyes said few people knew full details about Col Robinson's military deeds, which took him all over the globe and often involved dangerous operations behind enemy lines.

But Father Heyes said what was known was that George, who died at home in Firwood Close, Hall i' th' Wood, aged 79, had touched the lives of many.

A bugler sounded the Last Post as Colonel Robinson was later buried at Heaton Cemetery.

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