THE funeral for a well-respected Griffithstown veteran who courageously fought against a ferocious Nazi Germany warfare tactic attracted people from across Wales.
More than 100 people packed Gwent Crematorium today to pay their final respects to veteran Edward (known as Ted) Cogdell, who died this month aged 100.
A procession into the crematorium was led by three standard-bearers, followed by family members carrying Mr Cogdell's coffin draped in the Union Jack.
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Ted Cogdell's funeral
Reverend Samuel Helkvist delivered the eulogy, saying: "Ted was a well-respected individual.
"He and people with him were from an exceptional generation. They saw things that no one should ever see.
"His life will never be forgotten."
The late Ted Cogdell
Niece Jackie Cooksley also paid tribute and Mr Cogdell's two great granddaughters, Leah and Nikki-Lee Bailey, mimed to the highly emotional song A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.
Bearers at Ted Cogdell's funeral
Granddaughter Edwina Hole added: "I looked up the definition of a grandfather - and it says he is the parent of your dad or mum. But, for me, my definition is of a strong man holding me and being there.
"The family would like to thank everyone for being here. And thank you to our grandad's late friend, Ray Lewis' family for being here too. Ray died the day after grandad.
"I hope he is finally reunited with our gran."
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Friends Ted Cogdell and Ray Lewis
The moving tributes were followed by a bugler using his instrument to signal a one-minute silence, in honour of the late veteran.
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Once there, they were met with the might of the Nazi war machine – called Blitzkrieg, meaning ‘Lightning War’ – which involved ferocious attacks by tanks and dive bombers.
As anti-aircraft gunners, Mr Cogdell and Mr Lewis’ unit proved critical in repelling dive-bombers hurling from the skies.
British officials’ attention soon drifted towards France and it was decided that more troops were required both at home and elsewhere. All troops were then evacuated.
A few years ago, both men were presented with a medal from the Norwegian government for their role in defending the country.
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