A UK veterans funeral was attended by 200 Facebook strangers after an online plea

This sad story with a beautiful ending has demonstrated the human capacity for generosity and selflessness.

More than 200 strangers attended the funeral of a British veteran after a concerned vicar posted a plea on Facebook, asking for people to honour the deceased man's memory, the BBC News reported.

James McConnell, a Royal Marine, died last month at the age of 70 in a Hampshire nursing home.

Local vicar, Reverand Bob Mason became concerned that no one would show up at McConnell's funeral after learning he had no close relatives.

So he turned to Facebook for help.

"In this day and age it is tragic enough that anyone has to leave this world with no one to mourn their passing, but this man was family and I am sure you will agree deserves a better send off," the vicar wrote.

"If you can make it to the graveside for that time to pay your respects to a former brother in arms then please try to be there."

He also contacted the Royal Marines Association whose members also shared Reverend Mason's Facebook plea.

Well, the post worked.

More than 200 people, many who were marines, turned out to give Mr McConnell the send off he deserved.

Arthur Bailey, another veteran who attended the funeral told the BBC news that as soon as someone said to him that Mr McConnell "got nobody", he knew he had to attend.

"We're family, we're all family," he said.

"We all fought in the war...there are people still getting killed and so that's what I did (attended).

"It's a duty really."

Reverend Mason, touched by the outpouring of support, thanked the crowd for their "kindness and generosity of spirit".