Nick H Thompson

The Coronation – 1953

When I was a lad of just fifteen

there came to reign a beautiful Queen.

Television was a mystery

and gave us a chance to look and see,

the great Coronation of our Queen.

Palace to Abbey and in between.

I went to stay with a Kentish friend,

so we watched from start to end.

There was such a boom in TV screens

so that people could watch the historic scenes.

The Union Jacks and the packed streets,

the bands, soldiers, and children with sweets.

Dimbleby’s report of what took place,

the joy and pride of our island race.

After the hardship of World War Two

we saw great hope in the future new.

We were in times of austerity – we’re there again, but we are still free!