My dad was a Royal Marine ..he fought in WW11 .. and he was a bandsman who beat the “retreat” many times ... he’s gone a few years now ... I miss him every day ..an ordinary man .. but my hero ..
Royal Marines are and were the very best. Your dad is my hero as well. I didn’t know him but I know the Royal Marines very well having been born in deal.
It is called DISCIPLINE!!!! So proud to be a SCOT; So proud to be BRITISH, So proud to have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces (The Gordon Highlanders).
HM Royal Marines band. Renowned worldwide as the most precise and accurate military band. Although we didn’t hear it played, shortly after where Steve ended this video you would have heard ‘HM Jollies’, a truly wonderful RM favourite. Jollies was an early nickname for Royal Marines
one of the things that makes me proud to be British. Our military can do ceremony and pageantry better than anyone, and these are all serving soldiers, they can be deployed anywhere at a moments notice. its even more impressive when the massed military bands get together and perform similarly, as they (in general) wont have practiced together much.
The tune is "The Army of the Nile". I've no military background but I play a tuba in a local brass band and we play a lot of marches. We don't march anymore but years ago I used to march with the band on remembrance Day. I have special respect for the tuba players, because I know from experience, you can't see where you're going with that damned great instrument stuck in front of you face.
Love it. The Queen’s funeral procession was sublime, the naval ratings were fantastic in timing for the whole length of the course and the music perfectly fitting the occasion.
@@seanjoseph8637 I know I'm late to the conversation, but bandsmen can be dual role as infantry, or any other role really. You see this a lot in the Household division. Bandsmen are often part of the regular foot infantry and a lot are part of more specialised units. Long gone are the days where bandsmen and women are stretcher bearers.
The co ordination going on there, the keeping in step, playing an instrument while walking, negotiating things such a traffic lights, turning corners and in synch with others to name a few. They make it look so effortless yet the precision, timing and practice they put into it.
@@wallythewondercorncake8657 Correct Wally, but they have to walk around the traffic lights as you can see and how they divide with such ease and keep their timing and stay in formation. (From 8.33 in the video). I think it stands to reason that they close the roads off and the band would not have to stop at the traffic lights, but hey thanks for the comment Wally. All the best.
The precision looks perfect but very, very occasionally someone gets it wrong. At 7:02 on second row in the middle one drummer raises both their drum sticks one beat too early! Should have raised only one drum stick and a beat later. More obvious if they'd been on the front row and nearer the camera.
@mary carver That's right Mary, just like the Guards at Buckingham Palace and other Royal places they are not just there for show they are serving officers.
Glad for you both but as a Canadian hearing Brits refer to us as "colonials" led me to believe that "British" was more of an attitude than a nationality. Cheers!
I know America has many brilliant bands but I do love the Band of the Royal Marines - they're ace! As Steve said 'Look at the timing'. To keep a marching band of this size completely in time is awesome!
As a Proud English lady and proud to be British. To watch These wonderful Men and Women, it gives me so much pride. Ultimate discipline. No Country in the World, does it better. Thank you, to those who serve and those who have served. My utmost respect to one and all.
Absolutely awesome - For many years I was the wife of a serving soldier and on a number of occasions our military quarter (housing) was opposite the camps parade ground - the bands/military personnel would practice regularly. I used to love watching it from our bedroom window. I am very much looking forward to the Coronation procession. According to the news there will be 6,000 plus military personnel accompanying King Charles to Westminster Abbey.
Here’s a funny story you reminded me of. My mum and dad - an RSM and confirmed batchelor - met on a blind date and married in three months. This was 1949. The RSM’s house was on the side of the parade ground, as you mention. They returned from honeymoon and the first day, my mother hears my dad ‘at work...’. She was in tears most of the day, wondering what she had done, who she had married...?? Where was the charming, funny, kind, well mannered gent she has fallen for?? Who was this monster yelling at the top of his voice? My poor dad. He sat dear mum down and explained in great detail, the responsibility of his job... she got over it. 😂
@1976iap Camilla is a no mark(Shand) How can Earth can she become our Queen? Try telling me Charles didn't have Diana killed.Look at the facts. I reiterate,Camilla is a no mark
My Dad just Loved the Band of The Royal Marines and I can remember him Taking me to see them, as a young lad on a number of occasions. Thanks Dad, you will always be my Hero 💞💞
This is the Royal Marines marching to Horseguards Parade, the ground where the actual Beating the Retreat ceremony takes place and is about two hours of the most wonderful music. In total, the musicians will have played for about four hours. There is something very stirring about the drums beating. My father was in the RAF during the last world war. He was also in the RAF Central band as a percussion player. Sunday's there was a lunchtime radio requests program for troops overseas so needless to say there was many military marching tunes played. The dining table suffered as he taught us kids to play drums using our cutlery and it left indents at the places where sat. Mum was never happy and we had the biggest tablecloth ever to hide those marks. 🙂 Drum beat is ingrained in my DNA
Two-way Family Favourites with Jean Metcalfe and Cliff Michelmore - a record request programme which linked families at home in the UK with British Forces Posted Overseas (BFPO)❤ Mum always had it on in the kitchen on a Sunday.
@@enkisdaughter4795 this programme was replaced with Ulster Calling when was on the army and was for families of Soldiers Serving in NI during the troubles and was on BFPS radio in Germany.
Most British people would admire the precision of this, but also we would take it for granted. Such quality is no more than we are used to, and it would surprise us not to see it. We may not get the trains running on time, but we can certainly show the world how to present quality ceremonial. It may, to some, only be a band marching, but it still gives me a buzz of pride in being British.
Both my father and I were Royal Marines. Sadly he was killed in action two months before I was born, but i went on to have a great career in the RM band. As someone below mentioned, we also have a military role and I went to the Falkland's war as a medic and POW guard. I have written an award winning book about it called 'The Band That Went To War' , where amongst other things you can read how I came back from a war with a signed thank you card from the enemy!
My brother was a Marine. We went to see the RM band twice last year, in Cheltenham and at the mountbatten festival at the Albert Hall in March. Absolutely incredible. I'm so envious of you having done that. As I said to my wife, I literally can't imagine a better career than a RM bandsman. Marching along and creating that wonderful music with the battalions behind you, it must feel phenomenal.
