COLCHESTER’S soldiers did themselves proud, playing an important role in the King’s coronation.

Three officers from The Parachute Regiment led a 24-man marching contingent through the capital.

Overseeing proceedings was Warrant Officer Class 1 Mike Firth, who said: “It was great experience to be on parade and, personally, an honour as the culmination of 23 years serving as a soldier.”

The 41-year-old added: “The scale of the occasion and the effort everyone put into making it right was truly impressive, and the amazing response we got from the crowds made it all worthwhile.”

Gazette: Lead role - WO1 Firth (right) was the senior soldier for The Parachute Regiment’s marching contingentLead role - WO1 Firth (right) was the senior soldier for The Parachute Regiment’s marching contingent (Image: Richard Watt)

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Corporal Jonathan Cooke, of British Army Band Colchester, marched as drum major at the head of the Army’s combined Colchester and Sandhurst bands.

“To march as part of such a large parade was an absolutely incredible experience,” he said.

Cpl Cooke continued: “For me, the absolute highlight was being in the gardens of Buckingham Palace to perform the first National Anthem for His Majesty The King after his coronation.

“Our musicians performed flawlessly, as they always do, on what was a challenging day with the wet weather.”