Shipmates should be aware that official confirmation has been received concerning when it is appropriate to dress a coffin with a White Ensign.
Mr Paul Burrows-Gibson who is employed by Veterans Bereavement Support wrote to the MOD requesting clarification of the rules after he recognised that there was a great deal of confusion about this issue amongst Shipmates. The letter providing the response from the MOD can be found at the rear of this edition.
In summary, White Ensigns can be used at any private funeral ie not publicly funded (paid) for by the Government. In that case only Union Flags may be used.
