The Ferozeshah Parade

21 Dec 1845: Ferozeshah (62nd). A parade and a WOs and Sgts Mess Ball are held on the same day, or as close as possible to the anniversary. The format of the parade was as follows;

FEROZASHAH PARADE FORMAT

1. The parade format used on each occasion will differ in detail depending on the wishes of the

CO, the Battalions commitments, the location and the weather conditions. However, it will generally be based on the format described in this Annex.

2. Parade State.

a. The Commanding Office

b. The Second in Command

c. The Adjutant

d. Colour Parties as follows:

(1) Officers Colour Party.

(a) Queens Colour Ensign - Lieutenant.

(b) Regimental Colour Ensign -Lieutenant or 2nd Lieutenant

(2) Sergeants Colour Party.

(a) In Command - Warrant Office Class 2.

(b) Queens Colour Sergeant - Colour Sergeant.

(d) Two Sergeants.

e. Four companies each of a Warrant Officer Class 2, a Colour Sergeant, 3 Sergeants and 48 men commanded as follows:

(1) No's 1 (Escort to The Colours). 2 and 3 Companies.

(a) Major

(b ) Captain

(2) No 4 Coy. The Regimental Sergeant Major

f. The Regimental Band.

g. The Corps of Drums.

3. Order of Parade.

a. March On.

(1) No's 2, 3 and 4 Companies headed by the Regimental band, march on, under command of the Bn 21C.

(2) Bn 21C hands over to CO.

(3) Colours and Escort (No. 1 Com[any) headed by the Corps of Drums march On.

b. Arrival of Inspecting Officer. Appropriate salute.

c. Inspection.

d. March Past. Quick time, slow optional. No's 1 and 4 Companies finish facing each other to form 3 sides of a square.

e. Handover of The Colours.

(1) The Commanding Officer delivers the Charge as follows:

"Warrant Officers and Sergeants of the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment I am about to hand over to your custody for a period, The Colours of the 1st Battalion. This honour is bestowed on you in commemoration of the gallant services rendered by your predecessors at the Battle of Ferozeshah, the anniversary of which we celebrate today. Safeguard and honour these Colours as your Officers have ever done and let the fact that our Colours are entrusted to your keeping be not only a reminder of past services but also a visible expression of the confidence and trust which today your Officers place in you. Hand over The Colours".

f. No. 1 Company Takes Post as No 4 Company. 'Rule Britannia'.

g. The Queen's Colour Takes Post. Moves to position in centre of the Square.

h. The Regimental Colour is Trooped. Regimental Colour Sergeant and Escort through the other 3 companies in slow time.

i. The Battalion march off.

j. The Colours are taken to the Warrant Officer's and Sergeant's Mess. They are handed back to the officers at a midnight ceremony.