Falklands units to escort coffin
HUNDREDS of soldiers, sailors and airmen will spend this weekend preparing for leading roles in Lady Thatcher’s funeral.
More than 700 are taking part, drawn from units that served with distinction in the Falklands War.
They will go through their paces at barracks and bases across the country today and tomorrow.
At least four military bands will be rehearsing while the coffin-bearing party will also be ensuring they perform their role on Wednesday without a hitch.
In the early hours of Monday many London streets will be cordoned off for a full dress rehearsal. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery is to draw a gun carriage from the church of the RAF, St Clement Danes, in the Strand to St Paul’s.
On the day the carriage will carry the coffin, with cavalry riding alongside and Guardsmen walking behind and military personnel lining the street.
Units taking part include the Welsh and Scots Guards, the Parachute Regiment, the Gurkhas and Royal Marines, all of which fought in the Falklands.
Personnel from Royal Navy ships and RAF squadrons which took part in the conflict will also play a major role at the funeral.