A popular evening feature in Singapore was the Beating of Retreat on the battalion sports ground. The 1st Battalion Band and Drums, in white uniforms, complete with their silver drums and bugles, presented a wonderful spectacle and the occasions brought many sightseers, both military and civilian.
These were discontinued in late 1940 when the silver drums and bugles, together with the Regimental Silver and the Colours, were sent to Australia to be lodged for the duration of the war in the safe custody of the Manchesters affiliated Regiment, the 10th (Adelaide) Australian Rifles.
The wives and children made their own way back in dribs & drabs, according to the available space on the ships.