§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what circumstances bearer parties are provided for the coffins of deceased military personnel on arrival in the United Kingdom from overseas.
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§ Mr. FreemanBodies returning to the United Kingdom from overseas normally arrive on scheduled aeroplanes at civil airports where provision of a bearer party might cause difficulties or be inappropriate. In those cases the body is met and taken from the airfield by a civilian undertaking. Whether or not to supply a bearer party in other circumstances rests with the regiment and the wishes of the family.
§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether bearer parties were provided for the officers killed on duty off Portugal on the return of their bodies to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. FreemanThe bodies of Lt. Cdr. Davies and S/Lt. Cawthorne, who were tragically killed while on duty on 10 March, were returned to the United Kingdom on board the RFA Engadine. The ship docked at Portland naval base. The bodies were piped from the ship in accordance with naval custom. Royal Navy personnel were used to deliver the bodies into the custody of the coroner for Dorset. The question of bearers does not therefore arise until the funeral service where a naval bearer party will be provided if the next-of-kin so request.