I was stationed at Scampton just outside of Lincoln, England. It was a very active Lancaster Bomber station; two squadrons - 49 and 57. It just so happened that the King was coming to visit the station and decorate some flying personnel. They had prepared a hangar and washed the floor with precious fuel. They had a brand spanking new Lancaster in the middle of the hangar. Around this plane would form the air crews.
The King arrived at the station around noon and had lunch in the Officer's mess. I think he visited the airmen's mess but I was not there at the time. Some of us Radar types thought to get a good look at the proceedings and we all gathered in the Radar section at the side of the hangar but shortly before events were to take place, a Sergeant came around and told us to get out of the hangar. That was that - no glimpse of the ceremony.
We had been instructed however that when the Royal part was leaving we were to line the route and, as a Station Warrant Officer told us, "Give this Bloke a Hoot" as he goes by. I had a great look at His Royal Highness. He, in his way, smiled and waved as he went by. And though there were times I had had my face glued to the railings in front of Buckingham Palace, this was the one and only time i saw His Majesty. It was an event to remember. He was garbed in the Uniform - Marshall of the Royal Air Force.
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