HE was one of The Few who gave Britain its finest hour. But sadly, Battle of Britain fighter pilot Joseph William Machin doesn't look like he will be remembered by The Many at his funeral this afternoon.

Joseph, known as Bill, died last week after a short illness at the age of 94. There are no family and few friends to attend his funeral at the Altrincham Crematorium, Whitehouse Lane, off Sinderland Lane, at 2.30pm. Now, the Royal Air Force is appealing for people to flock to his funeral and give him the send-off he so richly deserves.

The veteran, from Altrincham, flew Hurricanes in the war and was based at RAF Tangmere in West Sussex. He served alongside legendary pilot Douglas Bader.

The RAF Association has appealed for anyone in the area to go along to pay their respects. Mr Machin, who worked as a financial advisor and mortgage broker following the war, lived alone following the death of his wife in the early 1990s.

Association secretary general Nick Bunting said: “We are saddened whenever we hear of an ex-RAF person dying with few people to attend their funeral, this is why we are encouraging anyone who can make it to go and pay their respects to Mr Machin."

Mr Machin's neighbour of 30 years, Jackie Newton, said: “He was a very close and dear friend. He was a rare gentleman. He served his country and his community. He had extraordinary high standards and helped me so much over the years. I will miss him greatly.”

The veteran, who lived on Green Walk, Bowdon, started volunteering at Altrincham police station in 1990 after a burglary near his home and was part of the area's crime prevention panel.

Pc Andy Parsonage, a GMP officer who met Mr Machin four years ago, has been one of the driving forces behind the appeal for people to attend his funeral.

He said: “Bill was a real character. One of the old boys. He had one of those big, flamboyant RAF moustaches. He was an out-going fella, a really approachable, nice, old guy.

“He had a market stall at Altrincham market where he would give out crime prevention advice and leaflets. He did that all off his own back. He must have helped so many people over the years.”

Pc Parsonage said that Bill did not talk about his war service much although the veteran did fly during the Battle of Britain.

The officer added: “He told me about the time he crashed a Hurricane in a field and walked away from it. He was very much a part of the war effort.”

The wake will take place at Mr Machin's local The Griffin, on Stamford Road, Altrincham, after the funeral service this afternoon.

The service will be held today at 2.30pm.