Fed: Aussie touched by Queen Mother's death

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Fed: Aussie touched by Queen Mother's death

SYDNEY, April 9 AAP - The grandeur of Westminster Abbey and the sombre mood ahead ofthe Queen Mother's burial today has had a psychological impact on at least one of theAustralians involved in her funeral.

Colonel Glen Wells, chief of the Australian Army's Medical Corps, said he paid hisrespects to the Queen Mother while she lay in state ahead of today's funeral service.

"It was very moving actually," Colonel Wells told ABC radio.

"The grandeur of Westminster Hall itself and the sombre mood of the people, the wholething has a significant psychological impact actually.

"It really does bring a lump to your throat."

Four Australians will participate in the funeral service, as ushers and in the honour guard.

The Queen Mother served as colonel-in-chief of the medical corps - an honorary position- and has over the years presented the corps with the Queen Mother's banner and swordwhich are regularly used in ceremonial occasions, Colonel Wells said.

"So it's really a part of the key heritage and tradition of the corps," he said.

The Queen mother died 10 days ago, aged 101.

AAP sal/nf/ph

KEYWORD: ROYALS MOTHER AUST