Mr S, I have a copy of your book - a great and often moving read, Sir. The Royal Marines bandsmen suffered the greatest percentage loss of any part of the Royal Navy during WW2. They manned the main armament fire tables, located in the bowels of the ship, and mostly were lost when those ships foundered, from destroyer to battleship.
@@tacfoley4443 that really kind of you to say so and pleased you enjoyed the read. I am currently writing another book about other Ram musicians who were deployed in war zones. Cheers and best wish. Brian
@@tacfoley4443 thanks for letting me know and so pleased to hear you enjoyed the book.I am currently writing another book about other RM Band military deployments. Cheers and best wishes Brian
My son is an officer in the Royal Marine Commandos and when his mum and I first saw him marching behind the Marines band we could just burst with pride. We could not give him a private education but he did it all by himself. We Brits are not perfect but every one of our boys and girls in our military all decided to join the forces. I am so proud to be british .
This is British pageantry at it’s best! It's what we’re known for and it draws tourists to our shores every year. This was probably a rehearsal. The Royal Marines Band are excellent.
That is superb , my dad was an army percussionist and often performed like this - it was a joy to behold . The synchronicity of the British bands makes me so proud to be British. Strangely enough he hated the bagpipes seemingly without reason.
As other commenters are saying, we're in for a treat on Saturday 6 May, the Coronation. It's supposed to be the biggest military ceremonial for 70 years. For century after century we have had great Processions at Coronations.
I was 15 at the time of the last Coronation and was in the Mall, witnessing the procession ( in the rain!) which took nearly an hour to pass each point. The upcoming Coronation procession route will,as we know, be much shorter and with far fewer personnel on parade. I'm sure that it will still be something that will show that our servicemen and women are still our pride.
Beating Retreat is carried out at several cities and military establishments by various bands during each year. This particular one in London by the Royal Marines is annual. Another moving ceremony common at Royal Navy and Royal Air Force bases is Sunset. Yes, the flags are of the 54 independent Commonwealth nations. The one which looks similar to US is the Malaysian flag. 🇲🇾
In 1976 a beating the retreat was done in Boston harbour alongside the USS Constitution ...the Queen was there on HMS Britannia as part of the 200th year celebrations for independence and it was done just before we left...
I served in the Royal MARINES COMMANDO for 16 years and marched behind the Royal MARINES band a few times and the they SIMPLY THE BEST.🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴🏴🏴
The music teacher at our local school is friends with the musical director of the grenadier guards and at Christmas they came to the school and did workshops with the music students and gave a concert. Absolutely brilliant
Not even close. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards not only had the best selling record of 1972, in the UK, but have also charted for Classical Music's top 40 three times. Almost as good as their war honours which no other branch of the military can match.
We have a long military history in this country and my nearest town Colchester has been a garrison town for 2,000 years, beginning with the Romans and still has a military garrrison. It was once burned down by Boudicca (Boadicea) Queen of the Iceni tribe and when there’s new building in the town, charred wooden remains are still found. In the last few years a Roman circus which would have been used for chariot racing was uncovered by archaeologists.
@@suzannewebb7913 Lovely town. My first Army posting , 79/80, great pubs shops etc. An hour or so from London. Sat nights weren't awash with squadies, we rubbed along well with the locals. One crtitism though, when I went back home to Merseyside, my friends thought I had gone native with my cockney accent! hah-hah! Happy days.
I was also ‘wife-of as well as ‘’daughter-of’. As a young girl our accommodation was straight across from the parade square, and the band - Northumberland Fusiliers - made good use of the square and though I didn’t often watch it was the music that my body and soul soaked up and, I believe,prepared me for later life when I became part of the khaki setup once again. I miss those years very much and if I could rewind the clock for sure I would, no hesitation.
Steve this is not the actual ceremony This is the Massed Bands , male and female This is march down from the barracks to the parade ground at Horse Guards were the ceremony takes place there is a video of the ceremony on YT But still very impressive and IMO the best band in the world having served in the Royal Navy. and marched behind them several times. Gives me chills They also have their own channel and give charity concerts
That's not Beating Retreat, that's just the marching down from Wellington Barracks to Horseguards Parade, then the Ceremony of Beating Retreat for a while hour. Her Majesty's Royal Marines, they're playing "Army of the Nile" followed by "Birdcage Walk" because they are marching along Birdcage Walk from Wellington Barracks to Horseguards Parade, look up Horseguards Parade, dates back to King Henry 8th. I myself took part in the Royal Marines Beating Retreat, I was a member of the Corps of Drums, it was every 3 years for HRH Prince Phillips birthday, the then Captain General.
I'm not in the military, but I played in a scout band and I would say that keeping in time is the easy part! We didn't do as much with raising and lowering hands as these do - it does look good! These men are professionals, and several times better than we would ever have been. Please remember this is only part of what they do and that these same men may also be expected to pick up a rifle and engage in combat at a moment's notice - that's the really impressive bit!
As a Brit I’m incredibly proud that The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines are so damned good at it. Now to be fair we have had a few hundred years to get it right and the drills across the pond in the US are equally impressive and noteworthy just a bit different that’s all.
My late Grandfather played the trumpet in the Royal Marine band. I went to see them when I was young and even then I was impressed and moved by their performance.
Unlike the US Marines, HM Royal Marines have specific tasks as part of the Royal Navy rather than being a separate service. They provide amphibious troops and commandos (the green berets), as well as the band service to the whole Navy. If you watched the drummers at the front closely, you'll see the silver bugles at their right side as they are buglers and drummers, with the musicians of the band following them. They are recruited primarily for their musical skill but must also be capable of leading a military life. They are given the training of basic infantry soldiers at the Commando Training Centre before they undertake about two years of music training; after that, they are sent to one of the bands around the country - five, I think. They have a secondary military role and do deploy; you'll see some with Afghanistan medals and one band deployed to the Falklands as medical orderlies. Their wartime role is medical orderlies, logistics etc. The band service was the only part of the RM to recruit women until very recently when the commandos were opened to women who could achieve the same standard for the green beret. If you look closely, you will see the occasional hair bun under the pith helmet and a female shape in the uniform. There's nothing like following an RM band to the Navy's march "Hearts of Oak". The first few notes and muscle memory kicks in, even in retirement! I also have a memory of seeing the Royal Marines beating retreat at HMS Jufair in Bahrain in the late 1960s when I was a child.
