What is the Rogue’s March?

Introduction The Rogue’s March (also Poor Old Soldier, in some contexts Poor Old Tory or The Rogue’s Tattoo) is a derisive piece of music, formerly used in the British, American and Canadian military for making an example of delinquent soldiers, typically when drumming them out of the regiment. It was also played during the punishment… Read More

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A Brief Overview of British Military Bands

Introduction This article provides a brief outline of the bands within the British Armed Forces. Royal Air Force Bands Royal Air Force Music Services has its origins in the RAF School of Music which was established by Walford Davies in 1918. Name Location (2018) Establishment (2018) Remarks Headquarters Music Services RAF Northholt 11 Central Band… Read More

What is the Band of the Royal Air Force College?

Introduction The Band of the Royal Air Force (RAF) College is based at RAF Cranwell and is one of three established bands in the Royal Air Force. It is the music ensemble of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. Background Formed in 1920 and based at RAF Cranwell, the Band of the Royal Air Force… Read More

What is the Central Band of the Royal Air Force?

Introduction The Central Band of the Royal Air Force (RAF) is a RAF regular band and is part of Royal Air Force Music Services. The motto of the band is Aere Invicti (Latin for “Invincible with the Brass”). Brief History The Central Band of the RAF was formed in 1920, shortly after the RAF had… Read More

What is the Headquarters RAF Music Services?

Introduction Headquarters Music Services (HQMS) is the entity that oversees all three military bands in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Background The Central Band with the RAF Salon Orchestra, the Band of the RAF Regiment and the Band of the RAF College. Acting as the RAF’s version of the British Army’s Royal Corps of Army… Read More

What is the Royal Air Force Music Services?

Introduction Royal Air Force Music Services is the organisation which provides military musical support to the Royal Air Force. Based at RAF Northolt (previously at RAF Uxbridge) and RAF Cranwell, it forms the central administration of one hundred and seventy musicians divided between the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, The Band of the… Read More

What is the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment?

Introduction The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment is based at RAF Northolt, and is one of three established bands in the Royal Air Force and the music ensemble of the Royal Air Force Regiment. Brief History Originally formed from the Coastal Command Band in 1942 at RAF Belton Park, the band is now… Read More