Page
„MAGNIFICENT MILITARY SPECTACLE.
AT SOOKUNPOO,
A PAGEANT OF WARFARE.
CHINESE DRAGON 100 FEET LONG.
FROM KHATTAK WAR DANCE TO
MODERN BATTLEFIELD.
Spectators of the Grand Tattoo at Scokunpoo last night, felt as incident followed incident, that the romance of history was
Events were drawn from all age being enacted before their eyes,
of time and from every part of the world. There was the thrill and noise of a modern bättle field and the pageant, lent except for the drums and Chinese Autes, of Lion Playing drawn from China's dim antiquity. The scene ranged from Scotland's hills to those of India where the ancient Khatink War Dance is not danced with more verve than that of the Punjabi infantrymen, who to-morrow will return to the quiet routine of their Kowloon Quarters.
THE SCENERY.
The scene at Sookunpoo was extraordinarily impressive. Be- hind the big gateway of Edinburgh Castle were ramparts cunning. ly worked into the natural hill, while the big Billside beyond made an astonishingly appropriate background to the successive dramas of the incidents
It was, of course, essentially a military tattoo, and the men of the King's Own Scottish Borderers and the Queen's Royal Regiment appeared and played a big part in every scene except those entrusted to the Punjabis and the Chinese community.
An official and formal note in keeping with the spirit of the Tattoo was sounded at the commencement when, following the firing of three guns H.E. the Officer Administering the Govern ment (the Hon. Mr. W. T. Sauthorn, C.M.G.) entered through the gates of Edinburgh Castle" with his A.D.C., was received by the G.D.C. (Major-General C. C. Luard) and inspected the guard of honour drawn from the 3rd/15th Bn. of the Punjabis.
His Excellency was then received by the Tattoo Committee re- presented by Mr. R. Sutherland, Mr. W. Pattez den and Mr. J. Hunt As soon as he had taken his scat the massed buglers of the Command entered and sounded the "First Post." "The militaty music, harsh, stirring and most excellently played was again a fitting and a symbolic prelude. For this was a military pageant, a picture largely of war, and war is not a soft thing, but a matter not only of brave deeds but also of mathematical precision and DTÜCT.
A BIG AUDIENCE.
The stands were extremely well filled and though a Scotch mist Awept down from the surrounding hills in realistic manner for the Gathering of the Clans" and again for the "Surrender of Edia- burgh Castle," rain of a serious kind held off,
The singing at the end of Land of Hope and Glory" and again of Abide with Me" was not as full throated as it might have been and perhaps these two items might be shortened. There were one or two short delays but' on the whole everything moved with clockwork precision. Those who did not go last night missed two very notable incidents in the thrilling Khattak War Dance and in the strangely beautiful "Lion Playing "by the Chinese community.
There have been some preliminary criticisms of the Tattoo drawn from rehearsals, but nothing of the kind is justified. The Tattoo, from first to last was thrilling, full of surprises and real
beauty.
PIPES, DRUMS AND MASSED; the Pibroch," and amid shouts and tearful leave taking the men moved BANDS.
off to battle.
"..
There was no delay about the
The scenic effects were very good opening of the Tattoo. Three guas effectively drew the attention of and the ladies and gentlemen of the audience to the arena and then the Philharmonic
Society, the
the gates of the Castle opened as A.D.C. and the Reel Club made a good show. in shawle, tartans and The 2nd gaily coloured dresses.
chimes sounded the hour. The
Post.
to
...
at Fontenoy and Waterloo.
The massed bands of the Com mand then assembled to give the first exhibition of military music ever heard in Hong Kong..
THE GATHERING OF THE
CLANS.
programme about the dance reads:
cated.
THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5th, 1928.
TORCH LIGHT EVOLUTIONS.
The torch light crölutions which followed the Khattak dance were in their own way, as unexpected and
moreover, interlude belgre the stirring ellene
of mollir þattle.
The evolutions were carried out by 440 N.C.O.'s and men of the 1st Batt. The Queen's Royal Regiment to the accompaniment of the marked bands of the Command.
The effect at the dubbel was almost magical. Bilently, from ous of the Castle gates and from either end of the area, a of lanterna green, white and red, seemed to comą swaying and dancing for ard in the darkness. The lights seem- ed to move in maroy, dance of their owl volition, and it was with almost a shock that, as they drew nearer, the prosaic khaki clad forms of the men, marching Slowly and rythmically, were discerdod, kloving forwiru into the centre of the arena the lanterns formed the word "Tattoo," and later a crown with red and green Jewels at the base, and a red maltese cross in the ceutte Blanked by green fleur-
de-lis.