The syncopated drum-only sections got me. How anyone can march in perfect time and keep a perfect complex rhythm going - especially since the position of the drum when the sticks hit will be fractionally different depending on where your stride is... magnificent. It's "The Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines", BTW.
I think actually it's "The massed bands of HM Royal Marines". There are five separate bands which operate independently most of the time but come together for this event (hence the five Drum Majors).
So proud love our Royal marines they set off from Wellington barracks near Buckingham Palace then along bird cage walk by St James 's Park all the way down to horse guards. They stopped at the rear of 10 downing St.
My husband was a royal marine for 22 years. Ceremonies are great but they do the nasty war stuff too. But they are super fit super disciplined . Great guys
The troops often rehearse on the streets of London very early in the morning to work out space & positioning (especially for state occasions) & have to do it without making a sound but it's impressive that they are always so in sync on the day. Another TH-cam video featuring amazing drumming skill is "Drum Battle Play Off" with the Top Secret Corp Band & the Royal Marines Corp Band. The Queen was there & really getting into it.
What's even more amazing is they're some of the most highly trained members of any military in the world, with 32 weeks of *basic* training, at an exceptionally high & tough level. 👍
Only in Great Britain!. The bands of the UK's elite Royal Marines Commandos are at the top of their game. The quality of the music is absolutely incredible and very very loud, all performed with precision marching like toy-soldiers :)
@@wildfire160 Were they this good? For your info, these troops on this vid are primarily elite (British Commando's) hardened up and very dangerous British combat soldiers, as the brave but defeated Argentinian military found out.
@@dech9570 They were the same guys or at least from the same corps at the time RM bands were deployed on RN ships these were from HMS Britannia(i was on HMS Eskimo and we had RMs on board as well who were regular RM) .....the video got it slightly wrong because though they are fully trained and operational military personnel they usually perform support duties such as medical support, driving ambulances and logistics(usually but not always as they have been operational)
@@dech9570 WOW what a small world...i joined Sept?? 75 and flew back from Miami in 78 to join Fleet Officer Medway... I loved my time on board ...the 1976 trip to South/Central/North America as Caribbean guard ship was awesome... (Able Seaman(S) MF Williams)(AKA Little Bungy)
My Paternal grandfather was a Royal Marine and was injured in the 1st world war in Gallipoli. He had to have shrapnel removed from his back without an anaesthetic. He was badly scarred.
My grandfather was in the first world war and died from the effects later of gassing! I am sorry to hear of what your grandfather went through! My mum was looked after by his brother! I say thank you to you for what your grandfather did like mine that I never knew! I just have a photo and he was in a Military band!
First march there is "Army of the Nile" by the British March King, Kenneth J. Alford, who served in the British Army and the Royal Marines in various bands, and who was our best march composer really.
The Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines. They step off from Wellington Barracks ( just a few hundred yards from Buckingham Palace), march along Birdcage Walk before turning left onto Horse Guards Road and halting just short of Horse Guards Parade where the actual Beating Retreat ceremony takes place. This is also where the Household Division's Trooping The Colour and Beating Retreat ceremonies take place.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards had the UK's best selling record of 1972. Proving their popularity reached beyond military service personnel. No other military band can match their renditions of Amazing Grace or The Gael for passion and success.
@@historex54tamiya Gibberish. The Marine band aren't even rated amongst navy marching bands. The RSDG are famous all around the world, with chart topping records in several nations. They're the second most senior regiment of the British army, with Waterloo's French Eagle as their cap badge. The most famous battle honour of the British military. Their HQ is Edinburgh Castle, in the capital city of the only undefeated nation on Earth, if Israel is excluded.
@@Mark-Haddow you are cluleless, Not rated amongst Navy Bands, the RM ARE the band for the RM and Royal Navy. The RSDG has been made famous for its record but most of that relies on the era and the tune it played at the time, to many it sounds like just another pipe band. To compare that to the spectacle and versatility of the Royal Marines is pointless. There is a reason that the Royal Marines is so well known, seen so often around the world and on TV and that it has 6 bands instead of just 1.
@@Mark-Haddow being based in Edinburgh castle and second senior in the British army means nothing. You do realise the Royal Navy IS the senior service and the Royal Marines Band is part of it!
Nobody, and I do mean NOBODY, does pomp and ceremony like the British. Just look at the late Queens funeral the the Kings coronation...truly world class and made our nation extremely proud.
Have seen this before on another channel and it still makes me really emotional and my heart swell with pride to be British, my dad was in the British army and makes me think of him, sadly passed a while ago, rip darling dad ❤
Hi Pal, Thank you for your content, I’m glad that you were impressed these guys are some of the finest you will see. As a Scotsman I ask - Have you ever got around to watching any of the pipe bands? if not please give it a look. Thanks for your content. All the very best to you and yours. Rab
Ex Australian Navy here. The feeling of pride when marching behind a military band is incredible. I participated in a couple of Freedom of Entry Marches during my service in Victoria.
You need to view how the young men and women get chosen to become Royal Marines band personnel and then the two years training that they undergo - very tough selection criteria and training. Also have a look at the annual Mountbatten Festival of Music - held every year in the Royal Albert Hall which shows the fantastic musical ability of the Royal Marine Bands.
for the retreat : -Army of the Nile (Alford) 3:29 2 Birdcage Walk (Steck) 3:10 3 Wellington March (Zehle) 3:09 4 Audax (Horner) 0:42 5 St Symphorien (Cansfield) 0:45 6 Sarie Marais (Toonsetting Arr. Dunn) 3:15 7 Zeebrugge (Zehle) 3:00 8 Gibraltar (Waterer) 4:32 9 Preobrajensky (Donajowsky Arr. Dunn) 3:28 10 By Land and Sea (Alford) 5:09 11 Salute to the Lord High Admiral (Kortbeek/Keachie) 1:09 12 San Remo (Reilly) 0:39 13 Versailles (Horner/Paine) 1:15 14 Wing Commander (Arr. Hutchinson) 3:13 15 The Captain General (FV Dunn) 3:43 16 Astute (Keachie) 4:07 17 Royal Legacy (Fothergill) 1:58 18 National Emblem (Bagley) 3:17 19 Evening Hymn and Sunset (Arr. Spain) 3:11 20 Heart of Oak (Boyce) 1:07 21 A Life on the Ocean Wave (Russell Arr. Alford) 1:09 22 The Voice of the Guns (Alford) 2:57 23 Shrewsbury Fair (Neville) 3:24 24 HM Jollies (Alford)
Fabulous. Happy St Georges Day to my fellow English. Proud of the differences AND the great connection between the 4 countries that make up The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Thank you for reacting to this video. Another good video which focuses even more on the royal marine drummers is : Royal Marines corps of drums and the top secret drum corps from Switzerland.... ( They have a drum off) very good video to react to. 11 million views. 👍
The march is "Voice of the Guns" by Kenneth J Alford. How do I know this - I had a 25 year career in the Royal Marines Band Service, The Band of HM Royal Marines
I have to say, as a tuba player, that was really outstanding. The band were just magical ... perfect blend, nuanced dynamics - incredibly musical (and on the march!).
