Banging the drum for TA’s 100 years

By Pamela McGowan

Last updated 05:20, Friday, 09 May 2008

A SPECTACULAR military pageant is set to bring the crowds into Carlisle this weekend to celebrate the centenary of the Territorial Army.

Venue: A Beating Retreat will take place at Carlisle Castle

The 100th anniversary event will take place at the TA’s Cumbria Garrison at Carlisle Castle tomorrow.

It will be open to the general public and take the format of a Beating Retreat, complete with marching bands and infantry demonstrations.

The Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Cumbria Garrison and Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment have joined forces to organise the celebrations.

The gates to the castle will open at 5pm with the parade itself beginning at 6pm.

Earlier in the day there will be a chance for members of the public to visit the castle, at a cost of £4, view the grounds and look around a series of TA anniversary stands.

The Beating Retreat ceremony will include a 20-minute military demonstration by 4th Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, a march past, the playing of the Last Post and a sunset ceremony.

Lieutenant Colonel Ray Hughes, commanding officer of 4th Battalion, hopes Cumbrians will turn out in force to the celebration.

“We are delighted, in this 100th anniversary year of the formation of the TA, to be hosting the Beating Retreat in Carlisle,” he said.

“The castle is a fitting venue – it has close ties to the TA, housing a TA training centre, one of the bases of C Company of 4th Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

“Several soldiers who train there are deployed in Afghanistan, providing force protection at the Nato headquarters in Kabul.

“The Beating Retreat will be a great occasion, with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment’s own TA band and a military demonstration. It will be a fitting showcase to celebrate the TA centenary.”

Beating Retreats date back to the early years of warfare, when the beating of drums and parading were performed to close the camp at the end of the day. Nowadays they are reserved for special army occasions and celebrations.