Photographs
1938. 2nd Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment. Portland & Weymouth.
These photographs are reproduced by kind permission of Mr Laurie Buttery.
Laurie discovered these pictures with some family documents that came into his possession some years ago.
The Battalion and Band marched the five and a half miles between Weymouth and Portland, to meet the King.
The following text is reprinted courtesy of the Regimental Collection, Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and is therfore Copyright of The Royal Lincolnshire Regimental Museum Trust/Lincolnshire County Council, © All Rights Reserved:
"All infantry battalions have a set of drums, but the 2nd battalion managed the unique feat of having theirs presented by King George VI, hence 'The King's Drums'. This was due to the efforts of the Battalion's Commanding Officer, Lt Col P H 'Percy' Hansen, VC DSO MC. In 1938, the 2nd Battalion were stationed at Portland, in Doreset, and Hansen heard that the King was to visit the Fleet. Hansen was well known in court circles, so he contacted Buckingham Palace and managed to get the King to agree to present a new set of drums as part of his official programme. The Navy co-operated, and thus the Battalion received 'The King's Drums' on 22nd June 1938, the only drums presented to an infantry battalion of the British Army by a reigning monarch. The drums are now held by the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment."
- Hover over a picture to read the caption
- Click each image to enlarge
- Band and Drums (photograph's from Bunnie Barrett)
- Major Leslie Allan Clarke, MBE
- Lt Col P H 'Percy' Hansen, VC DSO MC
- 2nd Battalion, Operation Telic