大象传媒

A Very Special Event

It was towards the end of 1942 when I learned that the station was to be visited by someone high up. Obviously it would not have been wise to announce our visitor(s) as we shall find out. As a young, twenty year old officer, I discovered that I was likely to be involved in the proceedings. I was instructed in how to make a short speech and how to propose the health of our visitor(s ). Even the "passing of the port" was a lesson in itself.

Though it was war time, a strict dress code was put into operation. Flying suits, etc were banned. Lunch time arrive and all officers not on duty prepared to enter the large dining room. About fifteen minutes later we were all brought to attention and were then made aware of who our visitors were for in came His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. She was charming, all smiles and looking absolutely radiant, in spite of suffering all the bombing of London.

It was a wonderful feeling to be sitting in the presence of their Majesties. Though I was not personally introduced to them, I did have the privilege of proposing the toast, so I suppose, that indirectly, I did actually address her and her husband.

Though many years have passed since this special time took place, I still feel honoured to have been in the company of the Queen, a lady who continued to exude charm until her death in 2002.

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