During half term, Trinity School CCF and staff were given the opportunity to attend the first public rehearsal of Trooping the Colour, the Brigade Major’s Review. The formal state ceremonial parade, to mark the official birthday of the British Sovereign, has been taking place for over 260 years and will take place in June.
This was the first of three practice performances of Trooping the Colour and is known as the ‘khaki rehearsal’, because the parade is in No.2 uniforms, rather than ceremonial dress. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.
Until now, rehearsals have been in private, but the Brigade Major’s Review at Horse Guards Parade was observed by a small crowd of dignitaries and Cadet Forces personnel, in preparation for the 8,000 people who will be there to witness the real thing.
The Cadets, from all three services at Trinity School CCF, met at the Horse Guards where they were escorted into the grounds and had the opportunity to engage with the Army Recruitment Team and get to play with some kit that is used both in operation and ceremonial duties. After they were seated in the dignitary stands, next to the Royal Box, the Cadets watched as all seven regiments of the Household Division and their Regimental Bands took part in the ‘khaki rehearsal’.
This included the regiments of the Foot Guards: the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, the Welsh Guards, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (made up of The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals), the mounted band of the Household Cavalry, and the massed Foot Guards bands. Over 1,400 officers and soldiers took part on parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and corps of drums march and play as one. In addition, some 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Command of the Parade.
The soldiers were inspected by the Household Division’s Brigade Major, Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw LVO and then after a march past the Royal Box, exited the grounds in all the pomp and circumstance that can be expected at such a regal event. Culminating in an unforgettable experience that is not accessible to the public. For the Cadets at Trinity School, Croydon, it was an event that will not easily be forgotten and a great day was had by all.
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