A SPECIAL celebration marked the 75th anniversary of the presentation of the silver drums to the Worcestershire Regiment.
The event, organised by the Worcester branch of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association, took place on Friday April 11 and Saturday April 12.
The commemorations reflected the significant day in Worcester’s history when the silver drums were given to the regiment by the mayor of Worcester, the late Alderman TS Bennett, on April 15, 1950.
It was a very big occasion for the city and the Worcestershire Regiment who, prior to the ceremony, had returned from Germany after being posted there since world war two. Present were approximately 1,600 old soldiers from the South Africa Campaign and both world wars.
At the ceremony the regiment was awarded the Freedom of the City to march with bayonets fixed, band playing and colours flying.
After the presentation and inspection the drums were ‘trooped’ around the County Cricket Ground and on to the Freedom March, followed by all the old comrades.
The salute was taken at the Guildhall by the mayor.
Then it was to the cathedral for a thanksgiving service and dedication of a new memorial to the Worcestershire Regiment in St Georges Chapel.
After the service there was a grand reunion held at the barracks.
Although the silver drums are no longer played they are still used every year at the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Association Annual Reunion, to form an altar for a drum head service.
This takes place on the first Saturday in June at Worcester Rugby Club.
The anniversary celebrations began at the sergeants’ mess at Norton Barracks, Brockhill Lane, Worcester with the blessing of the drums on Friday (April 11). In attendance were local dignitaries, veterans, and members of the public.
On Saturday (April 12) there was a ceremony on Worcester High Street complete with speeches and the last post, and the silver drums were on display at the Guildhall.
