Joint exercise in war grave service

The exercise took place in the Östra Roslagen and partly in the Västra Roslagen groups of parishes in Uppsala diocese and was a collaboration between the Swedish Armed Forces, the Church of Sweden, the Swedish Tax Agency, the Swedish Defence Conscription and Assessment Agency and the Swedish Police. The entire chain – from taking care of, identifying and transporting the bodies of fictitious fallen to their burial – is being tested. This is the first time that such an exercise has been organised jointly with all the stakeholders involved.

Facing new questions

“The Church of Sweden has a social obligation as the burial authority for almost the entire country,” says Lars Viper, vicar in the Östra Roslagen group of parishes. “It is crucial that this obligation is met, even in a situation of crisis and, ultimately, war.”

“Although war is not imminent, this exercise addresses the seriousness of the global situation but is also about increasing our preparedness,” he continues. “Conducting realistic exercises is immensely valuable. Questions and decisions arise that we have never faced before, and we get to learn what works, but also what needs to be improved.”

No mass graves

It is strongly emphasised in the exercise that it is not a question of digging mass graves. Each fallen soldier and sailor is given their own grave. This applies to Swedish forces and allied forces, as well as those killed on the opposing side. Before the fallen are transported from the collection point, a service of worship is held, led by the field chaplain. Each burial is also accompanied by a short ceremony during which a specially prepared text is read out. Both the Swedish Armed Forces and the Church of Sweden make concerted efforts to ensure that each fallen person is laid to rest in a burial ground in their home town. However, where this is not possible, it should also be possible to make the temporary graves permanent.

“We are now practicing managing the things we are used to doing in peacetime – but under great mental and physical strain,” says Lars Viper.“I am proud of our employees and of the fact that the church’s organisation works and is well-equipped for both peace and crisis.”

The importance of rites

Karin Johannesson, Bishop of Uppsala Diocese, visited the exercise on Wednesday and was able to follow the entire process, from receiving the fallen to their burial. Among the things that resonated strongly with her was the importance of rites, she says.

“Not many words are required, but they provide meaning and dignity that carry people through an extreme situation like this.”

The power of joint exercises

Camilla Asp, Secretary General of the Church of Sweden, sees power and immense value in the fact that the Church of Sweden, as a natural part of Sweden’s civil defence, engages in exercises with the Swedish Armed Forces and other government agencies.

“We are now raising awareness of our responsibilities and roles to an even greater extent within our organisation,” she says. “We will take the lessons learned from the exercise with us into our daily activities. We are demonstrating the increased level of preparedness across society – and that we stand united.”

Facts: war grave service

War grave service operates on the principle of using the closest possible burial ground, regardless of religious or other background. The term encompasses all stages – from the care and identification of the fallen and contact between the relevant government agencies, to transport and burial.

Words read at the burials of the fallen

You have died for Sweden
You have done your duty and this is being acknowledged
This burial is taking place out of necessity and is temporary
Rest and wait here

Variants of the text are also available for allied fallen and for enemy soldiers, as well as a Swedish version.

AURORA 26

The AURORA 26 exercise is taking place in large parts of Sweden between 27 April and 13 May. It is a Swedish-led exercise with contributions from several allied countries. Around 18,000 people are taking part in the exercise. Read more on the website of the Swedish Armed Forces.