The Band of the King's Division | |
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Active | 12 May 2006–2019 |
Country |
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Branch |
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Type | Military Band |
Part of | King's Division |
Garrison/HQ | Catterick Garrison |
The Band of the King's Division was a military band of the British Army's Corps of Army Music (CAMUS) which was formed in 1994 and later merged in 2019 with other bands to form the current British Army Band Catterick.
Background[]
In 1992, the Options for Change reforms were announced following the Dissolution of the Soviet Union and subsequent End of the Cold War which saw the British Armed Forces significantly reduced in size. As part of the changes to the British Army, the military bands were reduced from 69 regimental bands to 29 army bands. As part of these reductions, many regimental bands were merged into new 'divisional bands'.[1]
Waterloo Band[]
The Waterloo Band of the King's Division was one of the new divisional bands formed in 1994, and the senior of the two bands of the King's Division. The new band was based at Catterick Garrison and formed on 1 August 1994 by amalgamation of the following regimental bands: The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire, The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment), and The Duke of Wellington's Regiment. In 1994, the band became the dedicated army band for the regiments in Yorkshire.[1]
Normandy Band[]
The Normandy Band of the King's Division was one of the new divisional bands formed in 1994, and the junior of the two bands of the King's Division. The new band was based at Preston Barracks in Preston, Lancashire and formed on 6 June 1994 by amalgamation of the following regimental bands: The King's Own Royal Border Regiment, The King's Regiment, and The Queen's Lancashire Regiment. In 1994, the band became the dedicated army band for the regiments in the North-West of England.[1]
History[]
In 2003, the Delivering Security in a Changing World reform was published which among other things, saw the army's bands reduced by almost half. As part of the cuts, all divisions with more than one band were merged into one larger 'Division Band'. As the King's Division had two bands, its bands were among those to be cut, with the new Band of the King's Division (also known as the Waterloo Band) formed on 12 May 2006 by amalgamation of the former Waterloo and Normandy Bands of the King's Division. The new band moved to its new accomodations at Weeton Barracks in Preston, Lancashire after formation.[1][2] As with all military bands in the British Armed Forces, if the band is mobilised it would have provided medical support to the Army Medical Services.[2]
The band's establishment was initially for 35 musicians[2] but this was later reduced slightly to just 32 by 2018.[3] In 2012, as part of the Army 2020 reforms, the Corps of Army Music's bands shifted from their regional division control to the new 'Regional Command'.[3]
In 2019, as part of the complete reorganisation of the Corps of Army Music, the former divisional and regimental bands (less the Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Rifles, and Household Division bands) were merged to form larger 'Station Bands'. These bands were formed by merging at least two bands and temporarily adopted the standard No. 1 uniform of the Corps of Army Music. Among the mergers was the combination of the Band of the King's Division (moving to Catterick in 2019), Band of the Royal Armoured Corps, and Band of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers into the larger British Army Band Catterick. These mergers (with the exception of the beforementioned exceptions) ended the divisional and regimental band history in the British Army.[3]
In addition to the King's Division band, each regiment in the King's Division (now the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment in the North West and Yorkshire Regiment in Yorkshire) maintain their own corps of drums. In 2018, this included the 1st Duke of Lancaster's Regiment at Dale Barracks, Chester, 2nd Duke of Lancaster's Regiment in Cyprus, 1st Yorkshire Regiment at Battlesbury Barracks, Bulford Camp, and 2nd Yorkshire Regiment at Somme Barracks, Catterick Garrison.[3] Also, each regiment's Territorial Army (Army Reserve from 2015) battalion contained a regimental band, the Band of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment in Liverpool and the Band of The Yorkshire Regiment in Huddersfield both with an establishment of 21 musicians.[3]
Uniforms[]
The information below is copied from the full 'Army Dress Regulations' which were released by the Ministry of Defence in January 2011. The full dress uniform of the band (ceremonial/red uniforms) in 2007 was as follows:[4][5]
Director of Music[]
The Director of Music or 'DoM' is the only officer in an army band and commands the band and is typically the standard conductor. He or she normally holds the rank of Captain or Major.
