FRIENDS, family and dignitaries turned out to pay their last respects to an ex-SAS man who was one of the last remaining members of an elite band of soldiers formed to fight in the Malayan Emergency of the 1950s.

Dennis Perks, aged 84, from Amblecote, was given a moving send-off at his funeral at Stourbridge Crematorium last Friday (June 17).

His son Steven Perks said: “It went off well - the crematorium was full; we couldn’t get everyone inside.”

Royal British Legion members turned out in force, representatives from the SAS attended, and three students from Old Swinford Hospital School played the last post at the packed service.

Mr Perks’ grandson Ben also wore medals belonging to the former Malayan Scout who was one of two surviving members of the elite squad - these days known as the SAS - who were parachuted into the jungle in the Far East in 1951 during the Malayan uprising.

Working as a bomb disposal expert during the conflict, Mr Perks lost five of his fingers while trying to diffuse a booby trap. Despite his injury he continued to serve with the SAS for another 18 months and later joined the Royal Engineers.

After his esteemed service career, which also included a stint with the Parachute Regiment, Mr Perks worked as a carpenter and joiner for 40 years.

He died on June 4 days after undergoing an operation to remove a tumour on his lung at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton.

Described as an “inspirational” character by his family, Mr Perks leaves a wife Patricia, two sons, six grandchildren and one great grandson.