So perfect a performance can only have been the result of long and arduous drilling, for it must be remembered that the lantern beaters were moving in the dark, and it in the more remarkable that such an effect of quiet beauty and light hearted dancing rhythm was obtained.
#
|
The Buglers, and Drummers of forces of King William and Quesa
the Talford Jurfikded by the Mary.
of the dix regiments which following Units fought in the royal army at Killie- 1st Bn. The Queen's Royal Regi- crankie, of
three which | ment." Drum-Major H. Wallia. between Tad niirte tay "hich
2nd Bo. The King's Own Scot--| pure of the fighting bays a curious tish Borderers. Drum-Majör W. C.
ocistick in Hong Kong The ere the 13th goot, the Both Foot and the oth Foot
Dalrymple.
3/18th Punjab Regiméht. » Drum- Major Ji Slug
The 25th Footy now, the King' The Mished Buglėti, ind Drum- Own Scottish Borderers, is the present Garrison Battalion, at longer will be led by Druta-Major
W. C. Dalrymple. 26th Foot дож Kong. The
The Pipers of the Tattoo arÒ. Cameronians, spent the paar 1927
The 18th Foot, furnished by 2nd Bn. The King's in Hong Kong.
Own Scottish Borderers. now Somersetsaire Light Infantry Major W. C...
Pipe- Mackie will shortly arrive in Hong Kong in relief of the Queen's Royal
Lighting. Regiment.
After Dunkeld the two Lowland Regiments above mentioned with the 13th Foot, marched on Edin burgh Castle which is the lotn ally handled over Geberal by the Duke of Gordon who had held it for King James
y
As a reward for their share, in this campaige the King's Own Scottish Borderers, who already bore the title of the Edinburgh Regiment" as also the badge of Edinburgh Castle and the motto of Edinburgh City "Nisi: Dominus Frustra" were granted the further exclusive privilege, which they still retain, of. marching through Edia burgh City with fixed bayonets,
feck
The search-lighta for the Tatoo are operated by the 10th Fortress Company, R.E..
THE OFFICIALS. Patron: His Excellency Mr. W T. Badkor, C.M.G., Önet.Ad- midistering the Government.
In
Working Committee. Chairman: H.E. Major-General C. C. Luard, C.B., CMG.
Vice-Chairmen: Mr. R. Sutber- land. O.B.E., Mr. W. Fattenden, and Lt. Col. L. 3. Comyn, C.M.G., D.S.O..
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. G. E. Towns: Hon. General Secretary: Mr. John H. Hunt, O.B.E.; Hon Asst. Secretary: Mr. W. Robert-
The scene opened with the ar rival of the Lowlanders and Eng- lish troops before the castle dated,
"turned
Hon. Sir H. E. Pollock, K.C.. The Highland guard then A MODERN BATTLE SCENE.
out" and paid the formal compli Hon. Mr. E. D. C., Wolfe, C.M.G., The incident opened with the ments to armed troops approach Hoa... Mr. C. G. Mackie, Lt. Col. schrchlights playing on a deserting the gates. The scene, with LG. Bird, D.S.O., Lt. Col. F. fort where white clad warriors are many of the men dressed in the Hayley Bell D.S.O, Mr. E. W dancing and holding revelry. They uniform of the period, as most Carpenter, M. P. S. Cassidy, Mr. cease abruptly for the advance impressive and enacted with per B. O. Blaker, Mr. H R. Forsyth.
General khaki clad column guard of
Hugh Mr. B. Wylie, Mr. G. Duncan. precision. looms in the distance. The search- Mackay then in the the name of M.B.E., Mr. P. Braga, Mr. 14 lights then take up the British ad-
William and Mary called upon the Jowson, Mr. Weng Kwong Tin, Mr. ster- B.. Wong Tape, Mr. Li Sing Kui, vance, the halting for the night and
Governor to surrender, in the posting of sentries. But dark
torian tones which could be heard Mr. M. Kitayama, Mr. E. R. Robin forms squirm stealthily towards the right across the arena. Some of sor, Mr. G. G. Wood, Mr. C. M British lines. Will they be spotted the poignant drama of the actual Manners, O.B.E., Mr. G. Murray, There was extraordinary realism
scene was captured when the gates Mr. A. E. Raworth, Mr. C. P.. again in this performance by the
were flung open and the Duke of Anderson, and Mr. Lau Yuk Wan.. Indian troops. A shot rings out.
