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Guidance

Purple Book bereavement guide

The Purple Book provides guidance, information, and support following the death of a Service Person while still in service.

Updates to this page

From:
Ministry of Defence and Veterans UK
Published:
11 May 2017
Last updated:
16 December 2025
Show all updates

  1. 'The Purple Book bereavement guide' has been updated.

  2. Updated 'Purple Book bereavement guide'.

  3. Updated version to replace existing documents

  4. Contact details updated.

  5. Updated contact details

  6. Amended attachment as updated version provided.

  7. Updated email address

  8. Replaced the Purple Purple with the latest edition

  9. Purple Pack replaced with latest edition

  10. Purple Pack replaced with the latest edition

  11. Replaced Purple Pack with latest edition

  12. First published.

Documents

Purple Book bereavement guide

HTML

Purple Book bereavement guide

PDF, 3.17 MB, 16 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email ddc-modinternet@mod.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This document provides guidance primarily to the families of Service Personnel and those responsible for handling the practical elements of bereavement, e.g. funerals, entitlements and benefits.

The book also contains resources for those more widely affected by the loss, with links to further support networks, and details about the Visiting Officer (VO) and Veterans Services Case Manager that will be assigned to provide direct support following the loss.

Ownership

The Purple Book is owned by the Armed Forces People Support (AFPSp) team on behalf of the MOD. The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) is the lead organisation managing all practical requirements following bereavement, including the provision of the Purple Book.

AFPSp work closely with JCCC and the Defence Bereaved Families Group (DBFG) to ensure this document remains accurate and relevant. Any issues or comments specific to this document should be directed to DBS-JCCCGroupMailbox@mod.gov.uk.

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