Old Grenadier (Grenadier’s Return)

Old Grenadier — also known as “Grenadier’s Return” or “Grenadier’s Slow March” — is a traditional English military march in G major, written in cut time and commonly structured in AABB form. Long associated with grenadier companies, the tune was already firmly established in British Army use by the late eighteenth century. Its melody reflects the stately character typical of slow marches, making it suitable for formal parade movements and ceremonial occasions. Following the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, the First Regiment of Foot Guards was renamed the Grenadier Guards, and the tune was adopted as their regimental slow march. Rather than having a single known composer, the march is regarded as traditional, having evolved through extended military use. It became a musical symbol of the regiment’s identity, distinct from The British Grenadiers, which serves as the Guards’ quicker marching tune. Known within the regiment as “Grenadier’s Return,” the march remains in active ceremonial use today. It is performed during Trooping the Colour, at Changing of the Guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and St James’s Palace, and on other major state occasions. The march also carries a more solemn role, being played at memorial services and funerals of Grenadier Guardsmen, as well as when the regiment returns to quarters after tours of duty, underscoring its enduring emotional and ceremonial significance. Old Genadier (trad) Arr S Schultz