Coronation guardsman reflects on a great loss

ALAN Hughes was at home in Failsworth when he heard news of the Queen's death.

- DAMON WILKINSON

It was a bittersweet moment which brought back memories of a remarkable time in his life when he worked as a guardsman during the Queen's Coronation in June 1953.

Alan, 88, saw the Queen countless times during his year spent on National Service when, in a red tunic and bearskin, he patrolled Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, the Bank of England and St James Palace.

Speaking to the M.E.N. in March to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, he recalled the atmosphere during Coronation week, where thousands of people lined the streets of London and gathered outside the Palace to witness the moment of a lifetime.