Major Chris Wheddon’s Body Returns Home
Shortly after 6pm last night [Sept 20], the British Airways flight from Gatwick landed at the LF Wade International Airport carrying the body of Major Christian Wheddon. The plane was met at the terminal by various officials and Major Wheddon’s family members, with the flag draped casket received by a Regimental guard.
Bermuda Regiment soldiers received the casket and carried it past those gathered to an awaiting funeral home vehicle, which left the airport with a police escort. Many vehicles stopped outside the airport and members of the public peered through the fence to witness the somber repatriation.
Major Wheddon was killed in a traffic accident on September 9th in the UK, after the Mitsubishi Warrior he was a passenger in went off the carriageway. He was in the UK conducting training, and was on his way to his next assignment when the collision occurred.
The 43-year-old served as a police officer before joining the Regiment in 1987, where he rose to the rank of Major and served as the Adjutant of the Regiment in 2004-2008 and ADC to the Governor from 2008 – 2011.
Major Wheddon was highly respected within the community, with those paying tribute to him including Commanding Officer Lt/Col Brian Gonsalves, Captain Ben Beasley, Former Commanding Officer and Honorary Colonel Eugene Raynor, Former Regiment Commanding Officer Lt/Col Edward Lamb, Defence Board Chairman Major Wendell Hollis, Governor George Fergusson, Minister of National Security Wayne Perinchief, Opposition Leader Craig Cannonier, UBP Leader Kim Swan, Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva and many more.
- Footage by Kenneth Byron carried by permission, and courtesy of, the Bermuda Regiment.
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Rest in peace sir, and my condolences to his family.
Condolences to his family and friends. RIP Major Christian Wheddon RIP. I did not know him or the family but will continue to pray from them.
This is truly one of the saddest things I have ever seen. My deepest condolences to Major Wheddon’s family and friends. It must be an unbearable loss for you all.
Absolutely heartbreaking to watch, and my thoughts are with all of Chris’ family and friends. I am gratified to see the Regiment doing such a good job of taking care of one of their own – a fitting tribute to a kind, gentle, well-respected and clearly much loved man.
@Tired Mom-While this is the first time I’ve witnessed a soldier’s body come home to Bermuda like this, I’ve been to a few local military funerals and the send-off the Regiment gives its soldiers is awesome. They really do make sure they’re given the respect they deserve whether they be a private or a higher ranking soldier.
I agree that this is so sad…I really feel for Major Wheddon’s family. My thoughts are also with the family of Aaron Smith…it’s awful when you lose someone so unexpectedly. My prayers are with them all.
Agreed, Mayan – that was not a criticism of the Regiment, and many apologies if it came across as such. I was in fact deeply moved by the way that they are taking care of one of their own.
So very sad for his family and young children. I wish the family as fast a recovery as possible during this terrible time for them, my prayers are with you. God Bless.
Thank You All for your kind words and prayers. The numerous cards, calls and condolences are a comfort to us and help us keep going during these hard days. He was a great man.
I attended school with Chris, Mark and Julian. Chris was one year ahead of me, and was my friend, as are Mark and Julian. I also served my country in the Bermuda Regiment, and in my opinion, the cost of losing a leader of Major Wheddon’s calibre is immeasurable. Rest in Peace, Chris.