Proud memories from Queen’s coronation

The Diamond Jubilee has brought back special memories for one South Anston man who lined the streets to protect the Queen at her coronation.

Ian Scott was serving in the RAF when King George VI died on 6th February 1952.

“We all knew the King had died and there would be a coronation, but it scarcely occurred to any of us that there might be in our number members of the forces who would line the streets to protect our future Queen,” he said.

“The sergeant brought us all to attention and called out ‘you, you and you’ and I was one of the men selected.”

The chosen few - selected simply because they were the right height - spent the next six months training for their big moment.

They exercised in the gym and carried their rifles for the same distance at it was from Hyde Park to Regent Street.

“When the day came it was very cold and very wet. One of the highlights of the parade for me was the beaming face of Queen Salote,” said Mr Scott.

“The rain was pouring down and yet she drove along in an open carriage - a sight remembered by all who witnessed her obvious joy at being part of this wonderful occasion.”

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