The British Grenadiers
"The British Grenadiers"
"The British Grenadiers", performed by the United States Army Band Strings ensemble in 2007.
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"The British Grenadiers" is a traditional marching song of British and Canadian military units whose badge of identification carries the grenade, the tune of which dates from the 17th century. It is the Regimental Quick March of the Royal Artillery (since 1716), Corps of Royal Engineers (since 1787), the Honourable Artillery Company (since 1716), Grenadier Guards 'The First (later 'Grenadier') Regiment of Foot Guards' (since 1763), and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (since 1763). It is also an authorised march of The Royal Gibraltar Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, The Canadian Grenadier Guards, The Royal Regiment of Canada, The Princess Louise Fusiliers, and The 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles. The standard orchestration for the military band was approved in 1762, when the Royal Artillery Band (founded in 1557) became officially recognized,[1] and for all other 'grenade' regiments in 1763, when the remaining unofficial bands gained official status.

History

A song entitled "The New Bath" found in John Playford's dance books from the 17th century is thought to be the origin.[2] However, it is also suggested that it was derived from the Dutch march "Mars van de jonge Prins van Friesland" ("March of the young Prince of Friesland", referring to Prince Johan Willem Friso); the first notes of this tune are similar. The march was introduced to Great Britain during the reign of the Dutch Stadholder-King William III. Today it is played at special events in the Netherlands, as a musical tribute to the Ministry of Defence and as a substitute for the Wilhelmus in absence of the monarch.

The first known association of the tune with the regiment is in 1706 as 'The Granadeer's March', and the first version printed with lyrics from around 1750.[3] It was a popular tune throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and remains so until this day. During Operation Market Garden, a few men of the British 1st Airborne Division are said to have played this song using a flute and a few helmets and sticks as drums.[4]

It is played annually at the Trooping the Colour in London.[5] Additionally, the first eight measures are played during the ceremony when the Escort for the Colour marches into position on Horse Guards Parade.

Some former British units have also had it as their march: Royal Dublin Fusiliers (before disbandment in 1922).

Lyrics

The following text is the most well-known version of the song. The text arguably dates back to the War of Spanish Succession (1702–1713), since it refers to the grenadiers throwing grenades (a practice that proved to be too dangerous and was dropped soon after,) and the men wearing "caps and pouches" (i.e. the tall grenadier caps, worn by these elite troops, and the heavy satchel in which grenades were carried) and "loupèd clothes"- coats with broad bands of 'lace' across the chest that distinguished early grenadiers.

Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules
Of Hector and Lysander, and such great names as these.
But of all the world's great heroes, there's none that can compare.
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, to the British Grenadiers.
Those heroes of antiquity ne'er saw a cannon ball,
Or knew the force of powder to slay their foes withal.
But our brave boys do know it, and banish all their fears,
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers.
Whene'er we are commanded to storm the palisades,
Our leaders march with fusees, and we with hand grenades.
We throw them from the glacis, about the enemies' ears.[N 1]
Sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, the British Grenadiers.
And when the siege is over, we to the town repair.
The townsmen cry, "Hurrah, boys, here comes a Grenadier!
Here come the Grenadiers, my boys, who know no doubts or fears!
Then sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, the British Grenadiers.
Then let us fill a bumper, and drink a health of those
Who carry caps and pouches, and wear the loupèd clothes.
May they and their commanders live happy all their years.
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers."

Historical terms

There are a number of words in the song which are not in current usage:[2]

In popular culture

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Sometimes sung as "about the Frenchmen's ears".

References

  1. ↑ Ken Anderson Msc (2007). "The Early Days of Digital Computing in the British Army". p.31.
  2. 1 2 "British Grenadiers". The First Foot Guards reenactment group. Retrieved 2007-01-07.
  3. ↑ W. E. Studwell, The National and Religious Song Reader: Patriotic, Traditional, and Sacred Songs from Around the World (Haworth Press, 1996), p. 55.
  4. ↑ Ryan, Cornelius (1974). A Bridge Too Far. New York: Simon & Schuster. p. 670. ISBN 0-671-21792-5.
  5. ↑ "Trooping of Colour marks Queen's Official Birthday". The Telegraph. Retrieved 3 June 2012
  6. ↑ "The British Grenadiers(Theme to Blackadder Goes Forth). Allmusic.
  7. ↑ "Liverpool Medical Student's Society – Jack Leggate's song". Retrieved 2012-04-28.
  8. ↑ SHEFFIELD (ENGLISH) at Hymnary.org, retrieved 2012.07.28

External links

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