Two standard bearers who proudly represented the area in the procession for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II have spoken of their pride at playing a part in the historic event.
Alan Canham, of Pinchbeck, and Graham Hewitt, of Spalding, were among 72 Royal British Legion standard bearers hand selected to march behind the coffin of the monarch on Monday.
Alan carried the standard for Lincolnshire with Graham, his deputy, bearing it for the Spalding and District RBL branch.
Following the funeral service of Britain’s longest serving monarch at Westminster Abbey, the pair lowered their standards for the late Queen as her coffin, on a gun carriage, passed the Cenotaph.
They then joined the procession behind King Charles III and his family as it made its way to Wellington Square when the hearse made a final journey to Windsor Castle.
It was particularly emotional for Graham (63), whose interest in the armed forces was sparked by his late-grandad Edgar Sydney being part of Bomber Command.
“I lost my dad a couple of years ago, and all the way through the service I know he was standing next to me,” said the chairman of the local RBL branch.
“I just feel immense pride and extremely privileged to have been involved. I was asked about it last Thursday and without a moment’s thought said yes.
“My wife Jennifer is not in the best of health at the moment but was watching at home.
“I’ve had no end of support and solidarity from everybody.”
Graham and Alan had to go through hours of rehearsals to make sure things went right.
Graham has worked for the East Midlands Ambulance Service for 30 years and they allowed him time off work while Alan (62) works as a mechanic at WH Brand.
Their participation was classed as ‘military’ involvement and therefore kept under wraps until the day.
They were also given the Certificate of Exemplary Recognition, the highest honour in the Legion, as a thank you.
Alan said: “It was the first time I’ve ever done anything like it and I guess I’ll never get the chance again.
“It was very sentimental and it’s not something I’m ever going to forget.
“To be honest on the day I don’t think I took it all in as I was concentrating so hard on getting everything right.
“It’s amazing how many watched it worldwide and it makes all the hard work we’ve put in worthwhile.”
