The Queen's long reign: Soldier's memories of first investiture
Her Majesty The Queen becomes Britain's longest-reigning monarch on Wednesday, passing the record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
During her 63 years on the throne, the Queen has presided over many medal and honours ceremonies.
Just three weeks after Elizabeth became Queen, Bill Speakman went to Buckingham Palace to be awarded the Victoria Cross, in the first investiture of the Queen's reign.
He received the VC for holding off a wave of attacks in the Korean War.
Now 91, Mr Speakman told BBC Radio 5 live Daily's Peter Allen what he remembers of meeting the Queen that day.