Alex Lloyd speaks with the Axe Keeper of Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, Tim Rayson.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's bonus episode is centred on UK military history, specifically about Her Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms. Alex Lloyd spoke with Tim Rayson, the ‘Axe Keeper’, about the history of the Guard, battles and axes, and their royal duties today.

This podcast was recorded in St James’s Palace, in London.

The music at the end of the episode is “The Nearest Guard”, especially composed by Major Philip Shannon MBE for the 500th anniversary of the Honourable Corps on 4th June 2009. This recording was performed by the Band of the Irish Guards and supplied by the Axe Keeper.

Tim returned to the podcast in the episode The Blind Man’s Victoria Cross with Tim Rayson.

To see photos related to today's interview, visit our website - www.lifeonthelinepodcast.com - or follow us on social media: @lifeonthelinepodcast on Facebook and Instagram, and @LOTLpod on Twitter.