Great Scot - The Scotch Family Magazine - Issue 151 September 2017 GreatScot_Internal_Sept_2017_FA | Page 38

Senior School
Senior School News
Cadet Unit on display
The 29th annual Scotch College Cadet Unit
Tattoo and Retreat Ceremony was held on 2 June
at Scotch, and as always it was a memorable event.
The evening commenced with a performance
by around 40 boys from the Junior School Drum
Corps. Around 130 cadets dressed in Scottish
Highland dress then appeared from the darkened
extremities of the Main Oval, and marched through
the gloaming to the music of the Scotch College
Pipes and Drums. The 40 strong Military Band (who
are also members of the Cadet Unit) played salutes
to welcome the Commanding Officer, Major (AAC)
Peter Reardon, the Principal, Mr Tom Batty and
the guest of honour and reviewing officer, Brigadier
Michael Annett CSC, who is currently the Director
General, Reserves – Army.
The Pipes and Drums played The Green Hills
of Tyrol during the inspection and then both bands
played Scotland the Brave during the march-past.
The Military Band played The British Grenadiers for
the advance in review order, and Brigadier Annett
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then addressed the parade, before the march-off as
the bands played The Black Bear.
There have bene several changes to the timing
and format of this parade over the years, but one
enduring element is a modified Retreat Ceremony,
where we pay our respects for the commitment
and sacrifice of those of our community who have
served in conflicts and peace-keeping missions
throughout the course of our history.
In recognition of the centenary of Anzac
2014-2018, our ceremony included the Calling of
the Names by the Principal of the 64 Old Scotch
Collegians who fell in 1917. This was followed
by a fine rendition of Highland Cathedral by the
Pipes and Drums and the Military Band, while the
Guard carried out the complicated slow-time drill
movement of ‘rest on arms reversed’. The Military
Band played a haunting rendition of Abide with me
and Bugle-Major Cadet Sergeant Evan Searles
played the Last Post.
At one level, the Tattoo simply marks the end
of recruit training for the Year 9s, but in the words
of the Principal, Mr Batty: ‘The Cadet Unit and the
Tattoo are intrinsically entwined with the fabric and
goals of the school’.
To be a part of this parade and ceremony will
linger in the boys’ minds as a memorable point in
their time at Scotch.
ANGUS CURRIE CDTWO1 – RSM, SCOTCH
COLLEGE ARMY CADET UNIT
Great Scot Number 151– September 2017