Mourner appeal for Welsh Guardsman Harold Morgan

A church has launched a social media campaign to track down mourners for the funeral of a former Welsh Guardsman.

Harold Morgan, who had served in Egypt, lived in a care home in Barry for 14 years until he died aged 85.

His funeral will be held at St Tathan Church, St Athan, on Thursday and no friends and family had been expected.

But following the appeal, personnel from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards and members from the regimental association will now attend.

Colonel Tom Bonas confirmed around 20 guards will attend the service.

The Reverend Rachel Simpson launched the Facebook appeal.

"When we first had the details of the funeral come through we were given no next of kin details, which is very unusual, so I was worried at the service there would only be the solicitors and the nurses from the nursing home and that's not a very nice way to go," she said.

Passion for railways

The Facebook post said: "Unfortunately there's been some difficulty tracing next of kin or knowing who his friends were, or if they're still in St Athan. If you did know Harold or have any more information, please get in touch or come along to his funeral on Thursday. Thank you."

BBC reporter Jeremy Bowen tweeted the appeal

As a result, some friends have come forward.

Rodney Hall, secretary of the Welsh Railways Research Circle which was co-founded by Mr Morgan, said the pair had shared a passion for trains in the 1970s and 1980s.

"He was an ex-railway man, he used to work as a signalman in the Reading area but by the time I knew him he was working as a book-keeper," said Mr Hall.

'Happy to help'

"He was always happy to share his knowledge, once you'd manage to convince him you were a serious enthusiast... then he'd help you as much as he could.

"He was a bit difficult to get to know initially but once you'd gained each other's confidence he was always happy to help."

Mr Hall said his old friend was born in Oxford and lived in Carmarthenshire before moving to the Vale of Glamorgan.

In addition, 30 teenage students from the Military Preparation College in Cardiff will be attending.

Brian Edwards from the college said: "As soon as we saw this appeal on Facebook and Twitter, we knew our Cardiff students would want to be there to pay their respects to a former soldier from our community

"This week has all been about remembering those who gave their lives for their country, so we were determined to support the church's appeal and have the opportunity to give thanks for the life and service of Mr Morgan."

A service will be held for Mr Morgan on Thursday