1905 - Tattto at the Cricket Grounds

“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.