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November 10, 2004
Beating Retreat
The Battalion Colours are lowered in salute as the Battalion marches past the saluting dias in Revue Order.
The Cadet Battalion ends the Founders Day ceremonial with a ceremony of "Beating Retreat", a ceremonial parade that began in the 17th Century and heralded the shutting of city gates and the posting of sentries by the garrison. It is now famously performed by the Royal Marines among other British Regiments and is uniquely performed by the Selborne Cadet Battalion on this day each year.
The Colours are of silk embroidery and are dedicated and kept under lock and key when not in use. They were presented to the Battalion in 1936 and have been paraded at every Founders Day and other "parade" occassions since.
The boys once again made us "oldies" proud as they performed this difficult ceremonial with elan. Both the Drums and Buglers and the Brass Bandsmen performed their part like professionals, and their Tattoo before the Salutiiong Officer was a sight to behold. I will post a photograph of the formation in due course - pity I cannot also post the sound of the drums!
Posted by The Gray Monk at November 10, 2004 10:15 AM