In the Highest Tradition

198929m

A BBC series which delves into the world of British military tradition.

Production

Logo for BBC

Seasons

6 Episodes • Premiered 1989

Still image for In the Highest Tradition season 1 episode 1: Regimental History

1. Regimental History

This episode includes looks at the origins of Emperor Joseph Bonaparte’s chamber pot, a druid oration and the story of goat who escaped being eaten to become a regimental mascot.

Still image for In the Highest Tradition season 1 episode 2: Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Traditions

2. Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Traditions

This episode includes the story of Millie the Mule and just why a rose is still eaten, raw, in one battalion’s mess. It also features the ‘White Helmets’, a team of motor cycle stunt riders. One team of retired soldiers has an average age of 74 years but they still meet up to perform stunts in front of their successors.

Still image for In the Highest Tradition season 1 episode 3: The Gurkhas

3. The Gurkhas

This episode looks Gurkhas' history and commitment to the British Army. They swear their oath of allegiance directly to Her Majesty the Queen and continue to revere ‘The Queen’s Truncheon’, which was awarded to them by Queen Victoria in recognition of their service during the Indian Mutiny.

Still image for In the Highest Tradition season 1 episode 4: Royal Scots Greys

4. Royal Scots Greys

This looks at the illustrious history of the Royal Scots Greys with an account of how a French Imperial Eagle was won at Waterloo, and covers the tragic events of the Charge of the Light Brigade, the origins of the Victoria Cross and follows the transition from horse to the tank.

Still image for In the Highest Tradition season 1 episode 5: History of Grenadier Guards to Modern Times

5. History of Grenadier Guards to Modern Times

This features stories about the Grenadier Guards, the favourite tipple of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment and how the King's Own Scottish Borderers made porridge palatable.

Still image for In the Highest Tradition season 1 episode 6: Regimental Treasures and Traditions

6. Regimental Treasures and Traditions

This is a world where a Napoleonic Drum Major’s staff remains prized booty, a dog wears campaign medals awarded by Queen Victoria’s command and snuff is served from a ram called George.

Cast

Photo of Ian Wooldridge

Ian Wooldridge

Voice - Narrator

Reviews

No reviews available yet.