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Bearing in mind this is a site about Naval Song - So I am on occasion asked about appropriate music, in which to acompany a shipmate across the bar.

As such these are informal suggestions, which I hope might be found to be useful.

There is never a wrong way to do these things but sometimes you need to know that you have done the best you can..

Please Provide feedback or rememberances as to funerals actually attended whilst you served -

Suggestions on how this page might be improved -gratefuly accepted.

Naval Funerals
There is little recorded information to be obtained on the subject of funerals, within the service. As always the padre is the person to talk to.

But generally they follow the format of a normal church service, and according to circumstance are often abbreviated.

Aboard ships, burials at sea would be conducted according to the relevant drill book, with the ships company in No1 uniform (or if at the threat from an enemy possibly in working dress), assembled to witness the committal. At the point of committal a ships bugler would play the Last Post after which the deceased would be tipped over the side. (Alternatively a group of Boatswains mates would pipe as the deceased again was tipped into the sea).

 

Ashore, where possible a cerimonial guard or military band would be provided.

Typical music played as the coffin is taken to the church would be. Principle mourners following behind

- Flowers of the Forest

 

After the ceremony, it is usual for - the congregation to leave first and line the route between church door and the burial site / hearse at gate. The principle mourners follow the coffin.

As the coffin is processed between the assembled congregation, lining the route,

- A bugler would play - The Last Post At this time rifle fire can be carried out or that retained for the committal.

Alternatively if this part of the ceremony is at a cremetorium or in a situation where it is not seemly to line the path, the Last Post is played just before the curtain closes. Rifle fire outside can also be heard. Atthis point if required. - As the curtain closes suitable organ or violin music is appropriate.

 

During the service - It is obligatory ito have the Naval Hymn.

Button >> - NAVAL HYMN <<- Press Me

Another suitable Hymn - The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended

 

At the close of the service. The men would march from the church to the tune - The Girl I Left Behind Me.

 

Britain’s greatest Naval Hero, Lord Nelson was given a state funeral, although in his case it was organised by the military and not naval authorities. Only as an after thought was a forty eight strong naval contingent invited to escort the coffin car. These men being predominantly drawn from the crew of HMS Victory. Afterwards these men can be thought to have exacted their own revenge, for this miserly representation, for instead of folding up the shot torn ensign that had adorned the coffin, they tore it into pieces for souvineers.

There was also a small group of Greenwich pensioners lining the church steps and a 100 strong RM contingent were given a part to play.

As the funeral car processed from the Admiralty to St Pauls cathedral it was accompanied by military bands playing

- Dead March in Saul.

 

Other typical pieces of music for funerals are -

Rule Brittania & Heart of Oak

 

Bidding Farewell to Shipmates

The above should give some ideas that can be adapted.

Remember Crematoriums provide basic facilities and organise you into 30 minute slots - You should plan no more than a twenty minute service.

If you need longer - use a church for the service and the Crematorium for a private committal. Or book a double session at the Crematorium.

A possible order of Service in a Crematorium
The funeral services / undertakers, will usually place the coffin in the chapel, before the congregation files in - Pick suitable music for the organist or CD player to play during this time.

The minister will then give the usual words and bible readings during which two hymns are usually sung.

The euology or tributes are generally spoken between the hymns, the minister will guide you in this process.

After the second hymn there are further prayers before the minister closes the curtains.

You can if you have time request the local Naval establishment to provide a bugler who will play the last post for you.

Either as the curtain's close you can play Heart of Oak or another naval song that you find appropriate.

A short medley of sea music could be played as the mourners leave.

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If you decide to play a particular piece as the curtains close. Please ensure you give reference to it in the tribute speeches or on the service sheet.

------ o 0 O 0 o ------

LAST POST

Officially this Bugle Call is only played at sea for a funeral. Ashore at memorials and funerals.

It also forms a special part of the Royal Marines Sunset display.

________

 

Though your heart be heavy, think only this of me,
That I shared with you joy, laughter and the warmth of my soul.
That I gave to you love, and that alone shall be my guide and light.

Though your eyes may now weep, and your arms ache to hold me,
Remember this is not goodbye, but just goodnight.
B.S.