Skilled Infantry musicians from across the British Army have taken part in a traditional Beating Retreat at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick.
Skilled Infantry musicians from across the British Army gathered at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC), Catterick, for a traditional Beating Retreat.
Lance Corporal McGookin, Irish Guards Pipe Band.
Royal Anglian Corps of Drums.
Catterick Band.
After weeks of preparation, the array of soldiers put on a show to an audience of local leaders from the Catterick community and fellow Infantry soldiers and recruits at ITC.
Bands taking part included:
- British Army Band Catterick
- Irish Guards Corps of Drums
- Grenadier Guards Corps of Drums
- Royal Anglian Corps of Drums
- Prince of Wales Royal Regiment Corps of Drums
- Irish Guards Pipe Band
Drum Major Robert Sarjeant of The Royal Anglian Regiment said: “The Royal Anglian Regimental Corps of Drums includes serving soldiers who carry out their normal duties as soldiers, but keep alive and well the traditions of military music - like today’s beating retreat- honouring the music and history of the Royal Anglian Regiment.”
Organised by the Army School of Ceremonial, the annual ITC Beating Retreat offers Army Music and Ceremony personnel, who rarely get the opportunity to come together as one, a chance to collaborate and highlight British Army excellence.
The Beating Retreat also serves as an opportunity to showcase to recruits the different career streams available to them, particularly within Infantry Music - helping to keep British Army tradition alive.
"The Beating Retreat stands as a proud testament to our military heritage, with origins dating back to the 17th century. Originally, it was a signal used to call troops back to their barracks at the end of the day."
Captain Allan Reid, Officer Commanding Army School of Ceremonial, said: “The Beating Retreat stands as a proud testament to our military heritage, with origins dating back to the 17th century.
“Originally, it was a signal used to call troops back to their barracks at the end of the day. Drummers would beat a rhythm to indicate that the day's fighting was over and that soldiers should disengage and return to their stations.
“Today, this tradition has evolved into a ceremonial showcase of discipline, precision, and excellence across our Armed Forces.
“This year’s event holds special significance as it brings together the Corps of Drums and the Pipes and Drums from units across the Infantry, uniting their musical talents to deliver a spectacular musical display at ITC.”
The event highlighted all 170 musicians throughout 90 minutes of spectacular music, exhibiting every talent the British Army bands have to offer.
"Military music contributes to the moral component of fighting power by supporting the ethos, tradition, and identity of our Service Personnel."
In charge was Senior Drum Major, Warrant Officer Class One, Dane McKenzie. He said: “Military music contributes to the moral component of fighting power by supporting the ethos, tradition, and identity of our service personnel.
“To showcase the Beating Retreat within the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, where service personnel start their journey, seems fitting.
“I hope it helps reinforce, through music, the pride, comradeship, and traditions that our service personnel share.”
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