Guidance

Purple Book bereavement guide

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

Documents

Purple Book bereavement guide

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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.

Updates to this page

Published 11 May 2017
Last updated 24 February 2025 show all updates
  1. Updated 'Purple Book bereavement guide'.

  2. Updated version to replace existing documents

  3. Contact details updated.

  4. Updated contact details

  5. Amended attachment as updated version provided.

  6. Updated email address

  7. Replaced the Purple Purple with the latest edition

  8. Purple Pack replaced with latest edition

  9. Purple Pack replaced with the latest edition

  10. Replaced Purple Pack with latest edition

  11. First published.

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