I've watched that in real life, and the wall of sound is epic. The snares are all in perfect synch, and they managed to make 'Army of the Nile' sound really musical, not just oompa oompa.
That's at Birdcage Walk St. James Park. Walked through St. James Park yesterday and back through Horse Guards Parade to Whitehall. Still impresses me even though I live in London.
As a former serving Royal Marine, marching behind the band made the heart burst with pride. What you saw here was the lead up to beat retreat but this video stopped short of that. The beat retreat is generally at Horse Guards parade. The flags are just Commonwealth and World flags as are hanging en route.
I don't wish to boast but the reason you are impressed is because you are watching HM Royal Marines. The best there is. The music is called the Army of the Nile.
This is the massed bands of the Royal Marines, there are 4 bands on parade, there is one Bandmaster and 4 Drum Majors. Bating The Retreat is now ceremonial rather than of significant use, and it still raises the hairs on the back of my neck, even after 40+ years.
As an old ex professional infantry man we or I used to train 8 hours a day on drill to make sure we were perfected for such parades. And seeing this makes me feel proud of how we're tought But we're not the only ones who have perfection in our Marche's Many countries have great marches like the USA and Germany too . Also to say their is no main drum for feet synchronization but down to the march synchronization only
08:20 I've just watched them wheel and avoid street furniture at the same time. I've rewatched it a number of times. You would need to train in that exact place over a number of days.
RM instructor to recruits; You'll hear a lot about the Parachute Regiment, mostly from the Parachute Regiment." (From "Virgin Soldiers" by Leslie Thomas.)
My dad was a Royal Marine ..he fought in WW11 .. and he was a bandsman who beat the “retreat” many times ... he’s gone a few years now ... I miss him every day ..an ordinary man .. but my hero ..
Royal Marines are and were the very best. Your dad is my hero as well. I didn’t know him but I know the Royal Marines very well having been born in deal.
😅There’s nothing ordinary about a MARINE and god bless your dad
Mine was RM Commando
11 World Wars!? I missed those in class.
@@CaersethVaraxYou won’t miss the third one that’s coming that’s for sure
It is called DISCIPLINE!!!! So proud to be a SCOT; So proud to be BRITISH, So proud to have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces (The Gordon Highlanders).
The Gay Gordons eh?
@@jimboll6982 well Diego, you would not mess with the Gay Gordons!
@@AngusMacKinnon-xm5ko How do you know I haven't already. You tartan brained prat.
@@jimboll6982 You would know probably.
Why are the Royal Marine Band in the background and that gormless idiot in the foreground.
As an Aussie this really moves me, such precision, outstanding! Proud to be in the Commonwealth!🇦🇺
We in the UK love our Commonwealth cousins
Same. Aussie here too. Very pro the Monarchy and our British heritage.
English here,, so proud to be shoulder to shoulder with you guys, family is family ❤
We need to stick together in these troubling times
Proud to have you with us Georgia. 🇬🇧
Thank you friend for your praise for our countrys finest regards kevin
This is what makes Britain Great
Our British military are just so great when it comes to ceremonial displays like this. Brings tears to my eyes watching this video.
Why are you not the smaller picture. I get it . We are so much better looking at you than the Royal Marines.
No one does it as good as the British! I'm so Proud of our Forces!!!
Same here, straight away
@@johnward9486 Is that an Anagram ? 🤣
Me too🥲
HM Royal Marines band. Renowned worldwide as the most precise and accurate military band. Although we didn’t hear it played, shortly after where Steve ended this video you would have heard ‘HM Jollies’, a truly wonderful RM favourite. Jollies was an early nickname for Royal Marines
one of the things that makes me proud to be British. Our military can do ceremony and pageantry better than anyone, and these are all serving soldiers, they can be deployed anywhere at a moments notice. its even more impressive when the massed military bands get together and perform similarly, as they (in general) wont have practiced together much.
They're Royal Marines, never call them soldiers, it'd seriously piss them off! 😂😂😂
Royal Marines come under the the Royal Navy
@@johncone9516 If you want to wind a booty up? Ask him what his MoD90 says at the top. 🤣🤣🤣
And fight
That drumming at 5.30 in gives me serious goosebumps. Nobody does it better than the Royal Marines. Makes me feel proud. Love to all in the U.S.A.
Agreed! I love this style of drumming from the Marine Corp of Drummers.
Great to see an American 🇺🇸 cousin enjoying our military. We’ve always got your back too Cuz God Bless America ❤🙏🇬🇧
The tune is "The Army of the Nile". I've no military background but I play a tuba in a local brass band and we play a lot of marches. We don't march anymore but years ago I used to march with the band on remembrance Day. I have special respect for the tuba players, because I know from experience, you can't see where you're going with that damned great instrument stuck in front of you face.
Second march is Birdcage walk
@@stevenbowers4164 Thanks Steven. I must confess that one had me stumped
I tried playing it backwards didn’t know if I was coming or going and i sucked. Blew that joke too.
Aw bless..thank you for Your Service ..bet you can see where your going now☺👍🇬🇧
Love it. The Queen’s funeral procession was sublime, the naval ratings were fantastic in timing for the whole length of the course and the music perfectly fitting the occasion.
The naval ratings were indeed the best marching troop, far better than the army or air force units.
Army of the Nile is the tune, and that each man is an elite fighting soldier above all else should not be overlooked. A wonderful sight and sound.
Bandsmen double as stretcher bearers I believe.
