Representatives from Civilian Services Contingent to take part in funeral procession for Queen Elizabeth II

In total there will be 88 taking part, representing ten different services, including the Police, Fire, Merchant Navy and St John Ambulance. This group is known as the CSC which each year also has its volunteers take part at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.

This year the commander of the group is Chief Constable of Surrey Police, Gavin Stephens QPM. The commander role alternates each year between the police and fire services, and is scheduled years in advance.

The 88 met up on Wednesday evening for a full dress rehearsal in the early hours of Thursday morning, the first of a number of rehearsals before Monday. They will form up in Victoria Street in London and walk in full uniform for approximately 1.3 miles as part of the procession.

Chief Constable Stephens first shadowed the commander role at the Remembrance Sunday service in 2020 ahead of assuming responsibility fully in 2021. The ceremonial responsibilities stay with the role-holder for 12 months from each year’s service.

CC Stephens said: “To be a part of the contingent on behalf of all uniformed services is the honour of a lifetime.

“There has been a steadfast bond between the monarchy, and in particular the Queen, with the uniformed civilian services throughout her reign and we are proud to be able to pay our respects, and represent our services, as part of the state funeral procession.

“Meticulous planning goes into every part of the procession, whether ceremonial or the operational and logistical support behind the scenes, all of which require a great deal of professionalism.  The contingent has been assembled at short notice, from far and wide, to perform our final duty in service of Queen Elizabeth.”

Notes to editors:

Images of the rehearsals will be available in this photo gallery from approximately 9am onwards on Thursday morning (Sept 15).

Credit for the images should go to: www.andersonphotography.co.uk

The USC contingent is made up of:

Senior Grades (4) – see below

Merchant Navy (8)

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (8)

HM Coastguard (4)

Police Services of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland / British Transport Police and other non-Home Office Forces (16)

Fire and Rescue Services from England and Wales, Scotland and Channel Islands (16)

Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (16)

Statutory Ambulance Services of the United Kingdom (4)

St John Ambulance (4)

British Red Cross (4)

Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (4)

Senior Grades:

The front file of the contingent (right to left as they march) is made up as follows:

Alan Cook CStJ JP

Alan is a retired chief inspector who served with Essex Police for 30 years. He was appointed to coordinate all matters in relation to the CSC in 2018. A lifelong volunteer with St John Ambulance (47 years) he has held many senior positions at local and national level. He will be wearing his St John Ambulance uniform as he leads the CSC.

Gavin Stephens QPM:

Gavin is the Chief Constable of Surrey Police and was the CSC commander when the contingent paraded on Remembrance Sunday in 2021.

Captain Gary Shattock:

Gary represents the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Captain Charles Woodward AFNI MN:

Charles represents the Merchant Navy

Marshals:

The CSC Marshals are Warrant Officer Class 1 - Richard Parry (SO3 Ceremonial Requirements for 

Headquarters London District) and Major Joe Dinwiddie (Welsh Guards).