The Regimental march - "La Mandolinata"

Until 1882 the 16th Regiment of Foot's regimental march was "The Mountain Rose". This appears to have been adapted to a regimental march from an Irish folk song and has been used by several regiments over time. Given how heavily the regiment recruited from Ireland during the 19th centrury, it seems logical that such a song would rouse the spirits of the regiment and become their regimental march.
Following the creation of The Bedfordshire Regiment, from 1882 the march was changed to "La Mandolinata", adapted from an Italian opera of the 1870's to suit a regimental march. This carried forward into the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment from 1919 and was used by the regimental association during their parades into the 21st century.
More regimental traditions can be seen here - www.bedfordregi...