The Band and Bugles of The Rifles

The Band and Bugles of The Rifles is comprised of musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music and is one of 14 Regular Army Bands in the British Army. Based in Winchester, the band was formed from The Band and Bugles of The Light Division on 1st February 2007. This took place in conjunction with the formation of The RIFLES, a new infantry regiment created through the amalgamation of The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, The Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry and The Royal Green Jackets.

The band and the Regiment’s history is manifested in their green uniforms. The unique coloured jackets and black buttons stem back to the 17th Century when Riflemen were the first British soldiers to wear camouflage instead of red tunics. Silver bugles allowed orders to be passed over long distances because Riflemen operated in dispersed teams with individuals selected for their marksmanship, fitness and initiative. The band’s accelerated pace and 'double' march, still used across the Regiment today, reflect a tradition of quick movement and thinking.

The unique Back-Badge, Croix de Guerre shoulder flashes and each soldier’s rank being worn only on the right arm to prevent it being seen when firing a rifle at the enemy, add further distinction to The Band and Bugles of The Rifles.

The band is the fastest marching band in the British Army adopting a tempo of 140 beats per minute!