- 1.1 Helmet: Universal Home Pattern cloth helmet, with gilt metal fittings, as per Dress Regulations for the Army, 1934, Para 739: the covering of fine very dark blue cloth made with four seams (two on each side) and with a ¾ inch band of self material encircling lower part of helmet; pointed front peak, with gilt metal edging; a convex bar of gilt metal down centre of rear of helmet; back peak with narrow edging of patent leather or similar; on either side is a rose boss (1 1/8 in. in diameter) to which is attached (extending from the near side) the links ¾ inch wide and sewn onto black patent leather and lined with the curb-chain chinstrap, black velvet: top ornament consists of a spike (2¾ in. high) screwed into a metal cross-piece mounting with hook at rear.
- 1.2 Helmet Plate: Gilt plate as per Dress Regulations for the Army, 1934, Para 740, consisting of an eight-pointed star with top point displaced by the St. Edward’s Crown with, mounted on the face, a gilt laurel wreath and, within the wreath a gilt Garter inscribed “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”. Within the Garter, on a velvet ground, the approved King’s Division device. On the bottom of the wreath is mounted a narrow silvered scroll bearing the title of the Band. The bottom point of the plate comes halfway over the cloth band of the helmet.
- 1.3 Tunic: Scarlet cloth, with cloth collar and cuffs of the approved white divisional facing colour. The collar (not less than 2 in. nor normally more than 2¼ in. high) ornamented with 5/8 inch gold Rose pattern lace along the top and ends, and 3/16 in. gold Russia braid along the bottom, with embroidered divisional collar badges, positioned with their centres 2 in. from ends of collar; the cuffs pointed, trimmed with 5/8 inch gold Rose lace along the top edge which extends to 7½ in. from lower edge of cuff at point and 2½ in. at back (including lace). There is a tracing of 3/16 inch gold Russia braid 1/8 inch clear above and below the lace. The upper tracing (which is on the scarlet cloth above cuff) forms an Austrian knot at the top (the whole ornament extending to 9½ in. from the bottom of the sleeve) and the lower tracing forms a small upward eye onto the point of the Rose lace. Eight gilt metal tunic size buttons of divisional pattern down the front. Two similar buttons at the back (their centres approx. 3½ in. and not normally more than about 4 inches apart) at the intersection of the waist-seam with the back-seams. Two almost parallel (slightly diverging) pleats extend down from the waist-seam buttons to the bottom of the skirt. A skirt slash extends inwards from each pleat, each slash forming two points below and bearing a button (as above) at each point. The skirt closed behind. The closing seam, edged with white cloth, is midway between the two slashes, with the points of the slashes almost touching it. The tunic-fronts and skirt-slashes (except adjoining the pleats) are also edged with white cloth, all such edging showing not more that ¼ in. wide. The collar is edged (outside the lace), with slightly narrower white cloth edging. The skirt lined with white cloth. A gilt waist hook in waistseam on each side. Standard infantry pattern shoulder-cords of triple gold round cord, twisted, lined with scarlet and fastened at the top with a small divisional button. Badges of rank of standard size in silver embroidery.
- 1.4 Overalls: Dark blue cloth with a scarlet cloth welt ¼ in. wide down each side-seam and with foot-straps.
- 1.5 Boots: Wellingtons or George boots, in patent leather. Plain nickel-plated box-spurs of the standard swan-neck pattern are worn by Officers of field rank.
- 1.6 Sash: Crimson silk net waist sash, backed with leather, without pleats, 2¾ inches wide. Tassels worn at left side immediately to rear of front sword sling and extending 4 in. below the tunic.
- 1.7 Sword Slings: Suspended from a concealed web waist belt, slings of red morocco leather 1 inch wide, faced with gold lace 7/8 in. wide (Infantry pattern) with thin crimson central line; gilt billet studs and oval gilt wire buckles. A hook on the eye at top of the front sling for hooking-up the sword.
