Band of the Irish Guards

The Irish Guards was formed on 1st April 1900 to commemorate of the bravery of Irish regiments that fought in the South African campaigns. The Regimental Band made its first public appearance the following year. Warrant Officer Charles Hassell was appointed as the first Bandmaster and later commissioned as its Director of Music in 1919.

The Band quickly gained a reputation for excellence as evidenced by the glowing press reports in 1905 during the first of many tours of Canada. The citizens of Toronto were so impressed with the Band's performance that they presented it with an ornate silver cup, which to this day remains one of its cherished possessions.

On 23rd January 1923, the Band made what is believed to be the very first broadcast by a military band, the programme was broadcast live on the 2LO station from a studio in Marconi House in The Strand. Furthermore, in the 1950s the Band was chosen to give the UK premier performance of Paul Hindemith's Symphony for Concert Band.

In 1948, the Band travelled to Palestine to support the Guards battalions involved in the troubles. Sadly, during this time the Band was ambushed and one member, Lance Corporal Ted Jones, was shot and killed; he is buried in Sarafand Military Cemetery.

A number of former Band members have continued their careers with the national orchestras, including the Hallé, the BBC Symphony and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Two former Directors of Music, Major George Willcocks and Lt Col 'Jiggs' Jaeger also conducted the Black Dyke Mills Band at the National Brass Band Championships.

Over the years the Band has toured extensively, including a visit to Japan in 1972, where it was accorded the honour of being the first Band ever to play inside the Imperial Palace in the presence of the Empress and the two Crown Princesses. Numerous appearances on television and in films have also been made by the Band, including The Ipcress File, and Oh! What a Lovely War. They were also engaged to whistle Colonel Bogey for the soundtrack of The Bridge on the River Kwai.

Three band members served in the first Gulf War of 1990-9191, and in June 1999 the Band deployed to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping force.

The Band is now based at Wellington Barracks in London and provides the musical support for all major ceremonial events in London and Windsor.

~www.army.mod.uk/music/corps-band/485.aspx