I was one of the estimated 320,000 people who stood in line to file past the catafalque containing Churchill’s body in 1965. It was a very moving occasion, with many in the line carrying uniforms worn by themselves or relatives during the war.

When I returned to my college, I told a fellow student where I had been. In a loud voice and sarcastic tone, he said “What did you do that for?”

Hopefully, the intervening 53 years have brought him understanding if not wisdom.

Robert Maple

Durango