Anthony Tremarco Tribute

A CHELSEA pensioner from West Dorset was among the guard of honour at the funeral of Sir Denis Thatcher in London yesterday.

Anthony Tremarco, 82, formerly of Charminster, stood in a 12-strong troop in the ceremony at the chapel of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.

The honour came after he moved to the hospital and became a Chelsea Pensioner in January of this year because of his long service in the Royal Artillery.

Mr Tremarco, whose wife Connie died last year, said: "It was a great honour.

"I volunteered for the guard of honour because I liked Denis Thatcher.

"He did a lot for the Chelsea Pensioners and used to attend the chapel here regularly with his wife."

He added: "The Royal Hospital is perfect and I like it very much.

"I am very pleased that I moved here."

Mr Tremarco served for 22 years in the Royal Artillery and later became a police sergeant on the gate of the atomic energy plant at Winfrith.

He still visits Charminster to see old friends, including 86-year-old Lily Scott.

Mrs Scott, whose husband John died aged 89 a year ago, said: "It was a great honour and privilege for Tony.

"He is a grand chap and deserved the honour."

Sir Denis died aged 88 on June 26 after undergoing a heart by-pass operation in January for ongoing problems.

Tributes poured in after his death and friends warned of the effects of his passing on his wife Margaret.

Chelsea Pensioners formed the guard of honour at the funeral as dignitaries paid their last respects.

This year our old friend Lawrence Stubbs (Chelsea Pensioner) brought Tony Tremarco with him. Tony is a very humorous and charismatic war veteran who was a welcome addition to our party. They were accompanied by two female minders plus the Blues Brothers protection party of Phil Rowe and Adam Lydon.

Lawrence and Tony were treated like film stars in Belgium hence the reassurance of Phil and Adam taking care of them.