THE GORDONS’ DRUMS

Evening Star, Issue 21637, 5 February 1934, Page 9

THE GORDONS’ DRUMS

RETURNED TO REGIMENT IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, February 4. (Received February 5, at 9 a.m.) The Bremen’s sailors carried the Gordons’ faded split drums ashore at Southampton, the ship’s band playing a march. Sir lan Hamilton, waving his hand, shouted: “Deutschland auf wiedersehen.” The sailors responded with cheers. The Gordons’ escort met the drums at Farnborough and marched to Aldershot, where they were received by the battalion on parade, including three ex-servicemen, who carried the drums at Ostend in 1914. Sir lan Hamilton, addressing the parade, said: “I have brought back the drums which once set young generous hearts beating with thoughts of war. They are now returned as envoys of amity and peace.” Colonel M'Clintock read President Hindenburg’s message emphasising his pleasure in returning the drums, thereupon the drummer boys picked up the drums and trooped them down the parade, the pipers skirling the regimental march, ‘ Cock-o’-the-North.’

[The Minister of Defence (General Fivon Blomberg), in handing over the drums of the Second Battalion of Gordon Highlanders, left at Ostend in wartime when the Gordons were ordered hurriedly to Antwerp, told Sir lan Hamilton that “the German army is proud to do this act of courtesy to chivalrous enemies. There is a feeling of comradeship between soldiers whose common ideal was the defence of their country.” Sir lan Hamilton later called on President Hindenburg, who said he hoped the old allies of Waterloo would again become the firmest friends. “ Take the drums back to your brave Highlander*,” he said. “ I know the tradition they represent. I am an old soldier, and my good wishes go to the younger ones.”]