- 1.8 Sword and Scabbard: Infantry Officer’s pattern, with nickel-plated (or similar) scabbard.
- 1.9 Sword Knot: Gold and crimson strap with acorn.
- 1.10 Gloves: White cotton
- 1.12 Greatcoat: Grey, double breasted [Foot Guards officer’s pattern] with divisional buttons. Badges of rank in gold embroidery.
- 1.12 Cape: Grey, of length to reach to the knuckles, divisional buttons with dull red lining.
- 1.13 Frock-Coat: Frock-Coat of the universal pattern: double-breasted with tunic-size gilt divisional buttons, it is made of plain dark blue cloth and has matching shoulder-straps. It has collar badges but it bears no cord, braid or lace ornamentation. Rank crowns and stars are of metal type. Outdoors the Frock-Coat is to be worn with the peaked forage cap but all the other items are as for Full Dress. Medal ribbons are to be worn in place of medals
Bandmaster[]
Bandmasters in army bands are the senior band non-commissioned officer and holds the rank of Warrant Officer Class I.
- 2.1. Helmet and Helmet Plate. As for Officer (See Paras 1.1 and 1.2)
- 2.2. Tunic. As for Officer (See Para 1.3) except for rank insignia. None is worn on the shouldercords: instead, a Bandmaster’s badge (in gold embroidery on scarlet backing) is worn on right forearm above the braid Austrian knot, with the WO1’s badge of rank (in gold embroidery on scarlet backing), above the Bandmaster’s badge. (See Note 4)
- 2.3. Other Items. As for Officer (See Paras 1.4 to 1.12), except greatcoat sleeve insignia colouring as for Foot Guards WO1 greatcoat.
- 2.4. Frock-Coat. As for Officer (See Para 1.13). Bandmaster’s insignia are of gold wire embroidery on dark blue cloth backing.
Band Sergeant Major[]
The Band Sergeant Major (BSM) is the second senior band non-commissioned officer and holds the rank of Warrant Officer Class II.
- 3.1. Helmet. Universal (Home Service) pattern cloth helmet with gilt/gilding metal fittings to the pattern described in Dress Regulations for Warrant and Non-commissioned Officers and Men of the Army 1902, Para 12(a), as subsequently modified. The covering is of fine very dark blue cloth made with four seams (two on each side) and with a ¾ inch band of self material encircling lower part of helmet; the front peak rounded, the whole lower edge of helmet bound with patent leather or a plastic substitute. On either side is a rose boss (1 1/16 in. in diameter) to which is attached (extending from the near side) the curb-chain chinstrap, the links ¾ inch wide and sewn onto black leather. Top ornament consists of a spike (2¾ in. high) screwed into a metal cross-piece mounting with hook at rear. (See Note 1)
- 3.2 Helmet Plate. Universal Pattern gilt/gilding metal/brass plate consisting of an eight-pointed star with its top point displaced by the St. Edward’s Crown and bearing a circular laurel-wreath; within this is attached the Helmet Plate Centre consisting of a matching circlet inscribed with the title of the band (and generally bearing a small spray of laurel at bottom); within the circlet, the divisional device. (See Note 2)
- 3.3. Tunic. Scarlet cloth, with cloth collar, cuffs and shoulder-straps all of the approved white divisional facing-colour. The collar, approx. 1¾ in. high and cut square, is ornamented with ½ inch gold "Bias & Stand" (Universal NCOs' pattern) lace along the top and ends, and 3/16 in. gold Russia braid at the bottom. Approved divisional metal collar badges are fixed with their centres 2 inches from the ends of the collar. Cuffs are pointed, bearing ½ inch lace (as on collar) around the top extending to 6 inches from the bottom of the sleeve at the point (inclusive of the lace) and 2¾ inches at back of cuff. Seven gilt/gilding metal/brass or gold colour anodised metal regimental tunic size buttons of approved divisional pattern down the front. The skirt, unlined or with matching lining and closed behind, edged with white cloth not more than ¼ in. wide on closing seam, with a skirt slash at each side extending inwards from two nearly vertical (very slightly diverging) pleats that extend down to bottom of skirt (each slash forming two points below the waist. Two buttons (as on front) at the waist behind and one more at each point of each slash below, the waist buttons being each located at the top of one of the pleats, the centres of these two waist buttons approx. 