210. FUNERALS.
For Rank and File.
The firing party, consisting of 1 serjeant, 1 corporal and 12 privates, will be drawn up two deep, one pace interval between files, facing the building where the body is placed. The corporal will be on the right of the front rank. The serjeant will give all words of command, and be posted in rear of the centre. Arms will be at the slope.
The pall-bearers will see that the flag, head-dress and side-arms are properly arranged on the coffin. The head-dress should be tied to the side-arms to prevent the former falling.
As the body is brought out the serjeant will give the command PRESENT—ARMS, and when the coffin has been placed on the gun-carriage, REVERSE—ARMS. RIGHT—TURN (the corporal will now take up his place two paces in front and midway between the ranks). SLOW—MARCH.
The mourners and band and drummers with drums muffled will have formed up in two ranks at two paces interval and eight paces from each other, facing inwards, through which the firing party will pass in the following order:—Firing party; band and drummers (moving in their proper formation as soon as the firing party has passed); body and bearers; chief mourners (if any); mourners. The latter will move in fours made up by two and two, front and rear rank, commencing on the inner flank.
The drums will play the “Dead March” when about 300 yards from the hospital, and continue for such a distance as the officer in charge may have ordered before marching off.
When the drums cease playing the firing party will break into “quick time,” the remainder conforming. Rifles will be carried at the trail, butt leading, sling uppermost. During the march arms may be changed, but the party will not be allowed to “march at ease.”
When at a convenient distance from the cemetery the party will break into “slow time,” the men will “reverse arms,” and the band will play.
When the head of the procession arrives near the ground where it is to meet the clergyman, the ranks will open out to six paces distance and the serjeant will give the command HALT. INWARDS—TURN (the ranks will face each other). REST ON YOUR ARMS—REVERSED. STAND AT EASE. (The whole working by the corporal, who will perform the exercise.)