The
Band of the Scots Guards is one of five bands in the Foot Guards
Regiments in the
Household Division which primarily guards the
British monarch.
The band is based at
Wellington Barracks in
St James's London, which is the same place as all of the foot guards bands.
Regimental Marches
The Regimental Quick
March is the
Hielan' Laddie. The Regimental Slow March is
The Garb of old Gaul, although similarly to the Grenadier Guards they may march to the
British Grenadiers Quick March, which is often played by the
Grenadier Guards Band as it is the Regimental Quick March of the
Grenadier Guards.
History
The
Scots Guards are a
band that was formed by
King Charles I in 1642. It is known that in 1716 a small band of "hautbouys" existed; however, the precise origins of the Band of the
Scots Guards are unknown.
The band grew in strength during the early part of the 19th century and by 1838 could boast some 32 performers. Throughout the 19th century the band expanded until, in 1888, there was an establishment of 44.
During 1916 they entertained troops at
Ypres and the
Somme. During
World War II they were again entertaining troops on the home front. This was sometimes through the medium of wireless, an example being March 18, 1942 when at 1 am, the band reported for a
BBC Overseas Broadcast at the Paris Cinema.
Musicians also found themselves on Fire Watch duties based at Egerton House,
Buckingham Gate.
The Scots Guards were the only
Foot Guards Band to be deployed on active...
Read More