Wally Laverack had served with distinction in the tank regiment in the Second World War. When he died, aged 90, his family built a replica of a tank and placed Wally’s coffin inside as a tribute.
This is how he was transported to York Crematorium, in a unique cortège and funeral which son Matthew Laverack described as ‘a wonderful send-off’ for the man who later ran his own building firm in York.
New lease of life
The family always wanted the tank to live on as an addition to a school playground. And now they have donated it to Sutton on Derwent Primary School.
The school were offered first refusal because Wally’s granddaughter, Kirsty Garcia, is a teacher there. She spoke at his funeral.
They are studying the war period and have created a woodland outside area with an Anderson shelter just like people had in their back gardens to protect from bomb blasts.
The tank sits under trees in this area and the kids love climbing all over it.
Old York soldier gets the perfect send off as he travels to funeral – in a tank
Eight more wonderful old films about York from British Pathé newsreels
Inspiring films and photographs tell the real story of living with dementia