Former members of the KOYLI band and bugles along with other association members attended the funeral of Bill Grainger on Friday 22 June at Wakefield crematorium.

Bill's coffin, draped in the KOYLI flag, was led into the crematorium by 3 Standard bearers; Tim Humphreys, Harry Newton and Colin Cranswick who also stood watch during the service. The service started with the reading of a poem, written by one of Bill's son Andrew, about is Bill's service in Norway during WWII. Two former music students who Bill taught and rehearsed with as late as December 2017 performed one of Bill's favourite clarinet concertos during the service. Bugler Pete Bate, dressed in KOYLI No1 dress uniform, sounded Last Post and Reveille.

10 Jun 18. It is with great personal sadness that I have to announce that William Kilgour Grainger late 1 and 4 KOYLI bands passed away aged 98 at 6am 3 Jun 2018 in the Chestnuts Care Home in Altofts. Bill, as he was known, has been in and out of hospital and care homes since suffering a fall in January 2018 and then contracting various infections.

Bill, a life long KOYLI and musician was very to have served in the KOYLI from a Band Boy to Bandmaster. He served with KOYLI in Norway and is believed to have been the last surviving KOYLI soldier from that campaign. He maintained his connection with Regiment through the Association and was the Branch Secretary of Wakefield branch during the 1970s. He wrote a book about his life as a KOYLI Musician.

The thoughts and condolences of the President of the Association and all Association member are with Bill’s family at this sad time. Bill's son Andrew wrote:

Dearly loved father to Stephen and Andrew and Grandfather to Rosie. Dad joined the Army as a Band Boy in the 1930's. It was obvious from the way that he spoke of his service, his music and his many friends made over the years, how much he loved his life and his colleagues there. All my life, I loved listening to his many stories that he recounted almost till the day he died. Every now and then he would come up with something he had never told me before. The last one was letting Franco into the KOYLI barracks on his horse some time before the Spanish Civil War! I am immensely proud of his service to the country in the KOYLI, particularly his part in the Norway Campaign during WW2 and of his amazing musical talent as a Military Bandmaster and Clarinetist. Rest In Peace Dad

As the Buglers sound ‘No More Parades’ take your stand with the musicians in the Full Band in the sky. RIP Bill you did your duty with honour and pride. Cede Nullis dear friend.

The funeral arrangements are:

Date and time - 22 June 2018 at 1pm

Location - Wakefield Crematorium, Standbridge Lane WF4 3JA

Donations to - Age UK

Online donations: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/giving/donation_in_memory.pdf

Telephone donations: 0800 169 8787

By post: Customer Relations Team Age UK Tavis House 1-6 Tavistock Square London WC1H 9NA

Bugler Requested - Yes

Standard Bearer Requested - Yes

Coffin Drape Requested - Yes (KOYLI)

Association Members welcome - Yes

Wake - Sandal RUFC Standbridge Lane Sandal Wakefield West Yorkshire WF2 7DY

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