Eighty-nine-year-old Gordon Robson remembers Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 as if it was yesterday.
Mr Robson was just 19 when he was picked to go to London for the special occasion, beating 96 other eligible former National Serviceman candidates from Queensland.
"I really think I was selected because of my skills with the rifle," he said.
"That really made the difference."
So, in March 1953, Mr Robson boarded the HMAS Sydney, bound for England, where he was prepared to take his place marching in the new Queen's coronation parade.
But, upon arriving in England, he learned that Queen Elizabeth II had also approved the Australian contingent to stand guard at Buckingham Palace and participate in the changing of the guard.
"No one knew about it and so it was panic stations," Mr Robson said.
It was an intense period in preparation for the role, but Mr Robson said the Australians were lucky to have been overseen by Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Ronald Brittain – famous for his military training.
"All six-foot-six of him," Mr Robson recalled.
Mr Robson said it was clear to all that everything about the occasion had to be perfect – the 1953 coronation parade was more than 20 kilometres long and every person and animal had to be in step.
The coronation was also the first to be televised, and 27 million people in the UK tuned in to see the young Queen crowned.
Fortunately, Mr Robson said, his role in the day went off without a hitch.
"It was a hell of a trip … it was just magical and so overwhelming," he said.
"Just knowing the Queen was sitting in a chair watching – we were doing it for her.
"RSM Britton was heard to say to one of our officers afterwards 'that was one of the greatest changing of the guards I have ever seen.'
"We were thrilled. It was the greatest thing that had ever happened to me."
'What the hell did you do that for?'
Mr Robson was also fortunate enough to meet with Queen Elizabeth – although he broke the rules in the process.
When he lined up to receive his coronation medal from the Queen the orders were strict and precise.
"We were told no words were to be spoken to the Queen," he said.
"When she presented me with my medal, I could not help myself and I said to her 'thank you ma'am'.
"She just looked at me and walked on.
"She looked radiant."
Mr Robson's mate next to him was not impressed.
"He said to me, 'what the hell did you do that for?'"
Seventy years on, Mr Robson, who is now based in Canberra, still has fond memories of his time in London and meeting the Queen, and regularly looks back at his pictures.
He said it was with great sadness when he discovered on Friday morning that Queen Elizabeth had died.
"That was shattering," he said.
"It was like being hit on the head with a hammer. I just could not believe it — it affected us all."
