About this season
A BBC series which delves into the world of British military tradition.
Episodes (6)
1. Regimental History
Aired 6 November 1989 • 29 min
This episode includes looks at the origins of Emperor Joseph Bonaparte’s chamber pot, a druid oration and the story of goat who escaped being eaten to become a regimental mascot.
2. Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Traditions
Aired 13 November 1989 • 29 min
This episode includes the story of Millie the Mule and just why a rose is still eaten, raw, in one battalion’s mess. It also features the ‘White Helmets’, a team of motor cycle stunt riders. One team of retired soldiers has an average age of 74 years but they still meet up to perform stunts in front of their successors.
3. The Gurkhas
Aired 20 November 1989 • 29 min
This episode looks Gurkhas' history and commitment to the British Army. They swear their oath of allegiance directly to Her Majesty the Queen and continue to revere ‘The Queen’s Truncheon’, which was awarded to them by Queen Victoria in recognition of their service during the Indian Mutiny.
4. Royal Scots Greys
Aired 27 November 1989 • 29 min
This looks at the illustrious history of the Royal Scots Greys with an account of how a French Imperial Eagle was won at Waterloo, and covers the tragic events of the Charge of the Light Brigade, the origins of the Victoria Cross and follows the transition from horse to the tank.
5. History of Grenadier Guards to Modern Times
Aired 4 December 1989 • 29 min
This features stories about the Grenadier Guards, the favourite tipple of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment and how the King's Own Scottish Borderers made porridge palatable.
6. Regimental Treasures and Traditions
Aired 11 December 1989 • 29 min
This is a world where a Napoleonic Drum Major’s staff remains prized booty, a dog wears campaign medals awarded by Queen Victoria’s command and snuff is served from a ram called George.