CAPTAIN Harry Whitehead, a well-known stalwart of the Bury branch of the Royal British Legion, has died at the age of 85.

The funeral of Captain Whitehead, who leaves a son, Donald, took place last Friday (March 9) at St John's Church in Sale where he had lived for the past 15 years. A committal took place at Altrincham.

He joined the Bury branch of the Legion after his Army service in 1948 and served on the branch committee between 1952 and 1966. He was branch secretary from 1954 until 1966.

After serving on the East Lancashire County committee, Captain Whitehead became county secretary at the same time as he served on the North West Area committee.

He became the North West Area chairman for 10 years. This was followed by service on the National Executive Council. Captain Whitehead became its vice chairman, then national chairman of the Royal British Legion in 1978.

He was awarded the OBE in 1977 and then the CBE in 1982.

His service was recognised when the Housing Association of the Legion built a block of flats in Lowes Road, Bury, and named the complex "Harry Whitehead Court" in his honour.

Before moving to Sale, had had lived in Connaught Street and Eagley Drive, Bury.