The South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet advise that a State Funeral to celebrate the life and achievements of Mr Raymond ‘Ray’ Merrill DFC, a World War II Bomber Command veteran and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, will take place at 11.00 am on Thursday, 30 July 2026 in the Main Chapel of Berry’s Funeral Home, Norwood, South Australia.
Mr Merrill served his nation with extraordinary courage as a tail gunner in the Royal Air Force’s 218 Squadron during World War II, completing 36 operational missions. He went on to play a role in some of the most significant operations of the war, including the deception efforts supporting the D-Day landings. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for “skill and fortitude in operations against the enemy” and was discharged in November 1945 with the rank of Flying Officer.
Details regarding the service and online condolences are available on the Government of South Australia's website.
As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Thursday 30 July 2026 in South Australia only from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.
- When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
- If a set of flags includes the flags of other nations, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.
- An acceptable half-mast position would be when the top of the flag is a third of the distance down from the top of the flagpole.
- Information on flag protocol is available on the Department's website.
Your assistance is appreciated.
Commonwealth Flag Officer