Sailors from RNAS Culdrose who pulled the State Gun Carriage at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II have been personally thanked by King Charles III.

Junior rates from across the Royal Navy transported Her late Majesty’s coffin during the funeral processions in London on September 19, 2022.

At a service at Windsor Castle last week (May 30) more than 150 sailors were thanked and presented with medals by King Charles.

Falmouth Packet: Sailors receive their special medals from King Charles III Sailors receive their special medals from King Charles III (Image: RNAS Culdrose)

11 junior rates from across all squadrons and departments at Culdrose each received a special medal, including leading air engineering technicians (LEATS) from the Merlin Helicopter Force.

LEAT Molly Ellis, 22 who serves with 824 Naval Air Squadron said: “Meeting the King was certainly interesting.

“It was a beautiful day and we got to bring a family member along, I took my sister it was quite cool.”

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LEAT Colin Campbell, 37 who currently serves with the 814 Naval Air Squadron added: “It was an honour to meet the King.

“He spoke to us all individually and thanked us for our service.

“I still remember the sense of emotion on the day of the funeral. When we were waiting to step off at Wellington Barracks, I was quite overcome with emotion.

“I was fine as soon as we left and began the route.”

Falmouth Packet: Pictured from left are leading air engineering technicians Colin Campbell, James House, Hassan Nada and Molly Ellis, part of the team from RNAS Culdrose who took part in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth. Pictured from left are leading air engineering technicians Colin Campbell, James House, Hassan Nada and Molly Ellis, part of the team from RNAS Culdrose who took part in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth. (Image: RNAS Culdrose)

For LEAT Hassan Nada, 21 it was a ‘surreal moment’ to hear London so quiet. He said: “As we came out of the barracks it was surreal as London was so quiet.

“It wasn’t until we were walking past Downing Street that we were aware of the crowds of people.

“I think it was actually quieter that day when we practised the route at 3am!

“It was an honour to be chosen to take part.”

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James House, 35 who works at the Merlin Training Facility was also present at the King’s Coronation, where he lined the route through London.

Falmouth Packet: The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London in September 2022 The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London in September 2022 (Image: RNAS Culdrose)

However, he said the late Queen’s funeral was in its own way more poignant and moving. He said: “There was so much atmosphere at the funeral, certainly for us.

“To be a part of that, it’s got to be the highlight of anyone’s career.

“No matter how long you have been in the Navy, I don’t think anything else is going to beat it.”