This is an old paper cut out I recently came across with some insight into the story behind the regimental march of the 14th Hussars “The Royal Sussex” and of course the 14th/20th King’s Hussars in later years.
Where are those menu holders today??
If you can not read the cut out it reads:
A CURIOUS link has existed between The Royal Sussex Regiment and the 14th King’s Hussars for 160 years, and last night, at a cocktail party in Chichester, it became an “official” part of British Army history.
It all began in 1801, at a time when the Army employed civilian musicians.
The 14th Kings Hussars were at Dover and one morning they found their bandsmen had drunk so much the previous night that only a handful of them were able to stand upright for parade – much less bear the weight of an instrument.
The Hussars turned to the 35th of Foot (The Royal Sussex Regiment) and asked for the loan of a band. The request was granted and that day the Hussars paraded to the regimental march, “The Royal Sussex” played by the 35th’s band.
For some reason the drunken band episode was not one of which anyone was particularly. ashamed, and soon after the Hussars were taking pride in playing “The Royal Sussex” at all ceremonial parades.
Recently the Colonel of the 14th/20th King’s Hussars (Col. R. J. Stephen) asked the Colonel of the Royal Sussex Regiment (Gen. Sir Lashmer G. Whistler) if the 14th/20th Hussars could adopt “The Royal Sussex” as their official march.
General Whistler had no hesitation in giving his consent, and the transaction was sealed when the General was presented with a pair of regimental menu holders, made from the Royal Sussex badges (one is pictured).
The menu holders are safe in the Regiments collection to this day, they are occasionally put out for guests at dinner nights.
