More than 700 crewmen on the HMAS Australia II had their photo taken with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on their first visit to Australia in 1954. Among them were Kingsley Francis and the late Kevin Diggens. The photo was provided by Mr Francis.
Nations of the British Empire are in the throes of celebrating a significant milestone since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.
Sixty years has passed since the accession of the Queen to the throne, the second monarch to ever celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.
Close to home, one Port Pirie man has a lasting memoriam of the first Australian visit made by the Queen with husband, Prince Philip, in 1954.
Kingsley Francis, along with the late Kevin Diggens, were two men from Port Pirie called up for National Service to the Royal Australian Navy, also in 1954.
It was during his six months with the service that he was on board the HMAS Australia II, one of the warships to escort the Queen to Hobart from Sydney.
On Saturday, March 13, off the coast of Cairns, Queensland, a photo was taken with Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and the full crew on the deck of HMAS Australia II.
“We were told the royal couple were coming on board for a photo with the men,” Mr Francis said.
“We trained for an hour every night for a week to get that photo.
“There were more than 700 men and everyone had a number.
“We had to be in place within five minutes so when the Queen finally came, we had it almost perfect.”
Mr Francis describes his time in the Navy as a “great experience”.
“I will never forget the proud memories of the experience and discipline we had,” he said.
In recognition of the coronation, the Government of South Australia presented each student at Port Pirie Pirie West Primary School with a New Testament Bible.