Could anyne please guide me with excepted protocol when paying my respects at CWGC cemetery. On Friday I will be in Arnhem for four days. I have been researching war memorials in my home town (please see my signature). While I'm in Arnhem I will be paying my respects to ten men buried in Oosterbeek Cemetery that came from my home Town of Wolverhampton. I have bought ten RBL poppy crosses,I have no connection to them through family,so I need guidance do I write a message on them if so what,I just want to make sure I pay my respects correctly. Regards Doug.
Originally posted by Doug Lewis@Sep 5 2005, 07:18 PM Could anyne please guide me with excepted protocol when paying my respects at CWGC cemetery. On Friday I will be in Arnhem for four days. I have been researching war memorials in my home town (please see my signature). While I'm in Arnhem I will be paying my respects to ten men buried in Oosterbeek Cemetery that came from my home Town of Wolverhampton. I have bought ten RBL poppy crosses,I have no connection to them through family,so I need guidance do I write a message on them if so what,I just want to make sure I pay my respects correctly. Regards Doug. [post=38633]Quoted post[/post] I suppose its the same for any graveyard. if you want to put a message on them, it should be short and simple
Very good idea, I'm sure you'll appreciate the visit. In your circumstances I would suggest writing something like "Thank You", succinct and appropriate. You'll have a chance to write more in the cemetery's Book of Remembrance located behind a small metal door, usually in an arch somewhere. Just help yourself. If you want to be pedantic, salutes are not made unless the person or people are in their own uniform, or, 'civi uniform' which typically includes beret/cap, military tie, crested blazer, grey or navy trousers and ideally black shoes. A beret is the absolute bare minimum - crested blazer and/or tie doesn't salute. The RBL currently seem to accept family wearing the above in recognition of their deceased. If Veterans are present and formed-up, usually family do not rank with them but sometimes form their own ranks. Usually they do not salute. I believe RBL even accept medals being worn by family, but on the right breast. Regimental or family traditions can override some protocol however. Everyone is very welcome to pay their respects of course, which is much appreciated. Be respectfully dressed and in place of a salute bow your head. No.9
