Organising an RAF Funeral
Advice on arranging a special funeral
Here are some answers to the questions you may have if you are planning a funeral for someone who served in the RAF and you would like to honour the person’s service as part of the funeral:
- The Royal Air Forces Ensign is only flown at an operational station and is not allowed to be used to drape a coffin.
- A Union Flag can be used as a coffin drape.
- A RAF Association coffin drape may be available through your Area office, please contact them to find out.
- The RAF Badge symbol is only to be used on a headstone for serving personnel where the government is responsible for the maintenance of the stone.
- We are unable to provide a Guard of honour. However, a request can be made by the family for a Royal Air Force representative through their local Station Warrant Officer who, where circumstances allow, will do their best to arrange one.
- A request for a trumpeter, if available, may be made through your local RAF Association branch or Area office.
Special readings and prayers
There is a number of readings, poems and prayers associated with the RAF. Click here to view and download a text document that has some of the most requested readings, hymns and prayers written out in full.