Care home resident recalls escorting King George VI’s coffin to Windsor chapel

When news came through King George VI had died on 6 February 1952 at his Sandringham estate, John Walmsley who was a former Grenadier Guard recalls how he “escorted” the King’s coffin to his final resting place in Windsor.

Aged 25, Mr Walmsley was a Sergeant in the King’s Company stationed at Victoria Barracks in Windsor when he accompanied the King’s coffin from a train station at Windsor to the castle, and into St George’s Chapel, on the day of the funeral - February 15, 1952.

Mr Walmsley, 95, and a resident at Royal Star & Garter - High Wycombe said: “In those days there were two stations in Windsor, and the train carrying the King came into the top station, near the castle. As soon as it arrived, I was there, as part of an escort which also included the Navy.

“We escorted the coffin, walking on either side of the gun carriage, all the way from the station into Windsor Castle itself and towards St George’s Chapel, ready for its burial.

“I had 15 men on one side, 15 on the other and that was my little detachment.”

But there were then tense moments when the “lead lined” coffin arrived at the chapel.

“The steps to St George’s Chapel are very steep, and the coffin was lead lined, so the lads who were carrying it had to practice in advance with weights inside it, to make sure they were prepared.

“The coffin was walked up the chapel steps by the four men on either side. These men were strong and strapping, but the coffin was very heavy, and as they walked up the steep steps, it sloped a lot, and the boys were struggling with it. The Warrant Officer behind it had to push the back of the coffin, by just easing it forward, up with the boys.

“We also had to adjust our march to the shuffle of the men who were carrying it. When the coffin went into the Chapel that was the end of the responsibility for us. “It’s a strange feeling, especially with the public all around you, and you’re aware that you’re taking part in a moment of history. But when you’re serving, you’re on duty, and it’s all planned and timed.”

Mr Walmsley joined the Grenadier Guards in 1944, and served until 1967, rising to the rank of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant. He served in post-war Germany, Palestine and Malaya.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who is Royal Star & Garter’s Patron, succeeded to the throne following her father’s death. Mr Walmsley also took part in her Coronation ceremony, on 2 June 1953.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are taking place this year, culminating in a four-day bank holiday at the beginning of June to mark her 70 years on the throne.

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