This Day in History: 1859-11-17

The exact date is unclear, but on or about this day in 1859 the Sirmoor Rifles’ band was formed in Dehra Dun consisting of a naik (Corporal) and 15 bandsmen. The first Bandmaster was Sergeant Cliodetti, an Italian, who took charge of the Band in 1875 as a retired civilian.  He is remembered in the Regiment mainly for having had 4 wives and 27 children.

The earliest known picture of the 2nd Goorkhas Band, in 1883.  Sergeant Cliodetti is seated on the chair front left of the picture.