Page 55 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

BAND & BUGLES
Commandant’s Inspection
to all the regiments who fought during the Peninsula and Crimea wars, Indian Mutiny, First and Second World Wars and recent operations including Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The inspection began with the fanfare, Rifles Assembly followed by the equally well know bugle call, Advance – which historically alerted the Riflemen to advance to contact. After the three pace rolls, The Band and Bugles of The Rifles marched on in light pace to Marching Through Georgia and Dixie, full of confidence and panache after a few weeks
of rigorous rehearsals under the keen and watchful of Senior Bugle Major Lewis.
One drill highlight of the performance was to manoeuvre the Bugle Platoon back into position after their drill display, whilst the band performs the traditional Regimental Doubles, Keel Row/Road to the Isles arr, Brydon. Thankfully it went without a hitch, much to the approval of the audience. This unique feature of The Rifles ‘double,’ was different for this
years’ Retreat as the whole band also double forward and re-position in reverse order.
In addition, the musicians have also
been able to reintroduce the ‘minstrel turn,’ something that is a common RIFLES drill movement linking back to the Peninsula campaign, that would see a body of troops quickly change direction to engage an enemy unit.
Despite the wet weather The Band and Bugles performed extremely well, passing muster and receiving high praise at the end of the performance.
LCpl Russell May, Band Media NCO
Despite the wet weather
The Band and Bugles performed extremely well, passing muster and receiving high praise
RIFLES The Bugle 55