Former Wirral schoolboys chosen to stand guard at Buckingham Palace (From Wirral Globe)

Former Wirral schoolboys chosen to stand guard at Buckingham Palace

2:29pm Thursday 6th August 2009

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TWO former Wirral schoolboys have been selected to guard the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Birkenhead-born Jon Hayes and Lee Anson from Gateacre, both of the 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support), will also be on duty at other Royal residences over the next six months, including the Tower of London and Windsor Castle.

Signaller Hayes, 19, a former pupil of Park High School joined the Army in 2006 and has served in Germany and Canada.

His trade in the Army is an operator, providing highly important mobile communications for commanders and soldiers.

Signaller Hayes, a keen rugby player, said: "It's been great living in London and being part of a very traditional military parade."

Nineteen-year-old signaller Lee Anson, known by his friends as 'Anno', attended Hilbre High School in Newton and joined the Army in 2003.

Specialising as an Information Systems Operator, he maintains and repairs communication systems and information technology.

A keen basketball player, he is part of the elite defence team.

On his selection for guard duty, Lee said: "I'm honoured to be guarding the Queen and the Royal Family."

Mounting guard duty is normally carried out by the Guards Division in its distinctive scarlet tunics and bear skin hats, but when units are busy with operational duties other regiments step in.

While on duty they will wear their number one ceremonial dress known as 'blues'.

Their commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Graham Addley, said: "It is a once-in-a-career opportunity for us as the Royal Signals don’t routinely do this role. It is a privilege to serve in London in front of Buckingham Palace with the Corps band."

"Bringing together nine different regiments into one body for intricate drill is a real achievement."

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