The Salvation Army and me

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week… ‘‘I was a member of the royal household for 18 years’’

AUSTIN BURN

Maidenhead

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My parents are officers so I’ve always been at the Army.

What made you want to become a soldier?

Originally, it was just to join the band at Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls. However, through the fellowship of the band I realised what it really meant to be a soldier.

What did you do before retirement?

I was an investiture clerk to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, helping to administer the honours investitures for the Queen and other members of the royal family. Prior to that I was a member of the royal household for 18 years. I started as liveried staff and worked my way up to be what is called a ‘page of the presence’ to the Queen.

What was the most interesting thing about your job – and the most frustrating?

The most interesting thing was travelling around the world with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The most frustrating thing was lack of hours in the day.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

I would bring back full uniform. Queen Victoria decreed that Salvation Army uniform would be acceptable to wear at court in the presence of the sovereign, so why are we no longer proud of it?

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

Winston Churchill. He was a giant, politically, but still admitted he had his faults.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

I was fortunate enough to be granted my own armorial bearings and coat of arms. I chose the motto ad summa honestas et veritas, which means ‘truth and honesty above all’.

What do you do in your spare time?

I’m a petty officer in the Sea Cadet Corps at Windsor. I also founded Fortress Radio with my friend Stuart Hall, which has been a great joy.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

I would bring back top hats and cravats. Maybe a yellow, red and blue one for the Army.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

Super Trouper by Abba.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God’ (Philippians 4:6 New King James Version).

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing’ (SASB 89).

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

My wife, Linda. I know it would drive her mad!

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island?

My Army songbook.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? wo w u

Lacrimosa from Mozart’s Requiem. Lac cr

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve Wha ever been given? e eve

I have two ears and one mouth to listen I ha h v more than speak. m mor

What is the most valuable thing you W Wha possess? p po os

My integrity. However, my letters patent M My y i from my armorial bearings would be the fr ro om m costliest thing to physically replace. c co ost t

Something interesting that people might So Som want to know about you is… w wa an

I was asked by the Queen to represent The I w wa a Salvation Army, with my mother and my S Sa alv v wife, at the funeral of the Queen Mother in w wi if fe e Westminster Abbey. W We es