Page 143 - The Bugle 2018
P. 143
2 RIFLES preparing to double off the forecourt of Buckingham Palace for the final Changing of The Guard
The Band and Bugles of The Rifles leaving the Forecourt
The next phase of engagements for the band were Public Duties in various locations around London. It was at this point we said farewell to Band Serjeant Major John Bilby and welcomed our new Bandmaster, W01 Jeremy Ansell and also Band Serjeant Major W02 Scott Parkinson.
Undertaking Public Duties was the newest challenge for the Band and Bugles, as it was the first time in the history of The Rifles that the Regiment has been required to support this prestigious Ceremonial Duty. Changing of the Guard was an intense period for the band; duties were back to back as we had to march the new guard to their duty and bring the old guard back to barracks. We departed from Winchester daily and the early starts are not missed! It truly was an experience to remember, the majority of the band had never undertaken Public Duties in London District previously. There were thousands of spectators watching proceedings at both St James’ Palace, whilst we marched down The Mall and again on the forecourt where we performed music during the Ceremony. For the final Changing of the Guard which signified the Regiment’s duties, permission was granted from Her Majesty, The Queen to ‘Double Off’ the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to mark this poignant occasion – again, another world first!
Ex Champagne Rifles, a battlefield tour in France incorporating Riflemen from The Band and Bugles,
marked the Centenary of The 2nd Battalion The Devonshire Regiment, who fought at The Battle of Bois des Buttes on the 27th May 1918, for which they were awarded the French Croix de Guerre. The final day of their tour concluded with an Act of Remem- brance and commemoration for 2nd DEVONS at the memorial. The Rifles contingent paraded alongside The Devon and Dorset Regimental Association and members from 5th Gibraltar Battery with our own Riflemen playing Last Post and Reveille.
IT TRULY WAS AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER, THE MAJORITY OF THE BAND HAD NEVER UNDERTAKEN PUBLIC DUTIES IN LONDON
WO1 Jeremy Ansell
WO2 Scott Parkinson
THE RIFLES
THE BAND AND BUGLES OF THE RIFLES 149