A Coronation to Remember

Whilst the majority of the home owners are aged over 55, few have memories of the late Queen’s coronation on 2nd June 1953.  One of the exceptions is Jim, who not only remembers the coronation of King George VI but also has special memories of the Queen’s coronation when he witnessed the events in person. 

At the time, Jim was stationed at RAF Nuneham Park near Oxford, completing his National Service. His father, who was Clerk of Works for the Ministry, was responsible for ensuring that all the preparations along the route of the procession complied with the critical path network – and that all would be completed on time. The task brought his father a considerable amount of attention; he was frequently interviewed by Radio Newsreel.

When the events organised by the military ended, Jim and his Geordie friend joined the masses heading towards Buckingham Palace. Jim half-hoped for the chance to meet up with his family but, of course, this proved impossible given the crowds. The young men, however, stayed in London enjoying the atmosphere until long after nightfall. They had intended spending the night at the Waterloo Services Club but this was fully booked so they made their way to the station where they caught the train to Leatherhead and then walked to Fetcham where Jim’s mother was preparing their overnight accommodation. The following morning, before they returned to their RAF base, despite the rationing, Jim and his friend tucked into a full English breakfast prepared by Jim’s mother.

For Jim, the Queen’s Coronation festivities were not over. Jim’s Commanding Officer decided to hold his own celebrations. Invitations were sent to officers on neighbouring Air Bases requesting their presence at a Ball to be held in the historic Nuneham House. In preparation, the Commanding Officer decided to make the most of the skills and talents of the group of National Servicemen, which mainly comprised commercial or design artists or draughtsmen. The men were given the freedom to decorate all authorised areas for the event.

The airmen, who were in their element, lined the protective boarding at one end of the ballroom with obsolete linen-backed maps which provided texture to the magnificent painting they created of Buckingham Palace with the Victoria Memorial in the foreground. One airmen, an accomplished artist, used a set of cigarette cards depicting regimental dress through the ages as the inspiration for larger-than-life figures, including a Battle of Britain pilot, which he painted in the niches of a crescent-shaped corridor. This work of art attracted considerable interest from visiting officers and, as a result, the talented airman was commissioned to ‘lighten up’ the premises.

The extravagant party was a great success with the officers enjoying themselves until the early hours. Jim had a pivotal role, as a Corporal he – and two other non-commissioned officers – were called upon to act as waiters, a role with considerable perks despite the resulting hangover.

This weekend, no doubt Jim will be celebrating his third coronation at The Farthings surrounded by his friends and like-minded neighbours.