Military funeral at Wimborne Minster

The cortege of Rifleman Phil Allen, killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan is making its way to Wimborne, where the funeral of the young Verwood rifleman will be conducted at 1pm.

After leaving the family home, the cortege will halt briefly at the Verwood War Memorial in the town centre.  Verwood’s mayor, Cllr Michael Dolan has asked that people stand outside the shops as the cortege passes through.

The service in Wimborne Minster will be conducted by the Reverend Andrew Sinclair, vicar of St Michael’s and All Angels Church, Verwood and army padre Reverend Tracey Bateson.

At the suggestion of the town’s mayor Cllr John Burden, shopkeepers in Wimborne will close from 12.40-1pm and people will line the streets as the funeral procession is led through with a guard of honour provided by standard bearers from the Royal British Legion.

Rifleman Allen, 20, proposed to his fiancée Karina Pharoah on the day he flew to Afghanistan.  Only a few weeks later, while serving with 4 Rifles, the talented musician was killed.

Following the funeral at Wimborne Minster, there will be a private family cremation at Poole Crematorium.