大象传媒

A victory parade on the 8th June1946 was a chance for the public to show its appreciation to all the armed services that had freed war torn Europe and helped to keep Britain safe. After five years of hardship it was a day of rejoicing to see the forces as they marched past us towards a saluting base erected in The Mall. Roads to the vicinity were closed by eight a.m. Dad, Mum and I left home at five a.m., and got as near as we could by bus before walking to find a good vantage point. We tried for The Mall but it was so crowded we couldn't get through, and settled for a space outside the Horse Guards sentry boxes in Whitehall, which proved to be a good place to watch the military life of the inner courtyard.

There is nothing quite like the humour of a London crowd. Everything that moved raised a cheer from the happy throng. Dustmen and road sweepers were given a warm welcome as they spread sand across the road, even a stray cat zooming after a pigeon got encouragement. First aid stations cared for those for whom the day proved too much and patients were carried away bouncing along on stretchers. Police alternating with soldiers of every nation, lined pavements to use a friendly restraint.

Peeping through the wide crack of the door hinges, I saw guards changing duty within the barracks. This was the first time since the beginning of the war that ceremonial dress could be worn, and I watched spellbound as toy soldiers came to life. Wearing brass helmets with swaying horsehair plumes, white straps crossed red jackets, white breeches, black thigh boots with metal spurs and swords clanking from the hip. They looked magnificent. Two gleaming black horses with lambswool saddles were led in, paraded around and meticulously looked over before the two pristine troopers also inspected, mounted the chargers. Stiff blancoed gloves were held out for hands and swords were given into their care. Two obviously high ranking military men, then came to inspect the mounted pair who sat immobile until the royal carriage was to pass.

Red white and blue flowers massed from every window box. Street standards billowed sheets of national colours and fluttering ribbons. A lion and unicorn plaque perched atop each magnificence and in rightful place, the royal crown settled this array. We sported rosettes, held paper cones and union jacks to wave when the time came. Vendors sold sandwiches and lemonade. They too were dressed either in red, white or blue and in the morning haze, appeared as slow bobbing balloons drifting their way down the road. Making temporary friends with those beside us we sang and joked until it was time.

A hush spread through the crowd as Big Ben chimed the appointed hour. Anticipation of the greatest show ever to evoke national pride was about to begin. There would be so many royal families to see. Children were pushed forward to sit on the kerb. A great cheer arose as dustmen spreading more sand, mockingly bowed to their subject! Far, far away came the sound of a lone bagpipe, followed by drums banging and vibrating. A brass band echoed its notes, causing great excitement. We craned our necks to see what was coming.

Police horses led the parade. Followed by the Senior Service. Naval contingents of every rank in smart blue and white uniform pass by to receive a special cheer from us (my brother was a sailor.) Commonwealth nauticals, their uniforms and varying headwear setting them apart, marched smartly by. An army band led its personnel to step with accustomed timing of barrack parades. White helmeted Royal Marines ram rod smart, marched to their signature tune, 'A life on the ocean wave.' Represented units of ack-ack, searchlight, bomb disposal and barrage balloon corps who had protected the home front, won a comradely cheer. The Royal Air Force quiet and almost out of step, showing that they were masters of the air not the ground sloped along. Commando and parachute regiments got a tremendous cheer. So much bravery shown when they were dropped into unknown enemy territory. Commonwealth agents again had our praise and we tried by our applause, to show how grateful we were that they had come to our aid. Military police and dog handlers with their dogs, nursing services in clinical white, grey or blue got us clapping. Now marching in proud unison, were the uniformed patriots who had escaped to England and fought to free their countries. A flash or flag on the epaulette told us they were - Free French, Poles, Dutch, Belgian, Greek, Chech, Jewish brigades and many others. Plan coated people, who we supposed were intelligence comrades walked together.

The variety of colour in the clothes of the kilted and turbaned mountain men from India and the Pacific Polynesian islands, all gave a brightness to the lines of khaki. The American service men of every rank and denomination marched together keeping in time to the 'Star Spangled Banner.' So many bands playing their own countries anthems, that they overlapped each other and musically lifted the spectators. Preceding the royal cortege and the last military to pass, were the gurkhas. It made me gasp to see these small compact fighters wearing pillbox or turbans, white gloves and gaiters. Their sabres sheathed and with such military wearing. Generation after generation had fought and with tenacious ferocity for The Crown.

Roadmen strewed yet more sand, so we knew that horses were coming. There was activity behind us, heavy doors swung back to reveal mounted troopers. Sentry boxes held the two that I had been watching. A way was cleared and out they clattered to stand motionless awaiting the passing of their sovereign. A band in full regalia played the National Anthem. We stood in silent respect, then cheered ourselves hoarse as a detachment of the household cavalry, helmets and breastplates gleaming, clattered by on shining beasts to lead the royal procession. Closeted around the King's open carriage were more mounted soldiers.

A single trumpet blew, accompanying a salute by the King's life guard. The royal standard dipped and swords stiffened to a 'carry' position as a sign of respect. The State landau passed so close and it was a stirring moment. King George in braided naval uniform, Queen Elizabeth beside him wearing a blue hat and coat. The two princesses sat opposite their parents and all were smiling and waving. Princess Margaret obviously excited by the occasion kept turning to see everything and gave a special wave to the children along the pavements. We shook our flags and cheered this family who had not deserted us during wartime. The King passed, then the guards troop wheeled and withdrew behind closed doors again.

Carriage after carriage spun along with their royal occupants. All accompanied by soldiers on horseback and outflanked by walking guardsmen. Bands marched ever onward, reviving the flagging masses with stirring music.

There were the Dutch royal family, a large Queen of Tonga and her equally large son, obviously enjoying this happy day inspite of the rain showers that threatened the procession. They stood waving and their carriage rocked precariously. Kings and queens of many countries, representatives from America, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Africa and India passed. European governing heads, Eastern gentlemen accompanied by elegant ladies politely waved from their coaches.

Jauntily walking, came civilian men and women who had also given of themselves to protect the home front. Air raid wardens, home guard, civil defence units, WRVS. ambulance and fire fighters. Industrial workers, land army, red cross, shelter leaders, telephonists and messengers. Rescue teams and tea ladies. Armoured vehicles too numerous to mention took part in a drive past the saluting base. Bringing this long parade to an end were the pearly king, queen and princess of the costers, denoting the spirit of London.

Mounted and walking policemen restrained us as we followed the procession under Admiralty Arch to reach Buckingham Palace. Far, far away, the royal family came many times on to the balconies, waving to the thronging millions, or was it just to me? What a united free country we now were.

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