In 1952 I was a 15 year old schoolgirl, and was one of the 30,000 children to be chosen to see the coronation procession. We arrived at Blackfriars at 6.20am and were met by stewards ready to direct parties to their respective positions along the Victoria Embankment, where special platforms had been erected. At last we took our positions along the decorated streets, and on a pitch marked E15 we settled down upon rain coats and chatted with others. Half an hour after our arrival, several lorries came carrying ice cream for everyone, a gift from education authori-ties. At 8.30am, members of the Royal Navy took up their positions to line the route. Occasion-ally a cheer would go up from the crowds and we would leap up, only to see a road sweeper finishing his job before the great procession. The police were busy arresting hawkers and caring for lost children, and the river police were patrolling in launches to retrieve property and bod-ies! During the long wait we ate sandwiches, which were also supplied.
At 10.45am, there was more cheering, and there – behind many soldiers, both on foot and mount-ed – came Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, in her golden coach drawn by eight grey horses, on her way to Westminster Abbey. Excitedly everyone cheered and cheered. After the royal procession came photographers, filming the cheering masses. We children who were watching will never forget the sight of the Queen, riding in her golden coach, smiling and waving. By 11.45am the streets were almost clear and during the journey home, as in all other trains and buses, children were emotionally discussing the beautiful scenes they had seen. I have as a momento, a replica of the Anointing Spoon which Kent Education authorities gave to all school children.
Editors note: This was originally printed in the Surrey Herald in Silver Jubilee year