HAVING just followed my father into the Royal Navy, I was surprised and delighted to be able to attend the Coronation of our new Queen on June 2, 1953.

We dozen or so were taken from Warwickshire to London, in the very early hours, had breakfast at the railway station next to Trafalgar Square, where we formed up to march up the Mall.

The military were already lining the route and we were amazed at the vast number of people now in the parks either side.

What a thrilling day lay ahead!

Weather became fine but showery, but the general atmosphere was uplifting.

Our aiming point was to be on the Victoria Memorial, next to the Palace.

As we joined the hundreds already established there, they welcomed us with good humour as we squeezed in to enjoy what was to come.

We positioned ourselves as close to the road as possible, so were able to get the clearest view possible to await the golden carriage with the Princess, which eventually appeared, giving us an excellent view into the carriage.

What a wonderful picture, the most stunningly attractive young woman, smiling and waving.

We severely removed our white hats to wave back, our freshly blackened hats now dripping under the most recent shower (later made of plastic, thankfully!)

What a day!

The weather was forgotten, such was the euphoria at that moment!

The reception she received as she passed down the Mall to her Coronation ought to have been recorded, and probably was!

Having just lost my darling wife of 50 years recently, I now have to deal with losing my Queen.

God bless the King…I know exactly how he feels.

Bert Fryer

Crediton