Hearses

[JanieB]

On my way home from work along the A420 between Oxford and Swindon I passed first a Police car going towards Oxford, lights flashing but travelling slowly. This is unusual. There were then a couple of ordinary cars then another Police Car, four hearses and another Police car.

I hadn't heard or seen the news so I looked at BBC news on t'internet. I passed the soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan. Travelling from Lyneham to Oxford.

[TonyF]

When I was a young sproggy policeman back in the 60's our Force Orders demanded that when we saw a hearse we stoof to attention and saluted the coffin - couldn't see that happening now, even for soldiers, maybe for other police or fire service.

[jacob marley]

Some thing we used to do when i was a lot younger and a hearse went by was take hat off and stand still until the cortege had gone by i have not seen it done for years jacob marley

[JanieB]

When Brian (late husband died) 2 years and 9 months ago, I was heartened by the number of people who doffed their hats or curtsied as his coffin passed them on the way to the crematorium. I wanted to do the same today.

Those soldiers gave their lives for what they believed in and I'm sorry I couldn't show them the respect they deserve. They were too young and it was too soon.

I took my degree with the military (mature student) and I worry every day that I might see one or more of my alumni in the list of the dead.

[squashysu]

oh JanieB what a sad sight to see, the world is a sh@tty place when we see sights like this, I feel for them and their families and hope that they rest in peace

SS

[JanieB]

When I was a young sproggy policeman back in the 60's our Force Orders demanded that when we saw a hearse we stoof to attention and saluted the coffin - couldn't see that happening now, even for soldiers, maybe for other police or fire service.

Actually, we passed through both rural and urban areas. The people who showed respect were of all ages and sex. And they didn't know Brian from Adam. So it is out there. I think we all lose someone and if it affects us deeply we know how others feel.

[moggssue]

May they rest in peace - and may I thank them for what they have given for us all.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Janey, what a thing to see. Wish I could have been with you to pay my respects - not sure why, but these latest deaths have really got to me. My heartfelt sympathies go to their familes. Bernie

[Alice]

How sad JanieB. Poor dead boys. My sympathy to their families. They must be distraught.

[lumpyjumper]

How sad JanieB. Poor dead boys. My sympathy to their families. They must be distraught.

And Girl, the cortege was also carrying the first female to be killed in Afghanistan.

I wonder everyday if any of my previous colleagues will be listed. Sympathy indeed to each and every family and their wider circle of friends who suffer such news

[SlugLobber]

I still do stand quietly (or dip my head towards a hearse if it's going the other way). It's something I was taught to do as a kid and something I will teach my own kids to do, should I have any.