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Corps Of Drums Carry Out Public Duties At Buckingham Palace

18 March 2025
Corps Of Drums Carry Out Public Duties At Buckingham Palace

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment Corps of Drums have recently returned from the UK following a period supporting Public Duties in London. 

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

The drummers, buglers, pipers and two  members of the RG Band, led by Drum Major Jason Walker, deployed to Wellington  Barracks where they spent time on the parade square perfecting their drill and rehearsing  their marches in order to support the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The  DMaj said, “It is in honour to lead the Corps of Drums on this most prestigious occasion,  representing the Regiment and Gibraltar. I’m very grateful for the dedication of my team and  support of additional musicians from the Band”. On Wednesday 5th March, the Corps of  Drums successfully passed their ‘Fit for Role’ inspection, which saw their efforts scrutinised  by London District Brigade Major, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Foinette, before being signed  off to carry out Public Duties. Over the course of 2 weeks, the Corps of Drums were seen  marching up London’s iconic Mall to perform the formal ceremony of Changing the Guard on  the forecourt of Buckingham Palace and returning with the New Guard to mount sentries at  St James’s Palace. 

RG Commanding Officer, Lt Col John Pitto MBE said, “It is a great privilege for the Corps of  Drums to be invited to perform Public Duties in London and for many in the ranks, it will be a  career highlight. Their efforts have demonstrated the versatility and professionalism of the  Regiment at the highest of levels”. Guests from the Regiment were welcomed in London to  mark the special occasion. The Regiment’s Honorary Colonel, Lt Col (Ret’d) Francis  Brancato visited on 7th March and His Excellency the Governor and Commander-in-Chief  Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst KCVO, CBE met with the Corps of Drums to  congratulate them prior to their final Guard Mount on 14th March. This also provided an  opportunity for Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Commodore Tom Guy, RG  Commanding Officer, RG Regimental Sergeant Major, and RG Bandmaster to meet with the  Corps of Drums before watching the ceremony of Changing of the Guard from Buckingham  Palace forecourt. CBF spoke to the Corps of Drums and commended their efforts saying “It 

is a momentous occasion for both you and the Regiment. You should be very proud of your  achievements.”