US Air Force Europe Band

Description

Cardiff Searchlight Tattoo, 1969
In 1969, the Cardiff Searchlight Tattoo performed a spectacular display in Cardiff for the first time featuring from the United Kingdom; the Welsh Guards, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the South Wales Borderers, the Welch Regiment, the Royal Regiment of Wales, the Queens Dragoon Guards and the Junior Soldiers Band from the Depot Cwrt Yr Gollen. A quarter of the programme was provided by overseas bands such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride, the 1st Battalion, the Royal 22nd regiment (the only French- speaking Regiment in the Canadian Army) along with the United States Air Forces Europe Band, who were making their debut appearance in the United Kingdom. The 1st Battalion Welsh Guards made a major contribution to the Tattoo and were prominently featured in “A Far Away Echo” which was the highlight of the performance.
1969 marked the twentieth Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)-which at the time consisted of 15 countries which formed a defensive alliance which strived for equality for each country within the alliance. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force also contributed with the appearance of the Naval Air Command Field Gun Crews, Royal Marines Bands, The Royal Marines Motor Cycle Display Team, the Queen’s Colour Squadron Continuity Drill Display and an RAF Police Dogs Demonstration Team.