“Arrangements are practically completed for
the military tattoo on Thursday next. The officers of the Thirteenth have
spared no expense to make the entertainment thoroughly enjoyable. Special seats
are being provided for about 2,500 people, for which no extra charge will be
made. For the grandstand and special chairs an extra 25 cents will be charged.”
Hamilton Times. July 17, 1905.
It was an event that took a very long time to
organize, and hopes were high for the success of the Military Tattoo to put on
by Hamilton’s militia unit the Thirteenth Battalion:
““Few people realize the great expense of a
military tattoo, the estimate for this being close on a thousand dollars. A
special train is to bring the three Toronto bands arriving here about 7:30,
these bands will go to the grounds by different routes.”1
1 “Military Tattoo : Arrangements for
the Seating of a Very Large Crowd.”
Hamilton Times. July 17, 1905.
The grounds chosen for the event to be held
on July 20, 1905 were the Cricket Grounds, the large open space north of Charlton
Avenue West, between Queen and Reginald streets.
As well as the temporary grandstand capable
of seating well over 2,000 people, special reserved seating, with higher ticket
prices was also provided. It was also assumed that many more who had purchased
tickets just to enter the grounds would watch the whole tattoo while standing.
The features of the tattoo, besides the
massed bands and displays of marching, included a mock camp, in which a large
chorus of singers were to be located, a mock night attack on the grounds by
soldiers trying to enter the area from the neighboring streets. Blank
ammunition was used on streets like Kent and Alexander streets.
The Times article announcing the upcoming
event included advice for would be spectators :
“Tickets for the tattoo may be obtained from
officers of the regiment and at the bookstores. It would be advisable to
purchase tickets early and avoid the rush at the gates.”1
A follow up insert in the Times of July 18,
1905 firmed exactly where tickets for the tattoo could be obtained:
“Tickets may be secured at R. Duncan Co.,
Cloke & Son, A.C. Turnbull’s and Mack’s Drug store.”2
2 Military Tattoo”
Hamilton Times July 18, 1905.
The weather proved to be ideal on July 20,
1905 and the tattoo went off without a hitch. Following is the full Times
account of the event:
“The military tattoo held at the cricket
grounds last night under the auspices of the Thirteenth Regiment was the most
successful and enjoyable military night entertainment ever given in this city.
There were over 5,000 spectators present, a large number being visiting Masons,
and that they enjoyed the programme was evinced by the frequent and loud
applause. The tattoo was a kind of military vaudeville.
“Selections by bands.
Gun
Fire
First
post. Thirteenth bugles.
March
around parade ground by combined Thirteenth brass and bugle bands’
Tattoo
(a)
Queen’s
Own Rifles, Toronto … The Buffs
(b)
Royal
Grenadiers, Toronto … British Grenadiers
(c)
Thirteenth
Regiment, Hamilton … Mountain Rose
(d)
Forty-Eighth
Highlanders, Toronto … Highland Laddie
(e)
Seventy-Seventh
Regiment, Wentworth Infantry … I’m 95
(f)
Ninety-First
Canadian Highlanders, Hamilton Bonnie
Dundee.
Massed bands advance and retire, playing
British Grenadiers.
Physical drill by squad of the Thirteenth
Regiment, under Sergt.-Major Huggins
Camp scenes with choruses, under leadership
of Bruce Carey.
(a)
Sentries
posted and repelling attack.
(b)
Maple
Leaf, Rule Britannia, with massed bands.
Illuminations
Musical selections by massed bands
(a)
Nearer,
My God, to Thee
(b)
Evening
Hymn
Last Post
God Save the Thing.
Lights Out.
“All the bands were given a good reception as
they passed the grandstands, prior to the ensemble number. The Forty-Eighth
Highlanders, Toronto, received the most applause, however, they playing a
favorite Scotch tune, and marching with fine precision. The little
Seventy-seventh, from Dundas, got its share of the applause. The playing by the
massed bands of the British Grenadiers was most stirring, and the crowd cheered
loud and long.
“The most realistic scenes were the camp
fires, located in the northerly part of the grounds. The soldiers sang three
choruses under the leadership of Mr. Carey. Mr. Carey took the solo part in one
of them, and Mr. Dan Robinson in another. The one that made the biggest hit was
the French song – Alluetta (sic)– and was sung by members of the first
contingent to South Africa. Mr. E.G. Payne took the solo part, rendering it
with effect.
“Major Labatt was master of ceremonies.
“It was 10:20 when the ‘last post’ was
sounded. Hundreds of persons stood from start to finish, and still enjoyed the
entertainment. It has been suggested that the tattoo be repeated.”3
3 “Tattoo Was Great Success : Thousands
Witnessed Fine Military Entertainment : Music By Massed Bands Elicited Loud
Applause : Physical Drill With Illuminated Sticks Pretty.”
Hamilton Times. July 21, 1905.
