Eligibility Criteria for Military Funerals
Whether your loved one was an active serving member of the armed forces, who lost their lives serving their country, or an elderly relative who served during the war, they are entitled to a military funeral. How much emphasis you want to place on the military aspect of their life, is a personal choice. You can choose to simply have the Union Jack draped across the coffin as a symbol of their dedication, or you can choose to have a complete military funeral.
Active Duty Military Personnel
Anyone who dies in military service while serving their country is entitled to a fully state-funded military funeral. The Ministry of Defence will provide as much support as needed. If you choose a full military send-off, we will liaise with your VO (Visiting Officer) to ensure that the funeral follows protocols.
Veterans and Retired Military Personnel
Veterans are entitled to a full military funeral. Financial support may be possible for veterans through the United Kingdom Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA).
Reservists and National Guard Members
Reservists are eligible for a military funeral. We can help you decide on what your loved one would have wanted, and how much their time in the military shaped their life.
Former Military Members with Honourable Discharge
Any person who has served with the armed forces and received an honourable discharge is eligible for a military funeral.
Civilian Personnel with Military Service
Certain civilian personnel are eligible for a military funeral, if they have been given active duty determination. If you are unsure of whether your loved one is entitled to a military funeral we can help you to resolve this. The Ministry of Defence can also help you with queries if you can’t find clear answers from elsewhere.
Spouses and Dependents
Spouses and dependents are not entitled to a military funeral, as they did not actively serve their country. However, while there is no official support for funeral expenses for a spouse or dependent of a veteran, there are charities that may be able to help. The Royal British Legion is a charity that helps veterans and their families, and they will give you advice and support during this difficult time.
Requesting a Military Funeral
Planning a funeral can be a difficult time for all involved. If you wish to give your loved one a military send-off, then it might seem more complicated. We are here to help. If you believe that your loved one was eligible for a military service, speak to us, and we can help to verify this. We will liaise with your VO if you have chosen a full military send-off so that you can have a funeral that reflects the life and values that your loved one held dear to them.
Military Funeral Honours and Traditions
Military funerals have certain traditions that make them unique. The armed forces are renowned for their traditions, and their funerals are no different. Standard bearers from the regiment of the deceased can lead the coffin into the church or cremation. A Union Jack can be draped over the coffin, representing the dedication and service of the deceased to their country. The Last Post can be played on a bugle, often as the coffin is lowered into the ground, or the coffin is sent through the curtains at a cremation. The Last Post is extremely evocative and traditional for active service members, veterans, and civilians. The funeral doesn’t have to have an overly military feel, you can decide what emphasis to place upon this, but these traditions can be incorporated into a funeral, showing the service given by your loved one to their country.
Choose a Military Funeral to Honour Your Loved One
We know that the process of organising a funeral, when you are grieving, is incredibly difficult. This is why our family is here to support your family, during this time. Whether you want a full military send-off for your loved one who died on active service or just a nod towards the time spent serving in the Wrens for your elderly aunt, we can help. A funeral is a reflection of a life, so we will support you in creating the ideal funeral to represent the life well-lived of your loved one. Speak to the compassionate and knowledgeable team at NC Funeral Directors today, on 01253 420 450