I'm really, really disappointed with the decision. 'He served 26 years in the Army, put his life on the line. 'I was told you have to be a serving soldier but he was in court for his service as a soldier. His son John said at the weekend: 'I have only asked the Life Guards one thing in the last six-and-a-half years and that is to have pallbearers in uniform. It is up to each regiment to decide whether it grants military funerals for retired soldiers.īut Mr Hutchings' family were reportedly told it could not be accommodated because he was no longer serving. He contracted Covid and died alone in hospital on October 18, despite pleas to return to his native Cornwall. He said he was determined to clear his name over his alleged role in the shooting of John Pat Cunningham in County Tyrone almost 50 years ago.īut just days into the trial, Mr Hutchings fell ill. Mr Hutchings travelled to Belfast this month to stand trial for attempted murder, despite suffering from kidney failure.
I know the wider country is fiercely proud of them. 'I've never understood the shame we seem to have towards this generation of Veterans. 'Frankly I'm a little tired of reading all the vexed letters and emails from retired Military Officers and Ministers who decry the appalling treatment of this man, but did nothing to help him when they had the opportunity, or are too frightened to raise their head in public now. 'It's not hard for someone to make a decision, but encapsulates how difficult this has been to make sure Dennis is looked after. 'Ministers claim its for Commanding Officers to decide Commanding Officers then blame Ministers. He told MailOnline: 'I still can't get an answer as to whether Dennis' family will get his wish.
Mr Mercer has been left outraged by MoD officials and politicians for not confirming Mr Hutchings' coffin can be carried by soldiers from the Life Guards at his funeral on November 11.
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