Band History Timeline
Established in 1866 as Canada’s oldest enlisted band by lineage, the RHLI Band is a dedicated sub-unit of the regiment. We foster esprit de corps through a legacy of excellence, from royal visits to the historic “Sounding Retreat” at Horse Guards Parade in London. This timeline captures over 150 years of distinguished musical service.
1866
The establishment of the RHLI Band
The lineage of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Band—the oldest enlisted military band in Canada—begins in 1855 with the formation of the Hamilton Artillery Band. The band was defined by its first Bandmaster, Peter Grossman, a prominent figure in Hamilton’s musical history, who transformed the band into a disciplined, professional ensemble. In 1866, under Grossman’s leadership, the band was formally incorporated into the 13th Battalion (the predecessor of the RHLI).
WWI
The Band during World War I
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry perpetuates five Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) Battalions from World War I: the 4th, 86th, 120th (City of Hamilton), 129th and 205th. The Regiment has this distinction because it recruited and contributed so many men to these battalions. The Militia lists of the Great War report that all these battalions had bands and three also had bugle bands. This pictures shows the 86th Bn CEF marching down James Street.
WWII
Service During World War II
The 1 Bn RHLI Band accompanied the Regiment to England in July 1940. This Band was directed by Sgt Thomas Sharman until 1941 when the bandsmen returned to Canada formed the nucleus of the No 2 Depot Band in Toronto. This picture taken in 1941 in England, shows Padre Capt John Foote VC (front row fourth from right) who played trumpet in the band.
Band Leadership
The RHLI Band has had 14 leaders during the course of its history. “Bandmaster” was the traditional designation for a Band Leader. Officially the position of Director of Music is reserved for commissioned officers and Bandmaster for senior Non-Commissioned Members.
Director of music
2016 – Present
Capt Ryan W. Baker, CD, BMus
The fourteenth Director of Music, is a professionally trained performer who also founded the RHLI Brass Quintet and is a high school Music Head.
Director of music
1992 – 2016
Major M.A. Rehill, MH, CD, Mus Bac
Spearheaded the modern revival of the band after a 20-year hiatus. He expanded it into multiple specialized ensembles and lead the band in many Royal performances.
Bandmaster
1966 – 1968
A.T. “Tex” Dharmaratnam
A graduate of Kneller Hall, Tex led the ensemble through the transition period preceding the 1968 Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Bandmaster
1961-1966
WO1 Les Sharman
Reconstituted the Band in 1961 for the regimental centennial celebrations in 1962. He was the son of TW Sharman.
Bandmaster
1950 – 1957
WO1 Harold G. Patterson, CD
Served as bandmaster during the early Cold War era until the ensemble was disbanded in 1957.
Bandmaster
1942 – 1950
WO1 Herbert J. Holder, EM
Led the 2nd Battalion band during the war and oversaw the reunification of regimental musicians in 1945.
Bandmaster
1939-1942
WO1 T.W. Sharman
Directed the 1st Battalion (Active) band during the early years of the regiment’s mobilization for World War II.
director of music
1924 – 1935
Captain David Anderson
Maintained the band’s high professional standards and regular public concert schedule throughout the interwar period.
Director of Music
1916–1924, 1936–1939
Captain William F. Robinson, RVO
One of George Robinson’s six sons, led the band to a first-place victory at the 1921 CNE competition.
Bandmaster
1870 – 1871
William Blanchard
Served as an interim bandmaster for a one-year term between George Robinson’s historic tenures.
Director of Music
1869–1870, 1871–1916
Lt George R. Robinson
Led the band for nearly 50 years and became the first Canadian militia musician to receive an honorary commission.
Bandmaster
1866 – 1869
Peter Grossman
Founded the band as Canada’s first enlisted military band in 1855 as the Hamilton Artillery Band. Later it became the 13th Bn Band.
Image Gallery
1889 Band in St. Bernard Uniform
1899 Street Parade
Trooping the Colours, May 24, 1907
1910 in Chicago
1919: HRH the Prince of Wales Honour Guard at the Grand Trunk Railway Station (now LIUNA Station)
1921 Band won first prize at the CNE (lead by Capt David Anderson)
1930: Bugle Band at the Cleveland Horse Show
1913
1937 Canadian National Exhibition
1939 Band at Gage Park, Hamilton
1949. Band at George R. Robinson Bandshell at Gage Park
1940: 2nd Battalion Brass Band
1962: Centennial celebrations at Dundurn Park
1992: RCR parade at CFB Borden
2000 Tomb of the Unknown Solider, Ottawa
2002: 60th Anniversary of Dieppe, France
2012 Trooping of the Colours
2016: Sounding Retreat, Horse Guards Parade, London, England
2019: Band with 13th CG at Fortissimo, Ottawa.
2025 Canada Day Tattoo Performers