This film, made by G.Trafford Drayton of the Tower Cinema in York, documents a Tattoo presented by Sir Charles Harrington in 1926 and the Grand Military Torchlight & Searchlight Tattoo.  The Grand Military 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...

This film, made by G.Trafford Drayton of the Tower Cinema in York, documents a Tattoo presented by Sir Charles Harrington in 1926 and the Grand Military Torchlight & Searchlight Tattoo.  The Grand Military 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.  The film appears to run fast in places due to technical issues with original filming. Title – Tower Pictorial News (green) Title – Lieut General – Sir Charles Harrington to whom we are indebted for presenting to York the wonderful Tattoo A crowd of people are gathered near the Minster with Sir Charles Harrington who is wearing a feathered hat. Title – (Tower Screen Classics) The Tanks Arrive – These Tanks are capable of a speed of 35 miles per hour. At York Railway Station, a goods train stands in a sidings with wagons loaded with tanks, possibly Vickers Medium tanks.  One tank is directed as it is slowly driven off a wagon.  Another tank is filled with fuel before being driven off.  A convoy of tanks drive from the railway station, turning down Blossom Street at Micklegate Bar. The tanks drive through the Knavesmire, on which there are also cows grazing.  Finally a group of tank crew pose for the camera in front of a tank. Title – Photographed and Edited by G. Trafford Drayton (orange tint) Title – Tower Screen Classics Presents – York Military Tattoo Photographed and Edited by G. Trafford Drayton Spectators are seated in the stands at York Racecourse, with a lorry in the background with ‘Daily Express Community Singing Tour’ written on the side.  A man conducts a group of singers in front of the stand. Title – The community Singing (orange tint) There are more shots of the singers and of the spectators in the stands. Title – Maroon heralds the opening of the Tattoo The trumpeters of the 5th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards sound a Fanfare (green and pink tint) The tattoo is held at York Racecourse, where the Dragoon Guards emerge from a mock castle. Title – Entry of the Massed Bands (green and pink tint) Military bands march up and down, alternatively fast and slow. Title – Musical Ride by the 5th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards (green and pink tint) There is a display of military horses, jumping over obstacles whilst a machine gun is being fired. Title – The Battle of Albuhera (orange and pink tint) Part one ends with a re-enactment of the battle of 1811, with soldiers dressed in historic uniforms, followed by more military marching bands.