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Royal Marine ceremonies in Malta
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Presentation of the Colours, 1952
Presentation of the Colours, 1952
On 29 November 1952 HRH Prince Phillip presented the units of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines with their own Colours in recognition for their service during the War. The Presentation of the Colours was the largest ceremonial parade that the Corps had put on since before World War Two.
Huge crowds watched the ceremony which was a major event, not only for the Corps, but also for the population of Malta, who still after more than 150 years of British rule remained very pro-British.
The Corps adjusted a few of the ceremony’s traditions in deference to Malta’s Roman Catholic beliefs. They dropped the traditional Drumhead Ceremony in which a Naval Chaplain blesses the Colours on an altar of piled drums. Instead, the Chaplain consecrated the Colours on the altar of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Malta’s capital Valletta. They then cased the Colours and brought them to Floriana Parade for the Presentation Ceremony.
The Massed Bands of the Royal Marines from HMS Glasgow, HMS Tyne and HMS Kenya marched into position. At 0930, 42 Commando marched onto the parade led by their own pipe band. 40 and 45 Commando followed marching on to the music of the massed bands.
Once the Commandos had taken their places and the Colour parties, the three Commanding Officers and the Brigade Commander had arrived, the parade was complete and ready for the arrival of His Royal Highness and the senior officers and officials.
Prince Philip inspected the Commandos whilst the bands played suitable inspection music. The Massed Bands then trooped in slow and quick time. 3 Commando Brigade then formed a hollow square for the Presentations with the Colours Officers standing in the centre.
His Royal Highness then took the three Queen’s Colours and the three Regimental Colours in turn and presented each of them to one of the six officers who were half-kneeling on cushions called ‘hassocks’.
In his speech HRH Prince Philip referred to the reorganization of the Corps as being an opportunity for it “to return to the amphibious warfare which was its cradle”. He ordered them to “Guard these Colours well and remember that, whatever the problem, a Royal Marine Commando is always expected to achieve the impossible”.
The Brigade Commander responded and included, as his final sentences -
'Although Colours are no longer carried in battle, we can and will honour these Colours by cultivating the ancient virtues of honour, courage and loyalty. We shall always hold ourselves ready to fulfil in our time the words of Admiral Lord St. Vincent: "In the hour of danger, they will be the Country’s Sheet Anchor".'
The Brigade then reformed in preparation for the march past. Finally, after reforming in line, the Commandos advanced in review order, gave a Royal Salute and three cheers for His Royal Highness.
To discover what pageantry the Royal Marines held for the Queen’s Royal visit in 1954, select Next