3½ in. (not more than about 4 in.) apart. The tunic-front (whole of left front and right front of skirt) and slashes (but not adjoining the pleats) are edged (piped) with white cloth not more than ¼ in. wide, the points of the slashes being approx. ¼ in. clear from the white cloth edging of the closing seam, and the bottom of the slashes being about ¼ in. clear above the lower edge of the tunic. A brass belt-hook in waist-seam on each side. Shoulder-straps (2½ in. wide at outer end, tapering to 2 in. level with button and angled to a point) are trimmed along the sides and around the point with gold Russia braid and fastened with a medium size divisional button. Scarlet cloth wings, edged all round with ½ inch gold lace (of "Bias and Stand" pattern as described for collar) and crossed with five diagonally-placed bars of the same lace (running inwards and to the rear). The regulation insignia on right sleeve in gold wire embroidery on scarlet cloth backing (band lyre and crown with laurel leaves). (See Note 3)
- 3.4. Trousers. Substantial dark blue cloth (not serge) with a scarlet cloth welt ¼ inch wide down each side-seam (Pattern similar to Foot Guards ORs Full Dress). These should be well shaped at the ankle, cut without pleats at waist and fitted with braces-buttons.
- 3.5. Boots. George boots in patent leather.
- 3.6. Sash (Shoulder). Crimson cotton (WO’s pattern) with tassels. To be worn over right shoulder, the lower end of the tassels level with bottom edge of tunic.
- 3.7. Sword and Scabbard. Sword, Infantry, Warrant Officer, with nickel-plated or similar scabbard.
- 3.8. Sword Knot. White matt plastic strap and acorn.
- 3.9. Sword Belt. Heavy, solid (not woven), white matt plastic (to resemble buff leather) 1¾ inches wide with approved round brass or gilt metal union locket clasp. All metal furniture, including hook and adjustment buckle, to be brass or gilt metal or similar. Sword-slings of the same material as the belt, 1 inch wide, with metal billet studs (The longer sword-sling slides on the belt, its upper end being at centre back between the two waist buttons, on which the belt edge rests).
- 3.10. Waist belt Clasp. Unless otherwise approved this will be of the General Service pattern, a round union locket clasp of cast brass or gilt metal or similar with the male part bearing the Royal Crest, and the female part a circlet inscribed "DIEU ET MON DROIT".
- 3.11. Gloves. White cotton.
- 3.12. Greatcoat. Grey, single breasted, Foot Guards pattern, (blue-grey) with divisional buttons. Rank insignia above right cuff in scarlet embroidery on dark blue cloth.
- 3.13. Cape. Grey, [blue-grey] of length to reach to the knuckles, unlined, with regimental buttons.
Drum Major[]
The Drum Major is a senior non-commissioned officer (typically Warrant Officer Class II) who leads a band during a marching display.
- 4.1. Uniform, Sword and Accoutrements. All items except insignia are as described for WO2, (see Paras. 3.1 to 3.13 above) but with the following different or additional features.
- 4.2. Insignia. The appropriate regulation insignia are worn on the right forearm of the tunic commencing ½ in. clear above the cuff lace, the chevrons (about 6 in. across with point up) being of ½ inch gold “Bias and Stand” lace and the drum of gold wire embroidery etc., all on scarlet cloth backing. The lyre badge should not be worn. On the Greatcoat, equivalent insignia are worn above the right cuff, the chevrons being of ½ inch dark blue worsted lace about 6 in. across on scarlet cloth backing, point up, and the drum in scarlet embroidery on dark blue cloth.
