Johnny Mercer, the Conservative MP who accompanied Hutchings from his home in Cornwall to his trial in Belfast, said on Tuesday: “I am pleased for the family that the MoD will honour Dennis Hutchungs in death as they failed to in life. He was a good man who served his country proudly in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Mercer resigned as a defence minister in anger and frustration at the Government’s failure to introduce legislation to protect veterans from prosecution over the Troubles.

Philip Barden, Hutchings’ solicitor, said: “I am pleased this is now happening. Dennis was described in court by a prosecution witness as the epitome of the best soldier in the British Army and so it is fitting that the Army is doing this for him, his family and the veterans.”

Thousands of veterans are expected to line the route to the church in Plymouth when the funeral takes place on November 11.

An Army spokesman said: “Mr Hutchings served for many years with great dignity, diligence and courage. His passing is a personal tragedy for his family, regimental family and his friends and we extend our sincere condolences to all that knew and cared for him.

“The Army was formally approached to provide a bearer party for the funeral on Friday, this request was actioned in line with policy. As a mark of respect to Mr Hutchings, his service and his family, the decision was made today by the Army to support the request. His former regiment will provide a bearer party and trumpeter at his funeral.”

Last week, the MoD insisted the Life Guards regiment “does not provide regimental pallbearers for retired personnel” and said Hutchings was not entitled to a regimental funeral.

Hutchings had been charged with attempted murder over the death of John Patrick Cunningham, a 27-year-old man with learning difficulties, who was shot in the back as he ran away from an Army patrol. Hutchings said that another soldier, who since died, had confessed to firing the fatal shots.