SA Navy Silent Drill Squad a hit at the 5th Cape Town Military Tattoo Article by Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserves Photos by Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil and PO Leon Fourie, SA Naval Reserves

The SA Navy’s silent drill squad were one of the stunning performances which thrilled the crowd at the 5th Cape Town Military Tattoo at the Castle of Good Hope from 19 – 21 November 2009.

The squad, comprising Military Skills Development (MSD) Junior Ratings who practice in their off duty periods, demonstrated that precision and perfection without the use of verbal commands were still possible in this technological age.

Participating Pipes & Drums from the Cape Field Artillery, Cape Town Highlanders and South African Military Health Service at the 2009 Cape Town Military Tattoo.

The SA Navy Band, under the command of Cdr Kenny Leibrandt, along with the SA Navy choir ensured that the Navy contributed towards a proudly South African program which celebrated our rich diversity through music.

The 60th anniversary of South Africa’s entry into World War II in 1939 was celebrated with period songs performed by the SA Military Heath Services choir. Their singing created the nostalgia – taking the spectators back to another era. Thereafter the history of the “poppy”, the symbol in commemorating the fallen, was revelled. This and the two minutes silence, which originated in Cape Town in 1918, brought a tear to many spectators eyes.

Precision in motion ! SA Navy Drill squad in action at the 2009 Cape Town Military Tattoo.	Precision in motion ! SA Navy Drill squad in action at the 2009 Cape Town Military Tattoo.

SAPS Mounted Unit which was commissioned in the Western Cape in 2008, fulfils an important policing role in areas where foot and vehicle patrols are unsuitable, performed several drills at the gallop in a confined space. Thereafter they demonstrated precision horsemanship skills of yesteryear including lance and swordsmanship.

A guest appearance was made by the Trompetterskorps der Koninkijke Marchechausse, a Dutch military police corps, who demonstrated their music, drumming and marimba skills to much applause.

Precision in motion ! SA Navy Drill squad in action at the 2009 Cape Town Military Tattoo.	Drummers of the Trompetterskorps der Koninkijke Marchechausse, a Dutch military police corps, demonstrating their drumming skills.
SA Navy Band thrilling the crowd at the 2009 Cape Town Military Tattoo.	SAPS Mounted Unit demonstrates the art of using a sabre.

A regular highlight Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture performed by all the bands included the firing of four 25 pounder / G1 guns by the Cape Field Artillery saluting troop. The guns had been included in the orchestral score as the percussion and the precision firing was done using limited communication and relying on a queue sheet and stop watch.

Three friendly Junior Ratings from the SA NAVAL RESERVE wait to seat guests at the 2009 CAPE TOWN Military Tattoo.	The Cape Garrison Artillery Gunners fore their 25 pounder guns to precision as part of Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture.

Bravo Zulu to the SA Navy Band, the SA Navy’s Silent Drill Squad, SA Navy Choir as well as the many uniformed members, including Reserves, who contributed to a successful 2009 Cape Town Military Tattoo.