THE FUNERAL OF LORD MOUNTBATTEN [Allocated Title]

Extensive coverage, with narration, of the funeral of Lord Louis Mountbatten.

Outside Queen's Chapel at St James' Palace, a guard of 118 RN ratings prepare to pull the gun carriage. Captain Richard Bethell (HMS Excellent) stands by as Canon Anthony Caesar reads prayers and Chief Petty Officer Dykes leads the coffin bearers (all HMS Mercury personnel). The procession proceed along the Mall. Lord Mountbatten (voiceover) discusses his love for the RN. Survivors of HMS Kelly in procession - inc Tug Wilson, Nobby Hall, Muddy Waters, Ginger Mills, Joe Michaeloff (?), Rocky Wilkins (latter providing voiceover description of Mountbatten as captain). The procession reaches Horseguard's Parade, where Mountbatten's charger awaits. At Westminster Abbey, dignitaries arrive including British and European royals. The procession travels down Whitehall and into Parliament Square. The Abbey interior: the Royal party enters the Choir (the Queen and Queen Mother with their private secretaries, Princes Andrew and Edward, Colonel Gerard Lee, Captain Michael Tufnell, Lord Maclean). Other Royals in the congregation: the Gloucesters, the Kents, the Ogilvies. Outside the West Door the coffin is removed from the gun carriage under the orders of Captain Frank Trickey, while Lieutenant Robert Doyle directs the bearers into the Abbey past 45-strong Royal Marine Guard of Honour. Queen's Command fanfare as coffin enter nave. "I am the Resurrection and the Life" sung as coffin is carried to catafalque. Coverage of formal service: hymns include "God Our Father Known of Old", "I Vow to Thee My Country", "Jerusalem", "Eternal Father Him to Save". The Prince of Wales reads the lesson (Psalm 107), prayers offered by Rev Roger Jones, Right Revs Dr Donald Coggan and Professor Sir Robin Barber, and Cardinal Hume. Rev Raymond George (Moderator of Free Churches Council) reads; Dean of Westminster, Dr Edward Carpenter, reads a blessing. Indian Army Colonel leads bearers carrying Mountbatten's honours. The coffin is borne out of the Abbey with mourners following including Pamela Hicks (Lord Mountbatten's daughter), her husband David and Norton Knatchbull. Outside, the coffin is placed on a Land Rover 4x4 truck where it is driven away under escort of 6 Fox armoured cars and Met Police outriders. Brief library footage of the coffin's destination: Romsey Abbey in Hampshire, with the Mountbatten family crest inside; Lord Louis (voiceover) talks about religion and funerals. Final still photograph of Mountbatten.

U-matic