In 1758 four companies of the 62nd Foot (later 1st Battalion) were drafted to the Royal Navy for service as marines, and, under the command of Major Thomas Hardy, sailed in Admiral Boscawen’s fleet for the river St Lawrence, Canada.

As a reminder of this service with the fleet the regiment played ‘Rule Britannia’ before the regimental march at the end of band programmes and observed the long established custom of striking ships time on a bell. The bell was struck every half-hour by a non commissioned officer of the guard room or Piquet, which ever was mounted at the guard room. This tradition was carried over into the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment.

The bell was presented to the Regiment by HMS VERNON, a naval shore establishment in Portsmouth, with whom there was an affiliation. This affiliation was at the request of the Duke of Edinburgh, who wished to continue the association of the Wiltshire Regiment and the Royal Berkshire Regiment with the Royal Navy, which had existed for over two hundred years.

Throughout the day the bell was struck by the Regimental Police or Guard Commander to indicate the time of day, in the same manner as is the custom in the Royal Navy. The Regiment was the only Regiment to observe this custom.

ORDERS FOR RINGING THE REGIMENTAL SHIPS BELL

1. The Provost Sgt in working hours or the Guard Comd in non working hours is responsible for ensuring that all bells are struck accurately to time. All timings are LOCAL.

2. No bells are to be struck between 2200 hours and 0600 hours unless specifically ordered by the Adjt.

3. Bells are to be struck as follows:

Some images of the Vernon Bell