Page 120 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

Sounding Retreat
THE PRACTICE DATES BACK TO A TIME WHEN SOUNDING ‘THE RETREAT’ CALLED A HALT TO THE DAY’S FIGHTING
Soon after the move to Bulford, the 5th Battalion signalled their presence in the UK by Sounding Retreat at Ward Barracks. The practice dates back to a time when sounding ‘The Retreat’ called a halt to the day’s ghting, a return to camp and the mounting of the guard for the night. Nowadays it is purely ceremonial, but it served as a tting way to mark our arrival. The Band and Bugles gave the Rfn, families and Mess guests a rousing performance of both modern and traditional tunes concluding with the haunting ‘Sunset’.
The salute was taken by CGS, General Sir Nick Carter, in his role as the Colonel Commandant of the Regiment, and the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton. Other distinguished guests included the leader of Wiltshire Council, Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, and of course all the members of the Battalion who had worked hard to make the move a success.
Lt Ben Bishop, D Coy
118 FIFTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES
The Band and Bugles on the grass at Ward Barracks
Bugle Major Freeland salutes CGS