Cyril, who lived in Windhill, Shipley, died in hospital aged 85 on Thursday, September 29, after suffering a stroke.

The shocking news came just hours after Cyril spent the day with 16 of his friends in Otley.

The veteran served in the British Parachute Regiment for several years, including a stint of National Service.

He later rejoined the regiment on attachment at Thornbury and has also served in the Territorial Army.

In his working life, he was in the post room at City Hall.

The popular veteran often spent his Monday’s drinking with friends in the city’s pubs and was a regular at his local pub, The Traveller’s Rest in Windhill.

Cyril Bayliss was presented with a new maroon beret in 2019 by former Royal Artillery soldier Ben Hainsworth (Image: Newsquest)

A photo and plaque remembering Cyril is set to be placed in The Traveller’s Rest – not too far from his favourite spot in the corner of the pub.

Cyril, who supported his hometown rugby team Bradford Bulls, enjoyed watching sports games surrounded by friends and a pint.

He always enjoyed Arsenal and Bradford City matches, his friends say.

Cyril also held a particular fondness for Blackpool and days out to the seaside.

Denise Mitchell, who used to run The Traveller’s Rest, said: “Our paths crossed about five years ago and from the first time meeting him he was a massive part of my life, he became family.

“I saw him daily, we did trips out – Whitby, Scarborough, many more - Blackpool being his favourite.

“I miss him, even miss trying to take him home after a night in the Trav’s.

“A man who I had the privilege to call my friend and he will be sadly missed but forever in my heart.”

Philip Drew, who first met Cyril about 30 years ago, recalled how they bonded over their shared experiences of serving in the army.

He described him as a “true gentleman”.

Philip said: “We were both in the services. We’ve always got on since I’ve known him.

“He liked his little trips to Blackpool.

“I used to do stuff for him in his flat.

“Any problems I used to go down to his flat and help him out.

“He was such a true gentleman. He was family. Everybody loved him and heard of him. He was well known in Shipley.

“He used to go round drinking in Bradford on a Monday. He knew everybody. Everybody knew him.

“Everybody got on with him, especially my mates in the services.

“He had quite a lot of friends in Blackpool.

“He used to like going to Blackpool all the time and stop the weekend with his friends. He loved Blackpool more than anywhere else.

“He’s so generous, he’d pay for the coach as well.

“The first time I met him was at Trav’s or New Inn years ago.”

Recalling their memories, he said: “Normally I met him in Trav’s. We used to go in Trav’s, we liked watching football.  

“He usually drinks a John Smith’s and Baileys.

“We used to see him in the same corner. You can see if you’re walking in the pub, you’ll see him in.”

Cyril made the news in 2019 after losing his maroon army beret and badge.

Despite an extensive search and appeal through the Telegraph & Argus and social media, the beret never resurfaced.

Friends and former military personnel who knew heard about the plight, vowed to take it upon themselves to secure a new beret and badge for the veteran so he could continue wearing it with pride at subsequent services.

He was reunited with the important piece of his uniform thanks to former Royal Artillery soldier Ben Hainsworth, from Baildon, Jamie Lambie, staff sergeant from One Para, at Catterick Garrison, and friends.

Speaking to the T&A at the time, Cyril said: "I am so happy to be able to wear the beret again. I feel complete. Everyone has been wonderful in trying to find the one which was lost and I am really grateful to them for getting me a new one.”

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