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The Beating of the Retreat is a concertised version of old military traditions where the battalion Drum Major and his men would march through the city playing drum cadences to warn their soldiers that it was time to return to barracks. This practice was known as the “Retreat.” Eventually, fifes and bagpipes were added. The current format allegedly took its form around the War Years and is a hybrid of the “Sunset” Ceremony, which marks the end of the workday with the lowering of the unit flag, and the Retreat. The Retreat is also a variation of the Tattoo which signals the public houses to close up for the night. This practice is no longer observed!
For more information contact: Captain Dwight Robinson or WO2 James Van-Lowe at 441 238-1045, email: