|
|
The Ceremony of Beating Retreat | |
|
Contents
|
Until the nineteenth century armies were reluctant to continue operations after nightfall. The command in the form of a drum signal was given, normally at sunset, to retire to a defensive position, usually a walled town, in order to prevent surprise attack. This also resulted in a close link being established between the closure of the town gates and the lowering of colours at the end of an active day in the field and the term "Beating Retreat". This has evolved into the modern-day ceremony of Beating Retreat. Fettes Pipes and Drums beats Retreat on the Queen's Lawn at the end of Open Day in October (photograph above) and on the Headmaster's Lawn on Founder's Day to mark the end of the school year. Fettes pipers and drummers also play in the Massed Scottish CCF Schools' Pipes and Drums which beats Retreat on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle and the forecourt of the Palace of Holyrood House each May.
|