Gordon preceded by his piper came The alarm sounds, men are up and the attack is launched. Along they out, a solitary dignified figure, and having gravely acknowledged the come, section by section; rushing
"general salute the Low. a few yards and finging themselves Landera, handed, over the keys to on the ground to fire some rounds General Hugh Maskay. of black. Machine guns rattle;
The troops then marched in line after line sweeps forward to through the gates, pipes skirling the attack; Verey lights banish and bayonete gleaming, and were darkness. Away in the rear the keen to pass up the steep slopes to mountain batteries are assembling the battlements and line the walls their guns. There is sweep of
and turrets. Not until this mo motor cyclists with more machine
incat had one realised how big a Then the guns roar, and guna. with admirable synchronising effects castle had been built up for the the ramparts are shattered and the scenery had been so designed that it merged with the natural land- whole fort is on fire.
This was one of the best and live-scape and was entirely lacking in the artificiality which stage scenery licat incidents of the Tattoo, Theis apt to take on in the open. men entered into the real spirit of the thing and the performance of was the one wounded warrior best piece of individual acting scen during the evening.
The personnel taking part were from the following units:
Hong Kong and Singapore Brig.
ade, RA
2nd Bn, King's Own Scottish
Borderers. Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps (Motor Cycle Machine Gun Section),
Hong Kong Mule Corps. St. John's Ambulance Association
(Hong Kong Branch).
world.
of
From beginning to finish this episode was impressive and per fectly carried out and the grani finale when all the troops were massed either inside or outside the Castle the founding of the Last Post" made a fitting curtain to what was perhaps the most in- teresting spectacle that Hong Kong has witnessed. After the singing of Land of Hope, and Glory and "Abide with Me" to the accompaniment of the Hassed hande of the Command. "Lights out" was sounded by the maesed mugler followed by the National Anthem
Te personnel of this final episode was as follows !—
Military Members: Col. R. R. Skinner, O.B.E; Lt. Col. T. A. F. Robinson, Lt. Col. H. T. Ivens Lt-Col., 3. D. Boyd, D.5.0., and Major J. F. W. Allen, M.C.
Finance Committės.. Chairman: Mr. H. R. Forsyth Messrs G E Towns, J. Fleming, B. Q. Blaker. E. . Bryden, A. Murdoch, D. Kinloch, T. N. Chau, and Tang Shiu Ein.
Publicity Committee, Chairman: Mr. B. Wylie. Messrs W. Brackenridge (Vice Chairman), H. G. Swinburne (Hon. Secretary), John H. Hunt, O.B.E., G. W. C. Burnett, A. Hicks, 0. T. Breakspear, B. Wong Tape. Ho Leung, Ho lu, F. C. Mox Fung, Hu Hui Min, and Chan Ming Shan. General Service Committee. Chairman: Hon. Mr. F. D. C. Wolfe, C.M.G.
Construction Sub Committee: Chairman: Mr. G. G. Wood; M. Inst., CE Messrs. C. P. Ander. son, A.HI.BA., E. W. Carpenter G. Duncan, M.B.E., and A. B. Raworth
Arabulance Service. Lt. Col. T. A Robertson, O.B.E.
Fire Services: Mr. H. T. Brooke
Transport Sub-Committee "A": (SUEL: Fire Brigade): Messrs. L, C. F. Bellamy: W. Kent, 4.S.P., Major J., F. W. Allen, M.C. and Inspector Alexander.
B Transport Sub-Committee Water: Messrs. J. W. Franks, and. W. D. Fidden Wilson.
Catering: Messrs. H. B. L. Dow biggin and D. L. King.
Stewards Sub-Commitee: Chair- man: f. E. Cock, M.B.E
Police Arrangements: Mr. W. Kent, A.S.P.
The Froduction. Producer: Lt. Col. L. J. Comyn, C.M.G., D.S.O.
Civilian Sub-Committee: Chair- Hon. Secretary: Mr. T. V. Harmon; Messrs. R. R. Davies, W. H. Fitz Earle, A.R.C.M., E. L. Wynne. Jones, and H. Davenport Browne.
Lighting: Major E. O. Alabaster, Musical Director: Lieut. D. C. G Dickinson, 1st Bn. Queen's R. Telephone. and Signal... · Com- munication Capt. D. L. R. Car negie, B. Signalà,
R.E.
