By KEVIN WARD

Canadian Press

Saturday, April 6, 2002 – Print Edition, Page A10

LONDON -- Master Corporal Lennard Maillet was a study in concentration yesterday, not wanting to make any mistakes at one of the Black Watch of Canada's biggest ceremonial moments.

As one of four members of the Montreal-based regiment selected to march in the Queen Mother's procession, MCpl. Maillet felt a little nervous before the slow march began.

"It went well, but you just don't want to make a mistake in front of the entire city of London, especially on an occasion like this," he said.

The dozen Canadian troops associated with the Queen Mother from the Black Watch, The Toronto Scottish Regiment and the Canadian Forces Medical Service practised the drill several times during the week, including Thursday's predawn dress rehearsal.

But that didn't reduce the pressure, which meant that for MCpl. Maillet, the march was hardly a sightseeing trip.

"Don't ask me to describe what Buckingham Palace looks like because you have to look straight ahead," said MCpl. Maillet, 37. "I haven't seen much of London yet, that's how intense you have to be."

The Queen Mother was Colonel-in-Chief of the three Canadian units, which were also invited to take part in events marking her 100th birthday in August, 2000.

The Toronto Scottish Regiment was given permission that year to officially change its name to add in brackets The Queen Mother's Own behind its traditional title.

Major Mike Trayner said the Queen Mother's death has special significance to the regiment because of its long connection with her.

"We have many veterans and young soldiers who have met her, I haven't personally, but they are sorry to see her go, but at the ripe old age of 101 they say she's had a great life and she's made full use of it," he said.

The Canadians involved in the 28-minute slow march spoke of the silence that fell as they moved past as one of the lasting images of the day for them.

"The silence, the absolute silence throughout the entire parade, I was quite struck by how she affected everyone," said Major Trayner, 45.

Leading Seaman Robert Morgan, 44, of Ottawa, was surprised he was given the chance to participate as one of four members of the forces medical service.

"It was a great experience for me," he said. "It was very impressive to see such a large body of troops move like clockwork."