AGAINST the mournful strains of a bugle, a volley of three shots rang out at the Mandai Crematorium on Tuesday afternoon as family, friends and officers from the Singapore Armed Forces bade farewell to Second-Lieutenant Nicholas Chan Wei Kit in a full military funeral.

The 21-year-old officer - the only child of a homemaker and an engineer - died last Friday after an army Land Rover rolled backwards and hit him, pinning him under it.

Soldiers lined the crematorium driveway in the rain, each with a black band on their arm, as the hearse made its slow procession, 2LT Chan's parents trailing behind.

Eight of his fellow cadets also carried his coffin - draped with the Singapore flag - into the fully-packed hall.

There was not a dry eye in the hall as 2LT's cousin, Mr Reuben Leong, 20, delivered the eulogy on the man with a 'cheeky and heartwarming smile' they all affectionately called 'Nicky Boy'.

Mr Leong added: 'He was a bright young man with many aspirations.'

One of 2LT Chan' men also spoke of him as a 'fair and compassionate' leader, one who had no qualms about helping his men clean the army vehicles.

His parents remained composed as they accepted a folded Singapore flag, their son's ceremonial sword and his peak cap.

The Defence Ministry said investigations into the incident are ongoing.