1953 Coronation flypast veteran urges pilots to enjoy the occasion

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mr Devey Smith said: “I was lucky as I was right on the extreme left-hand side of the formation and so I was looking across at Buckingham Palace. You’re flying for the new King or the new Queen.” He said: “We’d just got a new Queen and everyone wanted to impress her.” Mr Devey Smith recalled: “It was exhilarating, but not as exhilarating as when we finally landed and we got our overalls off and someone shouted: ‘The bar’s open,’ and we’d gone.” He said the Coronation flypast was one of the highlights of his life, alongside his first solo flight, the first time he broke the sound barrier, and holding his first child. Asked if he wished he was taking part again on May 6, Mr Devey Smith said: “I’m 93 and I’m quite happy to keep my feet on the ground now. I’ve never been shot at – not that I know of.” The weather delay in June 1953 meant Mr Devey Smith flew over the Palace at 5.15pm at 345mph while the Queen took the salute from the balcony, the RAF said.