By Taylor Murray
A Paisley man who saw the Queen’s coronation back in 1953 has reflected on the historic occasion as the country celebrated her Platinum Jubilee.
James Gallacher MBE, better known as Jim, was just 14 when he witnessed the Queen’s coronation celebration outside Buckingham Palace.
Jim - who spent 70 years in the army, which is as long as the Queen has been on the throne – was one of a lucky few from the town who saw the moment in real life.
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The Ferguslie Park man was part of the cadets based in the Territorial Army Drill Hall in Paisley’s High Street and had the privilege to represent his battalion at the Queen’s coronation in 1953.
His involvement in the coronation was covered in the Paisley Daily Express at the time and Jim said it was an exciting adventure.
“I went down to London with five other cadets who were also asked to attend,” he said.
“On the way down we had to take the train called Coronation Scot and we got it from Glasgow to London.
“On the whole, I have wonderful memories of the trip and the occasion. It was a great honour to represent the battalion there.
“We attended the Queen Victoria memorial and were placed right in front of Buckingham Palace, where we had a good view of the palace itself.”
Jim, 83, received an MBE in 2005 for his service and work for the Army Cadets, and rose to the rank that he is at present, Honorary Colonel with the West Lowland Battalion.
Born in the long-demolished Galloway Street, near Underwood Road, Jim was brought up in Falcon Crescent, Ferguslie Park, before moving to the Foxbar, Gallowhill and Dykebar areas of Paisley.
A former pupil at St Mary’s Primary School and St Mirin’s Academy, he joined the cadets as a 13-year-old in 1952, despite the fact the minimum age was actually 14.
“I was so desperate to sign up that I kidded on about my age,” recalled Jim.
“I went to the recruiting office in short trousers. When they learned I was just 13, they told me to come back the following year.
“So I went home, changed into long trousers and went straight back and told them I was 14 and they let me in.
“Ever since, the cadets have been a major part of my life. They helped me grow up to be a better man.
“I’ve been lucky to pass on my experience to young men and women and help them develop their potential.”
Now retired, Jim acquired several medals, clasps and acknowledgements for his distinguished career and years of service.
The coronation wasn’t the only time Jim has been in the presence of the Queen as he and his wife Irene were introduced to Her Majesty at ceremonies at both Redford Barracks in Edinburgh almost 20 years ago and Stirling Castle in 2007, in which Her Majesty thanked Jim for his service.
In his spare time, Jim was also a sales executive for many major companies where he appeared on executive boards, while also being the chairman for the Inverclyde branch of the Argyle Association for Veterans for several years. However, it was his passion for the Army Cadets and his desire to serve that always excited him.
Jim, who now lives in Langbank with Irene, said he spent the Platinum Jubilee weekend with their son Alastair reflecting on memories they have made over the years while celebrating the Queen’s impressive reign.
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