Band, predecessor of the present Bermuda Pipe Band.

Most of the following history of the Cadet Pipe Band is taken from a comprehensive article in a 1955 edition of The Royal Gazette , augmented by details supplied by C. Denis Stuart, MBE, and Arthur G. Card. Denis was pipe-major of the band for 35 years from its inception. Arthur at that time was Captain and Commandant of the Bermuda Cadet Corps.

For his dedicated efforts, Denis Stuart received the MBE award in the 1978 Queen's Honour List. Queen Elizabeth II presented it to him at Buckingham Palace. Both the Queen and Prince Philip signed the citation. In World War II, Denis had served with the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps and with the Northamptonshire Regiment in Europe.

The Band originated in "A'' Company of the Bermuda Cadet Corps when Captain Henry Hallett was the company commander. The idea was first put forward some years previously by Corporal Paddy Coyle of the Gordon Highlanders when stationed at Prospect. As military instructor for the cadets, Paddy had asked: "Why don't you have a pipe band? It's different and it's colourful.'' After a cadet parade in Hamilton in 1954, led by three pipers, Arthur Card and his brother, Timothy, were instrumental in getting the pipe band started.

Timmy had served in the Canadian Essex Scottish Regiment during the War and knew the value of the pipes to a military unit. He had taken part in the ill-fated daring raid by the Canadians on Dieppe, which had resulted in a large number of casualties. He was taken prisoner, but succeeded at his third attempt of escaping into Czechoslovakia.

The organisers decided on a full band of 16 pipers, five side drummers, the base drummer and, of course, the drum-major. The enthusiasm among the boys (ages 14-18) was so great, more than the required number volunteered. In honour of Paddy Coyle, the Gordon tartan was chosen for the kilts.

Rich history of Bermuda Pipe Band Denis Stuart, an experienced piper, offered to teach the pipers. He was ably assisted by Bert Brown, formerly of the King's Own Scottish Borders, and Arthur Morris, then the official piper of the Bermuda Caledonian Society.

Bill Horlington instructed the drummers. He had enlisted as a boy with the Northumberland Fusiliers in World War I. In World War II, he went with the Fusiliers to Burma and the Far East, being attached, in the rank of major, to the West African Forces.

So diligently did the young bandsmen apply themselves that a year later (1956) they were invited to lead the November 11 parade of Bermuda War Veterans to and from the service and ceremony at the Cenotaph. It was, by any standard, a remarkable achievement.

Drum-major Jeremy Durrell led the parade with the drum-major's staff newly presented by Brigadier J.A.M. Rice-Evans on behalf of the British Garrison.

Captain Arthur Card, speaking to The Royal Gazette reporter after the parade, said: "I cannot express enough thanks to those people who helped us to purchase the instruments, and to the instructors who have given a tremendous amount of their own time. The boys deserve credit, too, for the amount of time they are putting in.'' Captain Card also recalled the outstanding services of Mrs. Lillian Hallett, Mrs. Mary (Card) Gibbons and Mrs. Joan Tite in processing the large amount of paper work and other duties required in the band's formation.

The band's next important occasion was playing for the flag-raising ceremony at the opening of the Battle of Britain anniversary. By 1958 they were ready to present their first "Beating the Retreat'' in Hamilton, watched by a large crowd of appreciative spectators.

The Bermuda Cadet Pipe Band had truly come of age.

Proud piper: For his dedicated efforts, Denis Stuart received the MBE award in the 1978 Queen's Honour List.

Arthur G. Card: He was Captain and Commandant of the Bermuda Cadet Corps.