You may have wondered why many of the British Army bands talk of "Tattoo" and seem obsessed with "Retreat" when most armies see this as anathema.  Well here is an explanation of why.

The military activities which developed into the ceremony called "Beating of Retreat" have their origins in the system for the regulation of the soldiers' day in camp and garrison which evolved during the religious wars in Europe during the 17th Century.  Soldiers had to cook and otherwise fend for themselves, so foraging parties were regularly sent off to obtain food, water and firewood.  These parties had to be recalled as evening drew on, both to prevent desertion and for reasons of security.  The method of signalling was originally beat of drum or gun shot and this signal also warned the night guards to parade for duty.

"Watch Setting" generally took place at sunset.  The term "Retreat" originally referred to a later signal warning troops to clear the streets and hostelries of a garrison and return to their billets until woken next morning by "Reveille".  The term "Tattoo" comes from the expression used by Dutch inn-keepers who were required to "doe den tap toe" when the call was sounded.  Gradually "Watch Setting" and "Retreat" came to be called "Retreat" and "Tattoo" respectively in official publications.  Humphrey Bland published his "Treatise on Military Discipline" in 1727 and wrote:

"Half an hour before the gates are shut, which is generally at the setting of the sun, the Drunners of the Port Guards are to go upon the ramparts and beat a Retreat to give notice to those without that the gates are to be closed."

The duty of Beating Retreat fell to the Infantry who ranked senior to the Cavalry in garrison.  There is thus no Retreat Call for the Cavalry Trunmpet, although the Royal Artillery sound the Infantry call.  The Fife was added to the Drum early in the 18th Century.  Later, when Bands of "Musick" consisting of Horns, Oboes, Trumpets and Bassoons were adopted by the Army, they too took part in these ceremonies.

The Black Watch, first formed as s Regiment in 1739, and other Highland Regiments were all embodied on the standard establishment of Regiments of the Line which included Drums, Fifes and later Military Bands.  However, the normal Highland custom of having Pipers was tacitly accepted despite the Disarming Act of 1746.  Pipers were eventually recognised officially and taken on establishment in place of the Fifers in 1854.

In the course of time, these functions became rather more elaborate entertainment.  The present day ceremonies of Retreat and Tattoo have their origin in a display arranged for Her Majesty Queen Victoria at Aldershot by His Highness the Duke of Connaught, in 1894.

Today, these ceremonies, performed all over the world, draw together all ranks of the Regiment, their families and friends, to enjoy a spectacle which personifies the glory of the Regiment, to listen to songs of home and brave actions and fortify that feeling that we who serve today follow a great tradition.

Last updated 5/12/00