Military Funerals in Bridgwater
Bridgwater Funeral Services specialises in conducting military funerals in Bridgwater, Somerset. We collaborate with the Regimental Commander to ensure the smooth execution of the military funeral service. In collaboration with the Army Chaplain, we build understanding with the families to align the funeral service with their needs and expectations. If anyone in your family dies serving in the Army, Royal Marines, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force, they are entitled to a military funeral.
Publicly Funded Military Funerals
According to Ministry of Defence (MOD) policy, any fatalities involving service personnel (including Reserve forces on duty and Foreign and Commonwealth (F&C) personnel while on duty warrant a funeral arrangement at public expenditure or financial contribution towards a private funeral based on Next of Kin's preference.
When the funeral has been publicly funded, whether in the UK or abroad, MOD pattern headstones are installed upon request by the Next of Kin or when the burial occurs in a military cemetery. The erudition in headstones provided by the MOD remains constant, aligning with the War Graves Commission's guidelines for all war graves. Maintenance of the graves, including those purchased at public expense in civilian cemeteries, is managed at public expense.
Assistance with Funeral Costs
The Royal British Legion has the capacity to offer financial support for standard funeral expenses. Nevertheless, it does not cover supplementary costs such as monument stones, commemorations, catering or floral tributes. These grants for fundamental funeral expenses are mostly available to a companion or spouse who has not received a Funeral Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Social Fund.
In cases where the qualifying conditions are not met, the Legion can extend help by contacting other organisations like Regimental Associations, on behalf of the bereaved family.
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Registering a Military Death
All military deaths must be formally registered by the Registrar of the district where the death took place to obtain a death certificate in the UK. The death must be registered with the local Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages within five days. UK Registrars cannot register deaths overseas. A UK registration and death certificate for deaths overseas of the armed forced must be completed by a legally authorised Registering Officer. The following must be provided:
- The MCCD
- The deceased's full name and any previous names
- The date and place of birth
- The date and place of death
- The deceased's occupation
- The full name, date of birth, and occupation of the deceased's spouse or civil partner, if applicable
What Does a Military Funeral Involve?
A military funeral with Bridgewater Funerals might include a military bearer party and a firing party chosen by the family. The funeral's elements, such as the dressing of the coffin, the procession and the role of the bearers, along with the Last Post and Reveille, often follow military traditions. The coffin, draped with a Union Flag, is usually carried by active-duty armed forces members. A unique respect gesture is seen when armed forces personnel at the funeral perform the "reverse arms" march, lowering their gaze and reversing their weapons toward the ground.
The military funeral commonly concludes with The Post, followed by The Rouse. This can be played from a recording or performed live by a Forces bugler. The family has the freedom to select any music for the service. There are specific songs for veteran funerals that honour their service, should the family wish to use them.
Headstones for a Military Funeral
Where the burial is carried out at public expense, whether in the UK or overseas, MOD pattern headstones are erected if the NOK request it or if the burial is in a military cemetery. There is no variation in headstone if provided by MOD – this is in accordance with the War Graves Commission specification for all war graves. The graves are maintained at public expense, including graves purchased at public expense in civilian cemeteries.
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Contact Bridgwater Funeral Services
Bridgwater Funeral Services is committed to compassion and dignity. We can help you plan your loved one’s military funeral to honour their life. Since 2002, we’ve been here for all your funeral needs. Our team offers Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plans and customised memorials. Reach out to us today to discuss our veteran funeral services.
