The Lewis-Merthyr Band from south Wales is currently undertaking research into its proud history, and this week uncovered previously unknown Pathé newsreel footage of their antecedent, the Cymmer Military Band, parading before HRH Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) on a royal visit to the Rhondda in December 1932.
Hope & Glory
The band can be clearly seen and heard as they parade performing 'Land of Hope & Glory'. An article in Wright & Round's Brass Band News of the time, and held in the archives at the University of Salford, has confirmed the band's identity.
Also, in a letter dated March 1976, the daughter of the Cymmer Military Band MD G. F. Martyn, related a tale of the visit, where Edward, on seeing the band on parade, remarked to his host Colonel Watts Morgan; "That's a damn fine band. Who is it?"
Alphabet
In a typically witty Welsh take on the occasion, the host was known locally as 'Dai Alphabet' — as Morgan was a leading Welsh trade unionist, Labour politician, and a Member of Parliament who was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in the First World War.
Such was the plethora of letters after his name — CBE DSO MP JP — that local miners gave him the affectionate moniker.
Also, in a letter dated March 1976, the daughter of the Cymmer Military Band MD G. F. Martyn, related a tale of the visit, where Edward, on seeing the band on parade, remarked to his host Colonel Watts Morgan; "That's a damn fine band. Who is it?4BR
Origins
Speaking of the find, Lewis-Merthyr MD Craig Roberts told 4BR: "We've been undertaking a lot of research into the origins of the band all the way back to 1855.
We knew the band had performed for King George V in 1912, but to find the video and audio of the band playing for Edward VIII today was fantastic."
Link
The link to the original footage is now available online via the band website:
http://www.lewismerthyrband.com/video.html
