Beating Retreat

Beating Retreat has its origins in the early years of organised warfare when the beating of drums and the parading of Post Guards heralded the closing of camp gates and the lowering of flags at the end of the day.

An order from the army of James II of England, dated to 18 June 1690, had his drums beating an order for his troops to retreat and a later order, from William III in 1694, read:

"The Drum Major and Drummers of the Regiment which gives a Captain of the Main Guard are to beat the Retreat through the large street, or as may be ordered. They are to be answered by all the Drummers of the guards, and by four Drummers of each Regiment in their respective Quarters".

This evening the Band of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers did this for us, celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion.

Lesley and I spent 22 years following the colours, with the British Forces Broadcasting Service, and the Services Hospitals' Welfare organisation, so we allowed ourselves a lump in the throat as the sun glinted off the instruments and the Band played "Lilliburlero" - their Corps Quick March, and a theme tune for the BBC World Service news relayed by BFBS to so many strange corners of the world.