How I Met the Queen Mother

After the second night of the air raids on Bath, I decided to don my Scout's uniform and volunteer as a bicycle messenger. So, early in the morning of April 23, 1942 I reported to the mayor's office in The Guildhall. On the way, I had to cycle over all the window glass which had been blown out of the houses in Camden Crescent and, to my surprise, did not get a puncture. I was told to stand at the top of the steps and await instructions.
As I stood there contemplating the scenes of devastation, a lady came out of the door behind me and we talked for several minutes. She seemed very concerned about me and I did not know who she was until a naval officer emerged with gold rings up to his elbow. They both boarded a car to tour the city.
Thus I met the King and Queen at the age of 13 and remember quite vividly, some 60 years later, the kindness and genuine sympathy she showed to a rather scruffy young boy
David Coles
Resolven, Neath

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