MOUNTBATTEN MUSIC2

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In 1980 (the first concert after Mountbatten’s death) - the programme included a finale dedicated to Mountbatten. Sir Vivian Dunn, the first Principal Director of Music HM Royal Marines and Founder President of the International Military Music Society was invited to conduct. With the exception of “The Preobrajensky March”, Sir Vivian had composed all the music in the finale. Following the soaring fanfare 'Supreme Command' came “The Mountbatten March” and then, after “The Preobrajensky March” came the third movement of the never completed “Mountbatten Suite” - the concert march “Man of Action”. At the end of the second evening's concert it was announced that, henceforth, these concerts would be known as “The Mountbatten Concerts”.

It was no surprise that Mountbatten chose “The Preobrajensky March” for the title music for his autobiographical TV series - “The Life And Times of Lord Mountbatten”.

Music by the Bands of HM Royal Marines are not only well known for the immaculate marching displays that are epitomised by their white helmets, straight blue lines and Corps of Drums but also for their concert performances that feature the Corps of Drums, the Fanfare Team and soloists. The annual high point of the concert year is undoubtedly the massed bands' appearance at the Royal Albert Hall for what is now known as '”The Mountbatten Festival of Music” - a fitting tribute to Mountbatten.

At a celebratory dinner on 23rd July 1964, to commemorate the Royal Marines Tercentenary, HM Queen Elizabeth II (1926(1952- ) declared that the Loyal Toast could be drunk seated in all Royal Marines messes, an honour which Mountbatten had urged his niece to bestow upon the Corps.

On 27th October 1965, Mountbatten was installed as the Corps’ first and only Life Colonel Commandant. He was welcomed into the Corps, by the Captain-General - his nephew, Admiral of the Fleet HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT, OM, GBE, AC, QSO, PC (b.1921). Mountbatten said at the time -

Mountbatten (left), with HM The Queen
& HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at the Royal Marines Tercentenary Dinner 1964.

The Regimental Badge of
HM Royal Marines