| Amalgamation day was the 1st January
1949, and the form of the ceremonial parade was unique as befitted the occasion.
The Battalion was drawn up in lines less the centre company for whom a
space was left. This company then marched on, one half from the right
flank escorting the colours of the 1st Battalion, and the other half from
the left escorting the colours of the 2nd Battalion. The whole Battalion
now formed three sides of a square, and the Kings Colours took post in the
centre of it. The Regimental Colours, each with a half Company escort,
turned inwards and then moved to the right and left flanks of the line
respectively, in slow time.
From the outer flanks the Half Companies then
"Trooped" the two Regimental Colours to the tune of "Auld
Robin Grey", slowly and solemnly approaching each other until they
filled the centre space in the line. The Regimental Colours were thus
joined together, exactly symbolizing "Amalgamation". The right
Company being formed of officers and men from the old 1st Battalion and
the left Half from those of the old 2nd.
The Kings colour joined the Regimental colours in the
centre of the Battalion, and all were now escorted by one company. The new
1st Battalion marched past, General Sir William PLATT made a short and
stirring address, and the colours were escorted off parade while the
Battalion presented arms.
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