Major Denis Burton MBE was an iconic figure in Wales and regularly seen leading The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh out onto the Principality Stadium pitch during Six Nations and Autumn International rugby matches.
Sadly, Denis passed away on St David’s Day after a "very short but aggressive illness".
It was fitting that Denis’s last role with the band was playing a pivotal role during His Majesty King Charles’ first visit to Wales as the new Monarch. Following this event Denis handed over the Bandmaster baton to his son Richard to bring a close on a remarkable 50-year career in the military.
A statement, on behalf of Denis’s family, reads: “His dedication to duty was unwavering and he was the epitome of service before self, right to the very end of his life.
“Denis was often a man of few words, however, when he spoke it was profound and people listened. He had a huge impact on those he encountered throughout his distinguished career.
“His dedication to duty was unwavering and he was the epitome of service before self, right to the very end of his life. The family of Major Denis Burton MBE
“He served in many Army regiments as a musician, Bandmaster and Director of Music, including: The Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Light Infantry, Royal Lancers, Royal Engineers, Grenadier Guards and The Royal Welsh. He took enormous pride in them all.
“His career took him all over the world and he took part in all the great occasions of State in London when he served with the Grenadiers. His 15 years with the Royal Welsh Band gave him such joy as he loved working with the fantastic people who served as Reserve soldiers.
“Their dedication and commitment enabling the band to develop into the force it is today.
“Performing in the Sydney Opera House with them was an undoubted highlight and, as a family, we were all so proud when he was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2017 – a fitting reward to a man who had always given so much.
“He will be sorely missed by all, not least as a husband, father, and grandfather to his family. A great man taken too soon.”
Denis had an impressive 50 years of Regular and Reserve service to the Army. He enlisted in 1972 as a Junior Musician completing his training at the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Armoured Corps in Bovington, Dorset.
After attending the year-long musician’s course at the Royal Military School of Music (RMSM) he quickly established himself as the principal trombonist in the Staff Band of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
His final appointment in Regular Service was as the Director of Music, Grenadier Guards, achieving world-class standards of excellence in performance and high-profile state ceremonial.
His potential was very quickly realised and he was selected for the Bandmaster's Course and his musical flair was demonstrated when he passed out as top student, winning six first prizes including the Worshipful Company of Musicians Silver Medal.
Appointments followed as Bandmaster to the 2nd Battalion the Light Infantry, The Light Infantry Salamanca Band and in The Training Development Team at Kneller Hall.
Again, his aptitude was confirmed when he was commissioned and promoted to Director of Music. In that capacity, he went on to lead the Band of the Royal Lancers and the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers.
The Royal Corps of Army Music was quick to use his exceptional musical skills and employed Denis as Chief Instructor at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, making a significant contribution to the instruction and musical education of so many members of the Corps.
His final appointment in Regular Service was as the Director of Music, Grenadier Guards, achieving world-class standards of excellence in performance and high-profile state ceremonial.
Some of his arrangements and compositions are still being used on such occasions such as Trooping the Colour. Denis’s pieces for wind and brass bands and ensembles have been published by companies in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Leaving the Regular Army he had not thought to enlist in the Army Reserve, but when a vacancy occurred to lead the Royal Welsh Band Denis was successfully headhunted as the Director of Music.
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of his service with the Regimental Band was the Presentation of Colours by Her Majesty The Queen in 2015. His superb refrain ‘Mametz Wood’, which was written for the occasion, was a triumph.
His Regular and Reserve career has seen him give performances throughout Europe; in North, Central and South America; the Middle East and Australia.
Inevitably, Denis was probably best known in Wales for those stirring performances by the Band at the Principality Stadium before every home game.
“Our Regimental Band under his leadership was outstanding in all regards." Major General Chris Barry, The Royal Welsh
Major General Chris Barry, on behalf of The Royal Welsh Regiment, said: “The award of the MBE for services to military music in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2017 was a fitting reward for a lifetime of service to Queen and Country.
“The Regiment had been so lucky to have his ability in the rehearsal room, concert hall and parade ground.
“His pivotal role in the Proclamation of HM King Charles III and the King’s visit to Wales following the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II was a fitting career finale.
“Our Regimental Band under his leadership was outstanding in all regards. It has been our privilege and benefit that Denis remained with the Regiment and band for over 15 years until his retirement on October 5, 2022, when he handed over to his son Richard.”