CHANGING THE GUARD

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3214, 1 October 1936, Page 5

CHANGING THE GUARD

MARINES OF H.M.S. ACHILLES IMPRESSIONS OF A CAMBRIDGE VISITOR AUCKLAND, Wed. The ceremony of the changing of the guard;by the Royal Marines of H.M.S. Achilles on the Western Wharf yesterday afternoon, provided many Aucklanders and other visitors with an excellent opportunity of seeing at first hand the high standard of smartness and efficiency which is characteristic of this branch of the sea service.

This ancient military ceremony is similar in many respects to that carried out daily in London at Buckingham Palace. In the summer of 1935, the Royal Marines had the honour of doing this duty at the Palace.

Order of Ceremony

The new guard formed up and was inspected and marched on parade in quick time. As they approached, the old guard turned out to receive them. The guards then exchanged salutes, each guard presenting arms. The sergeants turned over their duties and the sentry was relieved. The band then trooped in slow and quick time, after which the old guard marched off in slow time, the new guard saluting them and then moving over to take over their post. Each movement was carried out to the accompaniment of appropriate music, the itenis being as follows: Slow March, "E Pari Ra." Regimental March of the Royal Marines, "A Life on the Ocean Wave"; Slow March, Russian Guards March; Quick, "My Regiment"; Slow March, "Scipio"; Quick March, "Britannia, the Pride of the Ocean.

HISTORY OF THE MARINES COLONEL IN CHIEF—THE KING. Founded in 1664 as "The Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot" Marines have served afloat and ashore for more than two and a half centuries, members of the corps taking part in almost every naval engagement and .many military campaigns.

The crest is "The Globe" granted by King George IV, in 1827, and "The Laurel" granted in 1761 after. Belle Isle. The title Royal was granted in 1802 by King George 111. During the Great War detachments served afloat in every large ship and many smaller vessels and a battalion took part, in the attack on Zeebrugge on St. George's Day, 23rd April, 1918. Ashore battalions served at Antwerp, Gallipoli and in France; in addition many smaller units were formed which served in almost every theatre of the war. Royal Marines first served in New Zealand in 1845 when the detachments of H.M." Ships "Hazard" and "North Star" took part in the storming of Hone-Heke's Pa and Okaihau.

A Cambridge resident, who was among those invited to witness "the ceremony, was particularly impressed by the machine-like precision of the Marines fn handling their arms and in marching and forming.up. They were probably the. smartest and most efficient troops ever' seen on parade in the Dominion, and the large crowd watched every movement of the ceremony with admiration and interest.