Looking back, the Home railways may rightly pride themselves upon their achievements in the handling of the Coronation crowds. May 12 was, of course, a public holiday, but there was little rest for the railwayman on that occasion! Special services of boat trains were run from all the principal ports of disembarkation, and hundreds of special trains were arranged to London from all corners of the country. On Coronation day itself, the four group lines operated more than 200 long-distance excursion trains to London, in addition to the ordinary services, while for some days previous, tens of thousands of sight-seers were conveyed to the capital by rail. For the first time in their history, the London Underground Railways ran right throughout the night on May 11–12 for the transport of Coronation crowds. For the special Coronation festivities throughout the country, with their wonderful decorations and illuminations, augmented services of special trains were operated, while for those wishing to see the decorations, illuminations and flood-lighting in London, extensive programmes of day, half-day, and evening trains were arranged. Following the Coronation, came the great Coronation Naval Review at Spithead. For this event a long string of special trains were operated, while two L. and N.E.R. steamers made a special cruise from Harwich to Spithead with a large party of spectators. Railway premises everywhere were gaily decorated, and altogether the railways may be said to have themselves emerged from the Coronation with “flying colours”!