LEOMINSTER witnessed the 'end of an era' when Second World War Jeeps once involved in covert missions took a lap of honour in memory of 93-year-old "Bulldozer Campbell", a war hero who retired to live in Herefordshire.

Medals awarded to the much decorated Major John Campbell, the "most daring" member of a Secret Forces' unit known as Popski's Private Army (PPA), were worn with pride at Saturday's Thanksgiving service by his son, Piers Campbell. Parked either side of the church door were two Jeeps, bristling with heavy weaponry, brought especially from Belgium by khaki-clad members of the Friends of PPA.

In recognition of Major Campbell's regiment, the Argyll and Sutherlands, a lone piper, Keith Wellings from Hope-under-Dinmore, played laments outside the church. Honoured with the CVO and CBE, the man who gained more medals than anyone else in PPA was twice awarded the Military Cross. After the war he worked in the Colonial Service and as a diplomat.

In 1944, he joined No?1 Demolition Squadron in Italy, a unit better known as Popski’s Private Army commanded by Major Vladimir Peniakoff, which involved training in parachuting, mountain warfare, demolition and intelligence gathering. In northern Italy, nicknamed 'Bulldozer', he came up with a daring plan of action based on stealth to attack a German garrison and on another occasion he charged a battery of German guns and captured them intact with 300 prisoners.

A former chairman of the Friends of Leominster Priory, Major Campbell lived at Luston with his wife, Shirley, who attended the service with their three children, Lulu, Tara and Piers. Mayor of Leominster, Councillor Felicity Norman and her husband, Peter Blench also attended the service, which was conducted by the vicar, the Rev Michael Kneen with actor and priest, Frank Topping, well-known for presenting 'Pause for Thought' on BBC Radio 2's Terry Wogan breakfast show.

Secretary of the Friends of PPA, Roy Paterson said the Jeeps had caused many people to stare open-mouthed as they drove round Leominster. "He was the last surviving officer of PPA so this really is the end of an era," he said. "We wanted to make a splash." With a number of sons and daughters of those who fought in the PPA among the congregation, the mood in church was one of emotion and pride.

A former chairman of the Friends of PPA, the group recorded their "greatest regret and personal sadness" at Major Campbell's death in a Ludlow care home in July. "He suffered a series of mini-strokes that he always pulled back from, to the surprise and relief of his wife and children, having been given the Last Rites three times," the Friends' stated.

Major Campbell wrote the foreword for a new edition of a book on the PPA by Major Peniakoff.