Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Composed in 1918 by Randolph Robjent Ricketts, under the pseudonym Leo Stanley.
Kaiser Wilhelm II who was famously dismissive of the British Expeditionary Force, allegedly issued an order on 19 August 1914 to "exterminate ... the treacherous English and walk over General French's contemptible little army". Hence, in later years, the survivors of the regular army dubbed themselves "The Old Contemptibles".
Performed by the Band of H.M Royal Marines, Chatham.
The painting is 'Our "Little Contemptibles"' by William Barns Wollen.
Composed in 1918 by Randolph Robjent Ricketts, under the pseudonym Leo Stanley.
Kaiser Wilhelm II who was famously dismissive of the British Expeditionary Force, allegedly issued an order on 19 August 1914 to "exterminate ... the treacherous English and walk over General French's contemptible little army". Hence, in later years, the survivors of the regular army dubbed themselves "The Old Contemptibles".
Performed by the Band of H.M Royal Marines, Chatham.
The painting is 'Our "Little Contemptibles"' by William Barns Wollen.