Stetcher bearers?? 😂 They're trained field medics and logistics experts!!! Bless them all!! ❤❤❤
@@seanjoseph8637 I know I'm late to the conversation, but bandsmen can be dual role as infantry, or any other role really. You see this a lot in the Household division. Bandsmen are often part of the regular foot infantry and a lot are part of more specialised units. Long gone are the days where bandsmen and women are stretcher bearers.
His Majesty's Royal Marines (formerly Her Majesty's)
Proud to say my Dad served in the Royal Marines
Just absolutely brilliant. I am an ex Royal Naval nurse& I used to look after these guys ❤️🙏🥰
We know nothing else other than this level of excellence 🇬🇧
What a fantastic comment.
The co ordination going on there, the keeping in step, playing an instrument while walking, negotiating things such a traffic lights, turning corners and in synch with others to name a few. They make it look so effortless yet the precision, timing and practice they put into it.
They're not dealing with traffic lights tho, roads on their route will all be closed
@@wallythewondercorncake8657 Correct Wally, but they have to walk around the traffic lights as you can see and how they divide with such ease and keep their timing and stay in formation. (From 8.33 in the video). I think it stands to reason that they close the roads off and the band would not have to stop at the traffic lights, but hey thanks for the comment Wally. All the best.
The precision looks perfect but very, very occasionally someone gets it wrong. At 7:02 on second row in the middle one drummer raises both their drum sticks one beat too early! Should have raised only one drum stick and a beat later. More obvious if they'd been on the front row and nearer the camera.
@mary carver That's right Mary, just like the Guards at Buckingham Palace and other Royal places they are not just there for show they are serving officers.
@@susanashcroft2674 not necessarily officers but regular combat soldiers
Makes me proud to be British...
I was just gonna say the same lol
Glad for you both but as a Canadian hearing Brits refer to us as "colonials" led me to believe that "British" was more of an attitude than a nationality. Cheers!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Me too!
Why because soldiers are playing in a band while walking????
I know America has many brilliant bands but I do love the Band of the Royal Marines - they're ace! As Steve said 'Look at the timing'. To keep a marching band of this size completely in time is awesome!
As a Proud English lady and proud to be British. To watch These wonderful Men and Women, it gives me so much pride. Ultimate discipline. No Country in the World, does it better. Thank you, to those who serve and those who have served. My utmost respect to one and all.
Absolutely awesome - For many years I was the wife of a serving soldier and on a number of occasions our military quarter (housing) was opposite the camps parade ground - the bands/military personnel would practice regularly. I used to love watching it from our bedroom window. I am very much looking forward to the Coronation procession. According to the news there will be 6,000 plus military personnel accompanying King Charles to Westminster Abbey.
Here’s a funny story you reminded me of. My mum and dad - an RSM and confirmed batchelor - met on a blind date and married in three months. This was 1949. The RSM’s house was on the side of the parade ground, as you mention. They returned from honeymoon and the first day, my mother hears my dad ‘at work...’. She was in tears most of the day, wondering what she had done, who she had married...?? Where was the charming, funny, kind, well mannered gent she has fallen for?? Who was this monster yelling at the top of his voice? My poor dad. He sat dear mum down and explained in great detail, the responsibility of his job... she got over it. 😂
It'll be the biggest crowd Charlie & Horseface pull😅
@@tba8241 Not a kind or nice remark and totally uncalled for….If you are British please do not let your self down with such a silly remark.
@1976iap Camilla is a no mark(Shand)
How can Earth can she become our Queen?
Try telling me Charles didn't have Diana killed.Look at the facts.
I reiterate,Camilla is a no mark
My Dad just Loved the Band of The Royal Marines and I can remember him Taking me to see them, as a young lad on a number of occasions. Thanks Dad, you will always be my Hero 💞💞
Royal marines best in the world 👍
gives me goose bumps every time i watch this. so good to be british
This is the Royal Marines marching to Horseguards Parade, the ground where the actual Beating the Retreat ceremony takes place and is about two hours of the most wonderful music. In total, the musicians will have played for about four hours. There is something very stirring about the drums beating. My father was in the RAF during the last world war. He was also in the RAF Central band as a percussion player. Sunday's there was a lunchtime radio requests program for troops overseas so needless to say there was many military marching tunes played. The dining table suffered as he taught us kids to play drums using our cutlery and it left indents at the places where sat. Mum was never happy and we had the biggest tablecloth ever to hide those marks. 🙂 Drum beat is ingrained in my DNA
Two-way Family Favourites with Jean Metcalfe and Cliff Michelmore - a record request programme which linked families at home in the UK with British Forces Posted Overseas (BFPO)❤
Mum always had it on in the kitchen on a Sunday.
I never missed two way family favourites …I miss those programs so much…82 now …….
@@iap-ug3oy Snap!
@@enkisdaughter4795 this programme was replaced with Ulster Calling when was on the army and was for families of Soldiers Serving in NI during the troubles and was on BFPS radio in Germany.
Most British people would admire the precision of this, but also we would take it for granted. Such quality is no more than we are used to, and it would surprise us not to see it.
We may not get the trains running on time, but we can certainly show the world how to present quality ceremonial.
It may, to some, only be a band marching, but it still gives me a buzz of pride in being British.
"Everything is on point, exact.. it's just perfect" I wouldn't expect anything less from our boys! 🇬🇧
In my opinion the Royal Marines have the best bands and when they are combined they are outstanding
The synchronised marching in this is God tier.
Just brilliant makes me feel so very proud to be british and for all our superb armed forces to regards kevin😊
Both my father and I were Royal Marines. Sadly he was killed in action two months before I was born, but i went on to have a great career in the RM band. As someone below mentioned, we also have a military role and I went to the Falkland's war as a medic and POW guard. I have written an award winning book about it called 'The Band That Went To War' , where amongst other things you can read how I came back from a war with a signed thank you card from the enemy!
My brother was a Marine. We went to see the RM band twice last year, in Cheltenham and at the mountbatten festival at the Albert Hall in March. Absolutely incredible. I'm so envious of you having done that. As I said to my wife, I literally can't imagine a better career than a RM bandsman. Marching along and creating that wonderful music with the battalions behind you, it must feel phenomenal.
@@garylancaster8612 it was a great career Chris and I was at Mountbatten last March, and next!
Mr S, I have a copy of your book - a great and often moving read, Sir. The Royal Marines bandsmen suffered the greatest percentage loss of any part of the Royal Navy during WW2. They manned the main armament fire tables, located in the bowels of the ship, and mostly were lost when those ships foundered, from destroyer to battleship.
