The funeral of Field Marshal Sir John Chapple GCB CBE DL MA(Cantab) took place on Monday 11th April 2022 at the family church of St John’s, Bishopstone, just outside Salisbury. It was attended by some 80 invited family and friends that included a small contingent from the Sirmoor Club.
At the request of HRH The Prince of Wales, Lieutenant General Sir Peter Duffell was privileged to represent the Regiment’s former Colonel in Chief at the funeral.
It was a poignant service, very much led by the family whose speeches focused on the quality of the man as both father and grandfather. The Brigade was represented by the two Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officers who paid respects to the cortege as it entered and left the church.
A bugler from the Pipes & Drums of the Royal Gurkha Rifles sounded the Last Post and Reveille at the graveside. Their duties were performed with the utmost military precision and dignity. The Field Marshal would have thoroughly approved.
Colonel (Retd) William Shuttlewood OBE – Chairman 2 GR RA
