CAMERON HIGHLANDERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23599, 7 March 1940, Page 11

CAMERON HIGHLANDERS

TROOPS AT THE FRONT CHAMPAGNE FOR PIPERS Tfrom OUJt OWN correspondent] LONDON, Feb. 13 The pipe band of The Cameron Highlanders "beat the retreat" in traditional manner to celebrate the return of the battalion from the line for a short period of rest, writes the special correspondent of the Times from the Western Front.

Although the day was bitterly cold people were drawn from their houses in large numbers as the kilted pipers marched down from the railhead, filling the streets with the clamour of the pipes. The "retreat" was sounded in the square with a long, twice-repeated roll of the drums and wild gesticulations from the drum-major. Before and afterward the pipers marched and counter-marched before an audience fascinated and bewildered by the compelling lilt of "The March of the Cameron Men," "Tel-el-Kebir," and other regi iiioii tal ma relies. The response of the population to the ceremony, which was concluded by a foursome reel, should encourage the authorities to stage more of these displays. An. old lady who keeps a wineshop in the square approached the colonel of the battalion at the end and suggested that as she bad enjoyed the performance so much she might be allowed to offer the pipers champagne. The colonel raised no objection.

The Cameron Highlanders fought hard to retain their kilts, but they will soon go into the khaki overalls known as battle dress. To-day for the first time they appeared with their new emblem, a bright blue hackle attached to the bonnet, the colour of which was chosen at the request of the regiment by the King.