AN ASTON Fields Warrant Officer and his son both featured in the Royal Navy parade at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Warrant Officer Lee Baker and son Jak both took part in the parade, with Lee having the extra privilege of training some of the Royal Navy ratings for the event.
Lee said: “It was amazing to be picked to help with the training for it and to be on the parade as well was extra special.
“I knew it was a huge occasion but it wasn’t until a meeting at Wellington Barracks when it dawned on me just how big it was.
“Seeing how many people were at the meeting and going through the plan the enormity of the occasion hits you, so many people took part in the funeral behind the scenes and they all deserve great credit.”
Lee’s mother Barbara died earlier this year and he carried her wedding ring in his top pocket while he was marching.
He said she was a very popular figure in Aston Fields and said he carried her wedding ring so she could ‘be there in some way’.
Jak was placed on duty at Windsor Castle while ex-South Bromsgrove High student Lee was at Westminster Abbey.
“It was amazing when my son contacted me to say he had been called up for training, we were in different locations but knowing he was performing these duties was a very proud dad moment.
“You had already been through the rehearsals and on the day we were all just determined to carry out your duty and do the late Queen proud.
“I think now the procession has passed the enormity of the event we’ve just taken part in has started to hit home.”