@@tacfoley4443 that really kind of you to say so and pleased you enjoyed the read. I am currently writing another book about other Ram musicians who were deployed in war zones. Cheers and best wish. Brian
@@tacfoley4443 thanks for letting me know and so pleased to hear you enjoyed the book.I am currently writing another book about other RM Band military deployments. Cheers and best wishes Brian
My son is an officer in the Royal Marine Commandos and when his mum and I first saw him marching behind the Marines band we could just burst with pride. We could not give him a private education but he did it all by himself. We Brits are not perfect but every one of our boys and girls in our military all decided to join the forces. I am so proud to be british .
I’m sure your son is a credit to you. Congratulations.
Being there seeing it in person is unreal. The ground vibrates and the sound pierces enough send chills down your spine.
This is British pageantry at it’s best! It's what we’re known for and it draws tourists to our shores every year. This was probably a rehearsal. The Royal Marines Band are excellent.
That is superb , my dad was an army percussionist and often performed like this - it was a joy to behold . The synchronicity of the British bands makes me so proud to be British. Strangely enough he hated the bagpipes seemingly without reason.
Och thas becus hees jealous o thae pipes !
Theyr a weapon o warr !
Have you seen the drummer on horseback, the drummer horse is massive, a shire horse and the reigns are attached to the hooves.
@@malcolmscrivener8750an offensive weapon.
Gives me goosebumps...SO proud to be British. We have the best military parades in the world!
As other commenters are saying, we're in for a treat on Saturday 6 May, the Coronation. It's supposed to be the biggest military ceremonial for 70 years.
For century after century we have had great Processions at Coronations.
I was 15 at the time of the last Coronation and was in the Mall, witnessing the procession ( in the rain!) which took nearly an hour to pass each point. The upcoming Coronation procession route will,as we know, be much shorter and with far fewer personnel on parade. I'm sure that it will still be something that will show that our servicemen and women are still our pride.
Apparently so. If the late Queens funeral was anything to go by the bar is set pretty damn high. RIP EiiR. Long live the King.
Beating Retreat is carried out at several cities and military establishments by various bands during each year. This particular one in London by the Royal Marines is annual. Another moving ceremony common at Royal Navy and Royal Air Force bases is Sunset. Yes, the flags are of the 54 independent Commonwealth nations. The one which looks similar to US is the Malaysian flag. 🇲🇾
In 1976 a beating the retreat was done in Boston harbour alongside the USS Constitution ...the Queen was there on HMS Britannia as part of the 200th year celebrations for independence and it was done just before we left...
Many thanks for that.
I served in the Royal MARINES COMMANDO for 16 years and marched behind the Royal MARINES band a few times and the they SIMPLY THE BEST.🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴🏴🏴
Fantastic , everything down to the last detail it's perfection , it's what we do so well . Love it 😊
The music teacher at our local school is friends with the musical director of the grenadier guards and at Christmas they came to the school and did workshops with the music students and gave a concert. Absolutely brilliant
That sounds so cool
Finest band in the world The Royal Marines !!
Not even close. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards not only had the best selling record of 1972, in the UK, but have also charted for Classical Music's top 40 three times. Almost as good as their war honours which no other branch of the military can match.
I agree Clive, admittedly my husband was RN but even so they are brilliant!
@@Mark-Haddow keep taking those tablets!
No one absolutely no one does it better, so so skilled!
We have a long military history in this country and my nearest town Colchester has been a garrison town for 2,000 years, beginning with the Romans and still has a military garrrison.
It was once burned down by Boudicca (Boadicea) Queen of the Iceni tribe and when there’s new building in the town, charred wooden remains are still found.
In the last few years a Roman circus which would have been used for chariot racing was uncovered by archaeologists.
Jackie Rice 👏👍 Colchester born bred ❤️
Lovely town and part of England.
@@suzannewebb7913 Lovely town. My first Army posting , 79/80, great pubs shops etc. An hour or so from London. Sat nights weren't awash with squadies, we rubbed along well with the locals. One crtitism though, when I went back home to Merseyside, my friends thought I had gone native with my cockney accent! hah-hah! Happy days.
I was in Colchester, 3rd rha , kirkee n mcman bks early 90's , Fagans den night club like a boxing club 😂😂
I was also ‘wife-of as well as ‘’daughter-of’. As a young girl our accommodation was straight across from the parade square, and the band - Northumberland Fusiliers - made good use of the square and though I didn’t often watch it was the music that my body and soul soaked up and, I believe,prepared me for later life when I became part of the khaki setup once again. I miss those years very much and if I could rewind the clock for sure I would, no hesitation.
Steve this is not the actual ceremony This is the Massed Bands , male and female This is march down from the barracks to the parade ground at Horse Guards were the ceremony takes place there is a video of the ceremony on YT But still very impressive and IMO the best band in the world having served in the Royal Navy. and marched behind them several times. Gives me chills They also have their own channel and give charity concerts
I love your enthusiasm, can’t help but smile.
Thanks Claire, appreciate that. :)
The song is Army of the Nile Glad you enjoyed it .
We honour all the flags who have fought with us.
That's not Beating Retreat, that's just the marching down from Wellington Barracks to Horseguards Parade, then the Ceremony of Beating Retreat for a while hour.
Her Majesty's Royal Marines, they're playing "Army of the Nile" followed by "Birdcage Walk" because they are marching along Birdcage Walk from Wellington Barracks to Horseguards Parade, look up Horseguards Parade, dates back to King Henry 8th.
I myself took part in the Royal Marines Beating Retreat, I was a member of the Corps of Drums, it was every 3 years for HRH Prince Phillips birthday, the then Captain General.
I'm not in the military, but I played in a scout band and I would say that keeping in time is the easy part! We didn't do as much with raising and lowering hands as these do - it does look good! These men are professionals, and several times better than we would ever have been. Please remember this is only part of what they do and that these same men may also be expected to pick up a rifle and engage in combat at a moment's notice - that's the really impressive bit!
As a Brit I’m incredibly proud that The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines are so damned good at it. Now to be fair we have had a few hundred years to get it right and the drills across the pond in the US are equally impressive and noteworthy just a bit different that’s all.
My late Grandfather played the trumpet in the Royal Marine band. I went to see them when I was young and even then I was impressed and moved by their performance.
