Traditions

Regimental Fire (The Toast)

When toasting or cheering another member of the Company, members are accustomed to give 'Regimental Fire'. This takes the form of a ninefold shout of the word Zay accompanied by sideways movements of the right hand culminating in an upward movement on the last and loudest shout. The origin is unknown but it is thought that it might stem from the movements required to ignite a grenade or from 18th Century toast drinking. Another interpretation is that, in times gone by, three cheers (or "zays") were given for good chaps. If anyone was a particularly good chap, which all members of the HAC undoubtedly are, they were given 3 times 3 cheers; hence 9 “zays”. Guests who are not members of the Company are toasted with Silent Fire; here the first 8 "zays" are silent with a shout only on the 9th.

Father of the Regiment

The Father of the Regiment is the title given to the member with the longest continuous service in the Company. The designation has existed for at least 128 years and is probably derived from a similar one found within many Livery Companies of the City of London.

Captain-General’s Prize

At the Annual General Court, a prize in the gift of the Captain-General is presented to the soldier who is considered by the Commanding Officer to have made the most significant contribution to the HAC Regiment over the previous year. The recipient currently receives an illuminated copy of Goold Walker’s History of the HAC and a cheque from the Privy Purse. The winner is permitted to wear a badge incorporating the royal cypher on No 1 and No 2 dress or on the uniforms of the Pikemen & Musketeers and Light Cavalry.

Right To Bear Arms In The City Of London

The HAC is one of several regiments that enjoys the privilege of marching through the City of London with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed. The custom dates from the 17th Century or earlier and was intended to encourage recruitment. It was formally confirmed by the Lord Mayor of London as a regimental privilege in 1924.

Affiliations and Associations

The Transvaal Horse Artillery

In 1937 the Transvaal Horse Artillery was formally affiliated to the HAC Regiment. The Transvaal Horse Artillery, formed in 1904 as Lys’ Volunteer Corps, fought in South West Africa during the First World War and in East and North Africa during the Second World War.

Schools Affiliation

In 1995 six Public Schools (Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Radley, Rugby and Wellington) became affiliated to the Company. The rationale behind these affiliations is to facilitate communication with the schools and to inform students of the opportunities available to them, in due course, in the HAC.

The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company

The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, was founded in Boston in 1638. Several of the founders were members of the HAC and it is the oldest military body in North America. Since 1887, delegations from the Ancients have visited the HAC in London on a number of occasions, while the first of several visits to Boston by members of the HAC took place in 1903.

Regimental Music

The Regiment has the following Regimental Marches:

Quick March	-	British Grenadiers
Slow March	-	Duke of York
Canter	-	Bonnie Dundee
Trot	-	The Keel Row
Walk	-	The Duchess of Kent

Guards of Honour leave Armoury House to the March ‘Standard of St George’, and return to the Regimental Quick March. The Corps of Drums sounds 'Points of War' when the Colours are marched on and off parade.

St Botolph without Bishopsgate

This ancient City parish church houses the HAC's Regimental Chapel, which commemorates those who died in the South African War and in the First and Second World Wars. The fallen are recorded in the Book of Remembrance there. The church is, effectively, the Company's parish church.

Every year on the Friday before Remembrance Sunday there is a Regimental Service of Remembrance held in St Botolph's, when members commemorate those who died on active service. Those who are on active service currently are also specifically remembered. There is a lunch afterwards in Armoury House for those who wish to attend.

Christmas

The Company holds an annual Carol Service in the Albert or Long Room. Mulled wine is served before the Service and supper is available afterwards. The familiar Christmas story is celebrated with lessons and carols. It is the only Carol Service known to the Padre which ends with the two well known choral offerings 'Jerusalem' & 'Land of Hope & Glory'.

The Regimental Collect

“Almighty God, whom to serve is perfect freedom, and by whose providence the Honourable Artillery Company has proudly fulfilled its citizenship in the ancient capital of our land; grant that, armed with the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, we may serve thee in freedom and peace as citizens of that other realm of which our Saviour Christ is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Amen.”