Regt.
Guard of Honour and the massed Batt, K.O.S.B. enacted the part of bands and drums of the command the clansmen. marched into the arena, and turn. ed, the former
THE KHATTAK WAR DANCE. the left, the latter to the right.
One of the most interesting and His Excellency the Officer Ad. exciting episodes was the Khattak Dance, It was interesting
THE MYTHICAL DRAGON. ministering the Government played War the next part, Major-General Luard no only because it was so strange
The Chinese then took a hand
The 1st Bn. Queen's Royal Regi- receiving him as he entered the ut on account of the real verv
with which was given. There and amid much banging of the arena through the Castle Gates.
No time was lost over the "in-was no stage fright shewn by the. gong and cymbals, a huge lion and men, representing 13th Foot. 2nd derers, representing their own pre- spection of the Guard and hardly 3/15th Bn. Punjabis who were re-its cub were lured to the ground Bn. King's Own Scottish Bor-
The famous Chinese lion's mane decessors and the 26th Foot. bad His Excellency taken his seat sponsible. The note given in the by a globe.
Members of Local Societies repre- then the buglers had assembled the Khattaka are the bravest of was of a greenish colour while the and the hills were re-echoing to
our frontier tribes. From early cub was painted in the colour of senting inhabitants of Edinburgh.
Headed by a raza
The Duke of Gordon's Guard members the strong, stirring notes of the
WES impersonated by longest of all bugle calls, the First youth the warlike spirit is incul- the rainbow.
The Khattak dance, in swinging the tape and another man Drums and pipes of the Queen's which the warriors alone take part, rolling the globe, the lion saunter of the Scottish Company, Hong The Lowland Guard was furnish- Its lttle cub,. poor thing, Royal Regiment followed, the tradi-is the traditional way of expressed along trying to conquer the Volunteer Defence Corps
ing clan feeling. To the accom had a pretty hard job to keep uped by the 2nd Bn, The King's Own tional music of the English line paniment of the Dhols (the war-
Scottish Borderers (25th Foot), regiment-less spectacular than drunis) and the skirl of the Sare the pace.
According to a Chinese fable, the Both Guards were in the authen-an: Mr. R. Butherland, O.B.E.; pipes, perhaps, and yet calling to nais (the reed pipes) played by tion is always out, to conquer the tic full dress of the period. mind the days when it was played the indefatigable Mirasis (tribal world That is why the globe is The 1st Bn. Queen's Royal Regi
musicians) the dancers gyrate hour after hour, now slowly, now faster, placed before it to lure it on. But ment marched in to the strains the speed alternating and the slow the lion with his rhythmically of Prince Albert" which is the was only Regimental march of the Somerset- graceful movements measure being the only relief until herald of the fiery dragon" pro-shire Light Infantry (13th Foot). the dance is finished.
cessión. From the south end of the The 2nd Ba. King's Own Scot The episode shewed a triumpha! held, the beast was seen, a red hot tish Borderers marched in to the dance given in a Khattak village serpent over a hundred feet long strains of their own Regimental The dan-making its way down the hill, head march Blue, Bonnets o'er the In former days the method adopt-after a successful taid.
It Border." ed in the Highlands of Scotland to cers entered in darkness, and lit a fed by a lantern procession.
THE FINALE. summon the Clansmen in moments huge bonfire which gave the only swerved this and that way in a of emergency was the playing of light required for their wierd per majestical manner, always on the formance, accompanied by their look-out" for the two balls of fire the Pibrosh or war-pipe.
If the summons came in the owl music. The music was not ahead of it. night-time, the pibroch was supple- the least effective part of the dis. The scene was most picturesque mented by the fiery cross which play, reminiscent of the Scots pipes and much skill was shown by the martial spirit men who played the two fiery balls bastily despatched it holds the same Obiet
and the great. head that snappeded. through the bills and glent. The and gladness.
