Crowds of wellwishers are expected to line the streets of Basildon tomorrow as the funeral of D-Day hero Don Sheppard takes place – bringing a once in a lifetime event to the town.

Don, who died last month at the age of 104 and was one of the last surviving Normandy veterans, will be given a huge send off befitting of the former sapper who risked his life fighting on D-Day, at Arnhem and North Africa during the Second World War.

As a mark of respect, Don’s funeral cortege will be receive a police escort as it drives from the funeral parlour to pass the home in Methersgate where Don lived with his wife Sandra for more than 60 years.

Great-grandad - Don lived in his Methersgate home for more than 60 yearsGreat-grandad - Don lived in his Methersgate home for more than 60 years (Image: Newsquest) It will then make its way to St Martin’s Church in Basildon where the service will take place at 10am.

Inside the church invited family members, friends and dignitaries will gather to say farewell to the beloved great-grandad, who died at Basildon Hospital from pneumonia on September 7.

The service will be led by the Rev Simon Law of St Gabriel’s Church in Pitsea who was a close friend of Don’s.

Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Toler MBE, National President of the Coldstream Guards Association, will deliver the eulogy while the congregation will unite in singing hymns including Jerusalem and I Vow to Thee My Country.

Other music will include a performance of an Ella Fitzgerald song as the artist was a favourite of jazz-lover Don’s.

Young soldier – Don, who also served at Arnhem and helped to liberate the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, landed on Juno beach on June 6, 1944.Young soldier – Don, who also served at Arnhem and helped to liberate the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, landed on Juno beach on June 6, 1944. (Image: Family handout)

It is hoped the service will be broadcast by speakers into St Martin’s Square so wellwishers unable to get inside the church due to space, can still be part of the proceedings.

Following the service a lone piper will lead the congregation out of the church.

This won’t be the first time Don has been honoured with a police escort.

In June Essex Police ensured the much-loved veteran made a grand entrance at a D-Day 80 event by having a police car and motorbike follow him to the Living War Memorial, in Rettendon.

Although offered a ride in the police car itself, Don preferred to travel with his grandson Sam, saying: “I don’t think I’ve ever been in a police car and it would be nice to try but I only feel safe with Sam driving these days. It’s a lovely gesture though!”