Merseyside soldiers Lee Anson and Jon Hayes to guard the Queen at Buckingham Palace

Aug 12 2009 by Kevin Core, Birkenhead News

TWO Merseyside soldiers will guard the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Lee Anson and Jon Hayes, of the 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support), will be on duty at other royal residences, including the Tower of London and Windsor Castle, for six months.

Signaller Hayes, 19, of Birkenhead, has served in Germany and Canada as an operator, providing high-ly important mobile communications for commanders and soldiers.

The former Park High school pupil said he is proud to be part of the elite defence team.

His father John and mother Gillian will also be watching him on guard duty during the summer season.

Signaller Anson, also 19, now from Gateacre, Liverpool, attended Hilbre high school, in West Kirby.

His parents Paul and Susan can expect to see their son being photographed by hundreds of tourists drawn to the palace.

Signaller Anson said: “I am honoured to be guarding the Queen and the Royal Family.”

The pair will be expected to stand in full uniform in hot weather for hours.