The dance begin by the whole at them perpetually. bearer of the fiery cross, de be
The dragon was entirely made passed on his way, lighted a beacon company moving round the fre in
order brandishing their out of lighted Chinese incense and were able to get conveyances at certain traditional prominent slow
swords, as the wild music quick sticks, which gave it a rich golden points,
It was upon this tradition that ened they began to leap and glow. It came slowly, always try the episode of the "Gathering of shout, turning and bending more ing to swallow the two balls of are, the Clans" was based. As the and more rapidly, until the main but the balls were so cunning that searchlight played again on the body of them left the are, and only they always evaded the fume-spit- arena which was left in darkness selected band of those warriors ting mouth. Nothing daunted, it for a few moments after the troops who had won distinction in the kept coming on, until opposite the had marched out, Scota villagers retent fight, were left to carry it Governor's stand the dragon polite- were seen round their camp fires to the height of frenzy. The effectly made its bow, then resumed its. women, old men and children in was much heightened by the band journey, coiled itself together twice picturesque costume, and reel of men who had become spectators, and finally, disappeared away in was danced. Perhaps the Scotch They squatted a short way off, the direction of Kowloon, that mi st which unfortunately was fall rising every now and then together, historic haunt of dragons.
THE SURRENDER OF EDIN. ing at the tino served to damp to shout, leap, and brandish their the ardour of the performers, but weapons.
BURGH CASTLE 1889. the episode was not as lively as The measure of the music illus
The fortress of Edinburgh Castle, one could have lahed until sud- trated the rising tide of battle, denly the bill aides in the back and seemed to urge the dancers in its chequered history extending ground were seen to be lighted by to still greater efforts. The whole well over 1,000 years has witnessed beacons and the skirl of approbeh effect was extraordinarily stimulat many stirring scenes and pageants. ing pipes was heard. The lighting ing dad had an air of reality which To hold Edinburgh Castle and the effect was excellent, and excitement was only bchieved by one other famous Rock on which it stands grew as the clBlbies and pipers episode, the taking of the desert has been the symbol of rale over wound the way down the slopes, fort. If Hong Kong ever-has-an-Scotland, and the episode given in into the artha to be welcomed by other Tattoo all who attended last the Tattoo shew one such change the villager. The whole company night will demand that the Khat of ownership the surtender of the joined in the singing of "Sound tak dance shall be a part of it. Castle after Killiecrankie to the Perry, A.R.C.M.
the
When the lights went up again after the singing of God Save the King," the vast audience turned to go, more than satisfied and deeply impressed by what they had witness The excellent arangements made by the Tattoo committed en- sured that every one left in comfort as expeditiously as possible. Every congratulation is due to the or is little doubt that to-night's and ganisers of the Tattoo, and there Saturday night's performances will be equally successful and well at tended.
Music
Unit Displays Royal Artillery, Capt. V. F. Browne, MC, 1st En. Queen's Royal Regi, Lt. Col. 3. D. Boyd. D.S.O.; 2nd Bn. King's Own Scottish Borderers.. Major GM H. Ogilvy: 3rd/15th Punjab Regiment, Major R, Todd: Hong Kong Volun teer Defence Corps, Lieut. J. E. Hancock: St. John Ambulance Association (Hong Kong Branch), Mr. A. Morris.
Marshalls: For Military Dia
Carpe, and Capt. C. T. Wallington, For Civilian plays: Major G. F. Charles A.D.
Motor Car Parade: Organised OBE. RAQC Displays: Mr. E. R. Robinso under the auspices of the Hong Kong Automobile Association. Or ganising Secretary: Mr. C. M. Manners, O.B.E.
Chinese Display: Producer: Mr. Chan Blu Tong, Chung Sing Bene- volent Bopiety.
Association.
The Bands of the Tattoo were 1st Bn. The Queen's Royal Regi- furnished by the following Units
Bandmaster H. Perry, ment. A.I.C.M.
2nd Br The King's Own Scot-
Jenazese Firework Display: Mr. tish Borderers Bandmaster WM. Kitayama, Japanese Residents' H.. Fitz Earle, A.R.C.M.
3/18th Punjab Regiment. Band
Portuguese Display Chairman: Mr, JP. Braga Messrs. P. A. Havildir Lachhmi Pershad.
Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Robarid (Hon. Secretary), S. Pinna
Bandmaster A. J. M.
(Hon. Treasurer) J. A. de Almeis Corps.
da, J. A. 8., Alyes, J. G. d'Aquing. Rodrigues.
The Massed Bands were under M. F. Baptista, A. Barros, F. the baton of Bandmaster W. HAY. Ribeiro, Ribeiro, dr except in Rocha, H. R. Sequeira, and M. A. Fitz-Earle A.B.C.M Item 4 on the Brogramme which Simoen. was conducted by Bandmaster H
Dancing Duplay -Hong Kong Reel Chib. Mill Daisy O'Keefe,
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