What music for RAF Funeral?

[notnowbernard]

My lovely dad's funeral is next week. He retired in the 80's after serving 20 odd years.

He wasn't very religious and I have to think of music/hymns for the service.

I've decided on the Dambusters as we enter the Chapel and 633 Squadron for when we're walking out. I have to think of one other piece for halfway through and a hymn or two.

I couldn't bear anything slow and depressing and he loved marching music. Anyone any ideas? Any suggestions of uplifting hymns gratefully received.

 

[Parky]

My first reaction when i saw the title was Nimrod by Elgar, however you dont want slow, so the Royal Airforce March is quite a quick step.

 

[flintwich]

Theme from the Battle of Britain, starts off slow though gets faster as it goes on

 

[8:15fromOdium]

nownowbernard, sorry to hear of your loss.

There are a couple of hyms and prayers at the RAF Chaplains website: http://www.raf.mod.uk/chaplains/liturgicalresources/rafhymns.cfm

I hope the day goes well and you give him a good send off.

 

[notnowbernard]

Thank you so much for the replies- I shall go and look at that link.

 

[Stevienics]

I think we did one of these not so long ago - maybe there is a Mod out there still lucid?

 

[Tashy_Man]

I think we did one of these not so long ago ?

This LINK is to the previous thread about Funeral Marches

 

[dkh51250]

Was at a funeral about 18 months ago and he was carried in to "Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines".

 

[Oberon305]

This might sound like I'm mocking you, but I promise I'm not.

If you want people to smile, try the 'Blackadder goes forth' theme tune.

I know it's a solemn occasion, but it might lift peoples spirits up.

 

[Jim_P_Pulfrew]

Bridge over the River Kwai is from his era and if there are a lot of his peers attending, I reckon it will raise a wry smile from some, whistling along from others and maybe even the words 'Hitler has only got one ball, the other is in the Albert Hall' from the mischievous few.


Jimps

 

[shettie]

Barbers Adagio... Written by a guy who was a tail gunner in B29's during the war...

 

[terence]

how about the first raf marchpast which was out of the blue. most people will remember it as the football tune on the radio back in the fifties.damn,i,ve given my age away again.hope the old fellow gets a good send of.my old sergeant always said there was nothing to beat a good funeral...

 

[GEM]

I've got a friend in the trade so to speak, he's a vicar. He reckons anything with a military theme is suitable and he told me last year one family ven had Tubthumping.

 

[notnowbernard]

You lot probably don't realise how your replies are helping me - is it possible to sob so much................. he really was a special pops.

Anyway, after looking through all your suggestions and some of the links and knowing my dad I've decided to go into the Chapel to Dambusters - I just think that will set the scene as it were. During the service there will be 633 Squadron and also Bridge Over the River Kwai - thanks for that Jim, would never have thought of it but it would be so right, especially if people did start whistling.

We will then leave to Vera Lynns 'We'll meet again'.

RAFA have also been brill and they will send along a standard bearer who will play the last post.

Shall I report back next week to let people know how it goes - just in case anyone else is in the same situation as me?

 

[dkh51250]

So long as you have a couple of beers afterwards, remember all the good times, and all the laughs you had together.

 

[Jim_P_Pulfrew]

May be I so bold to suggest a note in the order of service along the lines of 'Whistling along is encouraged'?

It will be a tough old day, but reflecting on the good times and laughing about them with others is the best way to do it. The days of sackcloth and ashes are gone and celebration of a good life well lived is the order of the day.

Glad to be of help

Jimps

 

[notnowbernard]

Jim - you ought to be the 'funeral planner'. I shall make sure the order of service specifically states 'whistling encouraged' next to that tune.

Thank you.

 

[Dave-exfairy]

I know it's been mentioned, but how about taking your Dad out to the RAF March, Highland Cathedral or even the strains of the Black Bear?
How about the people attending wearing bright colours? I feel a funeral is a celebration of life and as such black should not be worn.

 

[Smokinbarrels]

How about Reach For The Sky by the Royal Air Force Band?

 

[Boarderlyne]

'Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer' isn't too shabby a tune to use. As all the more senior members (Stand up at the back!) will remember it, it's the tune from A Bridge Too Far, but the Bread of Heaven refrain will have all of you thinking of Zulu and Men of Harlech. My daughter had it at her wedding and not a dry eye in the house, but in a happy way.

Just a thought as I know it's going in my order of service when I attend the last Gate Count down below.