A BELOVED veteran was carried through the streets of Shoebury on top of a cannon ahead of being laid to rest. Tributes have been paid to Ron Denzil Clifton, an “absolute rock” who served in the Merchant Navy and Royal Artillery for decades. The 75-year-old died from pancreatic cancer on April 8 this year, and his funeral was held in Shoebury yesterday. His coffin was place on the cannon before being taken down Royal Artillery Way, where members of the Shoebury and South Essex branch of the Royal Artillery Association bringing out flags to pay respects. Flashback - Ron marking 65 years since Korean War