Troubles veteran from Cornwall to be laid to rest on Armistice Day
A military funeral is being held for 80-year-old Dennis Hutchings, who died while standing trial
Last updated 11th Nov 2021
The funeral of Northern Ireland veteran Dennis Hutchings is set to take place in Plymouth on Armistice Day.
The 80-year-old from the Cornish village of Cawsand died after contracting coronavirus while he was standing trial over a fatal Troubles shooting in 1974.
Dennis' funeral will take place at St Andrew’s Church on the 11th November, with motorbikes from Rolling Thunder UK accompanying his coffin.
The Ministry of Defence agreed to provide pallbearers after Mr Hutchings’ family lodged a formal request for members of his former regiment, the Life Guards, to attend.
Flags are permitted but the family have requested no political slogans, speeches or banners on the day.
The service will be broadcast on screens outside the church, as well as live on the internet for those who cannot attend.
His family will later hold a private event in Cornwall.
Former veterans minister and Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer is among those paying tribute to Dennis.
Tweeting ahead of the service, Mr Mercer said: "Long day of preparations for Dennis’ funeral on Thursday.
"Thank you so much to all those who are coming and taking part.. his abandonment in Northern Ireland is in total contrast to how the Nation truly feels about him.
"Plymouth will show that on Thursday, I’ve no doubt".
Rolling Thunder UK said on its website it is "very proud" to have been asked to organise the escort for the funeral cortege.
A statement read: "Dennis’s family are grateful for all the incredible support over many years and are looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible who can attend.
"For those on motorbikes and in cars who wish to accompany Dennis for his journey into Plymouth, the meet-up point will be Trerulefoot roundabout, west of Plymouth on the A38 (time to be confirmed).
"Those who wish to pay their respects to Dennis on foot should head for Royal Parade Plymouth".
Mr Hutchings had pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of John Pat Cunningham, and his solicitor Philip Barden said he had wanted to clear his name.
The case had become the focus of attention in recent years as a number of other prosecutions were announced against veterans over deaths which took place during Northern Ireland’s Troubles.
Dennis Hutchings' funeral will take place at The Minister Church of St Andrew in Plymouth at 1pm on Thursday 11th November.