This film, made by G. Trafford Drayton of the Tower Cinema in York, documents the Grand Military Torchlight & Searchlight Tattoo.  The tattoo took place from the 16-20th July, 1929 at York Racecourse and includes musical rides, performances by military bands, an air display, and a peace pageant.  The Calvary started a Musical Ride and Trick Ride in 1914 and continued until 1938 when their horses were taken from them on mechanization prior to World War II.  Currently, this is the oldest...

This film, made by G. Trafford Drayton of the Tower Cinema in York, documents the Grand Military Torchlight & Searchlight Tattoo.  The tattoo took place from the 16-20th July, 1929 at York Racecourse and includes musical rides, performances by military bands, an air display, and a peace pageant.  The Calvary started a Musical Ride and Trick Ride in 1914 and continued until 1938 when their horses were taken from them on mechanization prior to World War II.  Currently, this is the oldest film known to exist featuring the Musical and Trick Rides.  Title – Physical Training Display by the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers There is a display of troops doing physical exercises at York Racecourse, and a mock castle has been set up in the background.  Lines of troops, some in all white uniforms and others with black, hold hands whilst jogging.  They then do various stretching exercises. Title – A Display of Musical Drill by the 1st Bat. The Green Howards (orange tinted) A marching band of soldiers, wearing seventeenth century uniforms, performs. Title – Scottish Item (orange tinted) There is a marching band of Highland soldiers. Title – A Display by the Royal Air Force (green tinted) The RAF put on an air display including single and dual wing planes. Title – The Pageant of Peace (green tinted) In the evening, groups of people are gathered around a single source of light. Title – The Grand Finale (green and pink tinted) There is a night-time procession of soldiers in historic costumes.  Some of the men are holding shields, carrying candles, and carrying banners of the St George Cross and the Saint Andrew's Cross. Title – I will not cease from mental fight Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand Till we have built Jerusalem In England’s green and pleasant land The headlights of vehicles are shown as they leave the pageant at the end of the evening. Title – The End (pink tinted)