Proud to play a part on the big day

FOR Queen and country: Alan Hughes with his ‘Thank-You’ letter from the Queen.

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While most people will use pictures and videos to look back over the 60 years Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne, one Oldhamer will be able to consult his very own memories, knowing he was closer to the action than most others.

Alan Hughes (78), of Failsworth, signed up for National Service and joined the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards in 1952, the year of the Queen’s accession. What followed for him was a string of Royal duties, working for Her Majesty throughout a range of state appearances, the most memorable being her Coronation.

Stationed at Chelsea Barracks, Alan was among the few soldiers selected to guard Buckingham Palace during the momentous occasion.

Starting sentry duty on Monday, Alan was to be at the forefront of newspaper and TV coverage documenting the huge celebrations in London on the day of the Coronation, Tuesday June 2, 1953.

Alan recalls: “The crowds had gathered all night. There was a great atmosphere. I was standing six-feet inside the palace gates.

“The coronation procession went right past me, with the Queen inside her carriage. I had a fantastic view of her as she left on the journey toWestminster Abbey.”

After the crowning ceremony, Alan and his fellow guards watched the action taking place across the capital on a black and white 12” TV.

Alan said: “We could hear the crowds outside the palace gates singing a rendition of ‘Land of Hope and Glory’.

“There were about 300,000 people stretching from the palace to The Mall, all singing, without a band. You hear lots of versions of that song, but you’ll never hear one like that.

“It’s one of my most memorable moments in life.”

The coronation wasn’t to be the only time Alan had a close encounter with the Queen.

Later in 1953, he took part in Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph, the State Opening of Parliament, and was also presented with new regimental colours by the Queen.

He also worked at the Tower of London and Bank of England.

Alan said: “I was very lucky to do all those jobs with the army, not everyone would be able to say they’ve done that. You name it, I did it.”

On leaving the army in 1954, Alan moved back to Failsworth and worked in Ferranti Mill, Greenacres. He married Joan, and went on to have sons David and Trevor, who both joined the Police Force.

Joan sadly died six years ago, months after the pair celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

A keen bowls player, Alan began part-time work at the Royal Oldham Hospital when he turned 60. He still volunteers there today, transporting patients to and from operating theatres.

Wishing to regale the Queen with his tales of Royal duties, Alan recently wrote to Buckingham Palace to pass on his stories. He was delighted to receive a ‘Thank-You’ letter, praising his loyalty and support.

He said: “I’ve lots of fond memories of the Queen. I’ve always been a royalist and always will be.”


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