Sounding Retreat in Dhekelia as The Rifles teams up with PWRR and Cypriot band
The Band and Bugles of The Rifles has performed a ceremonial performance of Sounding Retreat at Alexander Barracks in Cyprus.
The Rifles were joined by 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and the Band of the Cypriot National Guard, who also delivered musical performances.
Bugling is at the heart of The Rifles and Sounding Retreat remains a core part of the regiment's identity.
Bugles were originally used by the regiment for communication on a chaotic battlefield.
They were also sounded at sunset to signal to patrolling soldiers that they should return to base.
They are now used for pageantry and performance.
"It's quite an impressive feat," said Major Oliver Jeans, director of music for the Band of Bugles of The Rifles.
"There are only two bands in the British Army that march at 144 paces a minute at light drill – us and the Band of Brigade of Gurkhas.
"Our unique quality is that all the words of command are given on the bugle."
Soldiers find performing a welcome change from their regular routine.
"It gets us away from original duties, gives us a break from the green side of soldiering and it's nice to showcase what we can do," said Cameron Campbell, the Drum Major of 1st Battalion.
Sounding Retreat differs from Beating Retreat as bugles are used rather than drums.
With fireworks to finish, the battalion's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Burkill, described the performance as a real moment of partnership.
Join Our Newsletter