Unlike the US Marines, HM Royal Marines have specific tasks as part of the Royal Navy rather than being a separate service. They provide amphibious troops and commandos (the green berets), as well as the band service to the whole Navy. If you watched the drummers at the front closely, you'll see the silver bugles at their right side as they are buglers and drummers, with the musicians of the band following them. They are recruited primarily for their musical skill but must also be capable of leading a military life. They are given the training of basic infantry soldiers at the Commando Training Centre before they undertake about two years of music training; after that, they are sent to one of the bands around the country - five, I think. They have a secondary military role and do deploy; you'll see some with Afghanistan medals and one band deployed to the Falklands as medical orderlies. Their wartime role is medical orderlies, logistics etc. The band service was the only part of the RM to recruit women until very recently when the commandos were opened to women who could achieve the same standard for the green beret. If you look closely, you will see the occasional hair bun under the pith helmet and a female shape in the uniform.
There's nothing like following an RM band to the Navy's march "Hearts of Oak". The first few notes and muscle memory kicks in, even in retirement!
I also have a memory of seeing the Royal Marines beating retreat at HMS Jufair in Bahrain in the late 1960s when I was a child.
The syncopated drum-only sections got me. How anyone can march in perfect time and keep a perfect complex rhythm going - especially since the position of the drum when the sticks hit will be fractionally different depending on where your stride is... magnificent. It's "The Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines", BTW.
I think actually it's "The massed bands of HM Royal Marines". There are five separate bands which operate independently most of the time but come together for this event (hence the five Drum Majors).
Being British nowadays, there's nothing much left to be proud of...thank God for this!
Absolutely
Thank god we've still got man for man, woman for woman the best Armed Forces in the world.
Well said, we are a pariah
You need to research our history : stop being so pessimistic: every country has its ups and downs !
@@fayesouthall6604Do you even know the meaning of the word? Shame on you.
Our service men have been doing this for hundreds of years, after all that time it has to be right fantastic
So proud love our Royal marines they set off from Wellington barracks near Buckingham Palace then along bird cage walk by St James 's Park all the way down to horse guards. They stopped at the rear of 10 downing St.
My husband was a royal marine for 22 years. Ceremonies are great but they do the nasty war stuff too. But they are super fit super disciplined . Great guys
The troops often rehearse on the streets of London very early in the morning to work out space & positioning (especially for state occasions) & have to do it without making a sound but it's impressive that they are always so in sync on the day. Another TH-cam video featuring amazing drumming skill is "Drum Battle Play Off" with the Top Secret Corp Band & the Royal Marines Corp Band. The Queen was there & really getting into it.
the Secret Corps are Swiss and civilians. And absolutely fantastic. They often perform with the Royal Marines, who perform around the world.
These guys are proper fighting soldiers. 🇬🇧
What's even more amazing is they're some of the most highly trained members of any military in the world, with 32 weeks of *basic* training, at an exceptionally high & tough level. 👍
WOW! The US Military could learn from these soldiers. 32 WEEKS!!!
It’s like seeing a group of people moving as one consciousness! Moreover, this is quite tiring yet they do not miss a step nor a beat! Impressive!
Only in Great Britain!. The bands of the UK's elite Royal Marines Commandos are at the top of their game. The quality of the music is absolutely incredible and very very loud, all performed with precision marching like toy-soldiers :)
It can be done anywhere in the world usually at some kind of special event/occasion ive personally seen it done in the USA at Boston harbour
@@wildfire160 Were they this good? For your info, these troops on this vid are primarily elite (British Commando's) hardened up and very dangerous British combat soldiers, as the brave but defeated Argentinian military found out.
@@dech9570 They were the same guys or at least from the same corps at the time RM bands were deployed on RN ships these were from HMS Britannia(i was on HMS Eskimo and we had RMs on board as well who were regular RM) .....the video got it slightly wrong because though they are fully trained and operational military personnel they usually perform support duties such as medical support, driving ambulances and logistics(usually but not always as they have been operational)
@@wildfire160 'i was on HMS Eskimo' Wow, what year was that?
@@dech9570 WOW what a small world...i joined Sept?? 75 and flew back from Miami in 78 to join Fleet Officer Medway...
I loved my time on board ...the 1976 trip to South/Central/North America as Caribbean guard ship was awesome...
(Able Seaman(S) MF Williams)(AKA Little Bungy)
My Paternal grandfather was a Royal Marine and was injured in the 1st world war in Gallipoli. He had to have shrapnel removed from his back without an anaesthetic. He was badly scarred.
My grandfather was in the first world war and died from the effects later of gassing! I am sorry to hear of what your grandfather went through! My mum was looked after by his brother! I say thank you to you for what your grandfather did like mine that I never knew! I just have a photo and he was in a Military band!
Oh my goodness.What people did for us to have peace...
My maternal grandfather was at Jutland on the Barham.
First march there is "Army of the Nile" by the British March King, Kenneth J. Alford, who served in the British Army and the Royal Marines in various bands, and who was our best march composer really.
Discipline and pride all wrapped in the perfection timing . We are the best at this .
The Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines. They step off from Wellington Barracks ( just a few hundred yards from Buckingham Palace), march along Birdcage Walk before turning left onto Horse Guards Road and halting just short of Horse Guards Parade where the actual Beating Retreat ceremony takes place. This is also where the Household Division's Trooping The Colour and Beating Retreat ceremonies take place.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards had the UK's best selling record of 1972. Proving their popularity reached beyond military service personnel.
No other military band can match their renditions of Amazing Grace or The Gael for passion and success.
Yes sounds fantastic the Scots. But I do like you care and forces military brass band's
Anyone can play Amazing Grace, they pale into insignificance compared to the Royal Marines Band!
@@historex54tamiya
Gibberish. The Marine band aren't even rated amongst navy marching bands. The RSDG are famous all around the world, with chart topping records in several nations. They're the second most senior regiment of the British army, with Waterloo's French Eagle as their cap badge. The most famous battle honour of the British military. Their HQ is Edinburgh Castle, in the capital city of the only undefeated nation on Earth, if Israel is excluded.
@@Mark-Haddow you are cluleless, Not rated amongst Navy Bands, the RM ARE the band for the RM and Royal Navy. The RSDG has been made famous for its record but most of that relies on the era and the tune it played at the time, to many it sounds like just another pipe band. To compare that to the spectacle and versatility of the Royal Marines is pointless. There is a reason that the Royal Marines is so well known, seen so often around the world and on TV and that it has 6 bands instead of just 1.