- 4.3. Drum Major’s Embroidered Shoulder Belt (or “Sash”). The Embroidered Shoulder-Belt (widely known as the Drum Major’s divisional facing-colour edged with gold lace, generally fitted with two token drumsticks and embellished with Crown and Royal Cipher, divisional insignia, titlescrolls and battle-honour scrolls etc. in wire embroidery. The lower ends edged with gold fringe and joined together.
Musicians[]
Musicians (Privates) up to the rank of Colour Sergeant share a similar uniform.
- 5.1. Helmet and Helmet Plate. As described for WO2. (see Paras 3.1 & 3.2 above)
- 5.2. Tunic. As described for WO2 (see Para 3.3 above), but without the trimming of gold lace and gold braid. Only the scarlet wings are trimmed (to the same design) but with ½ inch white worsted chevron-weave lace. Apart from the collar badge, the collar and cuffs are entirely plain.
- 5.3. Chevrons and Badges of Rank and Employment. Insignia, as per regulations, worn on right upper arm, all on scarlet cloth backing, the chevrons point-down and measuring approx. 6 in. across, as follows:- a. Sergeant and above: Chevrons of ½ inch gold “Bias and Stand” (Universal NCOs’ pattern) lace. Standard lyre badge on scarlet backing above rank badge. b. Corporal and Lance Corporal. Chevrons of ½ inch white worsted “chevron weave” lace (as on wings) Standard lyre badge on scarlet backing above rank badge. c. Musician. Lyre badge as for Corporal but no chevrons.
- 5.4. Sash (Shoulder). (Sergeant and above only) Scarlet polyester worsted webbing with tassels (worn over right shoulder, the lower end of the tassels level with bottom edge of tunic).
- 5.5. Trousers, Boots and Gloves. As described for WO (See Paras 3.4, 3.5 & 3.11). White fingerless mitts may be worn in lieu of gloves.
- 5.6. Waist belt. Heavy, solid (not woven), white matt plastic (to resemble buff leather) 1¾ inches wide with approved round brass or gilt metal union locket clasp and two separate brass or gilt metal adjustment buckles (When worn, the lower edge of the waist belt rests on the shanks of the pair of waist buttons at back of tunic). (See Note 5)
- 5.7. Waist belt Clasp. As described for WO2 (Para 3.10 above)
- 5.8. Music Card Case. Constructed of similar substantial material to the belt or white leather. To be worn on the rear of the waist belt (Should have the appearance of whitened buff leather).
- 5.9. Other Accoutrements. Special equipment should also, in most cases, conform to the waist belt in having the appearance of whitened buff leather with polished brass furniture, for example: drummers’ knee apron.
- 5.10. Greatcoat and Cape. As described for WO2, (Paras 3.12 & 3.13) except the insignia on the greatcoat. Rank chevrons (pointing down) of ½ in. dark blue worsted lace about 6 in. across on scarlet cloth backing are worn 1 inch clear above the right cuff. Crowns should be in scarlet embroidery on dark blue cloth.
Footnotes[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Corps of Army Music [UK"]. 2007-12-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20071228105032/http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/corps/music.htm.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "The Band of The Kings Division". 2008-10-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20081013191857/http://www2.army.mod.uk/bands/king_s_division/index.htm.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Zacchi, Justin (30 August 2022). "Freedom of Information Act request: Information on Bands of the British Armed Forces in 2018". https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/883361/response/2111998/attach/6/20220830%20FOI2022%2009100%20Annex%20A%20Army.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1.
- ↑ Army Dress Regulations, (CAMUS p. 11)
- ↑ Army Dress Regulations, 'The Band of the King's Division' section (pages 883–892).
References[]
- Army Dress Regulations (All Ranks) (Edition #12 (January 2011) ed.). Whitehall, London, United Kingdom: Ministry of Defence. January 2011. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/626107/2017-03109.pdf.