@@Mark-Haddow being based in Edinburgh castle and second senior in the British army means nothing. You do realise the Royal Navy IS the senior service and the Royal Marines Band is part of it!
Nobody, and I do mean NOBODY, does pomp and ceremony like the British. Just look at the late Queens funeral the the Kings coronation...truly world class and made our nation extremely proud.
I totally agree. When those who like to deride us and question what is British culture they need to be shown videos like this.
Have seen this before on another channel and it still makes me really emotional and my heart swell with pride to be British, my dad was in the British army and makes me think of him, sadly passed a while ago, rip darling dad ❤
Hi Pal, Thank you for your content, I’m glad that you were impressed these guys are some of the finest you will see. As a Scotsman I ask - Have you ever got around to watching any of the pipe bands? if not please give it a look. Thanks for your content. All the very best to you and yours. Rab
Here I am sitting you congratulations your just brilliant xx COME ON SCOTLAND
Watching this , I'm getting excited for the Coronation. Only 20 days to go. I will be there watching from the Mall. Looking forward to all the pomp!
That is what Practise and hard work achieved over the years fantastic Brilliant ❤❤
Steve you should look at the annual ' trooping the colour'. It celebrates the Monarch's official birthday. It takes place in June.
I was going to mention that too.
Ex Australian Navy here. The feeling of pride when marching behind a military band is incredible. I participated in a couple of Freedom of Entry Marches during my service in Victoria.
You need to view how the young men and women get chosen to become Royal Marines band personnel and then the two years training that they undergo - very tough selection criteria and training. Also have a look at the annual Mountbatten Festival of Music - held every year in the Royal Albert Hall which shows the fantastic musical ability of the Royal Marine Bands.
Absolutely fantastic. Im so proud of our royal bands, especially the Royal Marines. I would have loved to have seen this live.
Steve, you need to seriously consider searching for Edinburgh military tattoos. There on each year celebrating military bands from around the world.
Definitely.
for the retreat : -Army of the Nile (Alford)
3:29
2
Birdcage Walk (Steck)
3:10
3
Wellington March (Zehle)
3:09
4
Audax (Horner)
0:42
5
St Symphorien (Cansfield)
0:45
6
Sarie Marais (Toonsetting Arr. Dunn)
3:15
7
Zeebrugge (Zehle)
3:00
8
Gibraltar (Waterer)
4:32
9
Preobrajensky (Donajowsky Arr. Dunn)
3:28
10
By Land and Sea (Alford)
5:09
11
Salute to the Lord High Admiral (Kortbeek/Keachie)
1:09
12
San Remo (Reilly)
0:39
13
Versailles (Horner/Paine)
1:15
14
Wing Commander (Arr. Hutchinson)
3:13
15
The Captain General (FV Dunn)
3:43
16
Astute (Keachie)
4:07
17
Royal Legacy (Fothergill)
1:58
18
National Emblem (Bagley)
3:17
19
Evening Hymn and Sunset (Arr. Spain)
3:11
20
Heart of Oak (Boyce)
1:07
21
A Life on the Ocean Wave (Russell Arr. Alford)
1:09
22
The Voice of the Guns (Alford)
2:57
23
Shrewsbury Fair (Neville)
3:24
24
HM Jollies (Alford)
Fabulous. Happy St Georges Day to my fellow English. Proud of the differences AND the great connection between the 4 countries that make up The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Seen it once real life, the boots add the whole experience. Brit and proud. That wheel around the corner was amazing. Thank you Steve.
Thank you for reacting to this video. Another good video which focuses even more on the royal marine drummers is : Royal Marines corps of drums and the top secret drum corps from Switzerland.... ( They have a drum off) very good video to react to. 11 million views. 👍
The march is "Voice of the Guns" by Kenneth J Alford. How do I know this - I had a 25 year career in the Royal Marines Band Service, The Band of HM Royal Marines
I have to say, as a tuba player, that was really outstanding. The band were just magical ... perfect blend, nuanced dynamics - incredibly musical (and on the march!).
I've watched that in real life, and the wall of sound is epic. The snares are all in perfect synch, and they managed to make 'Army of the Nile' sound really musical, not just oompa oompa.
One of the finest military bands in the world!
That's at Birdcage Walk St. James Park. Walked through St. James Park yesterday and back through Horse Guards Parade to Whitehall. Still impresses me even though I live in London.
As a former serving Royal Marine, marching behind the band made the heart burst with pride. What you saw here was the lead up to beat retreat but this video stopped short of that. The beat retreat is generally at Horse Guards parade. The flags are just Commonwealth and World flags as are hanging en route.
Your expression is priceless. So pleased you're so impressed
Will you be taking time off work to watch the Coronation live? Not sure what exact time it will be where you live, but it'll be very early morning.
I don't wish to boast but the reason you are impressed is because you are watching HM Royal Marines. The best there is. The music is called the Army of the Nile.
This is the massed bands of the Royal Marines, there are 4 bands on parade, there is one Bandmaster and 4 Drum Majors. Bating The Retreat is now ceremonial rather than of significant use, and it still raises the hairs on the back of my neck, even after 40+ years.
You are watching the best corps of drums on the planet and it is British. Don’t be surprised, these guys always perform at this level.
As an old ex professional infantry man we or I used to train 8 hours a day on drill to make sure we were perfected for such parades.
And seeing this makes me feel proud of how we're tought
But we're not the only ones who have perfection in our Marche's
Many countries have great marches like the USA and Germany too .
Also to say their is no main drum for feet synchronization but down to the march synchronization only
Cannot get the smile off my face. MEMORIES
08:20 I've just watched them wheel and avoid street furniture at the same time.
I've rewatched it a number of times.
You would need to train in that exact place over a number of days.
The flags identify commonwealth countries as well as NATO partners...and the US flag is there also. The retreat is held at horseguards in London.
As an ex para I’m not prejudiced some of my best friends are ex marines 🤣
RM instructor to recruits; You'll hear a lot about the Parachute Regiment, mostly from the Parachute Regiment." (From "Virgin Soldiers" by Leslie Thomas.)
@@RogersRamblings 😂👍
There is also 'Sounding the Retreat' which is one of my favourites