DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 356/09
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
NAVY CEREMONIAL SUNSET AND BEAT TO QUARTERS
WHAT:
The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) will conduct a Royal
Australian Navy (RAN) Ceremonial Sunset and Beat to Quarters
involving the use of cannon fire.
WHERE:
ADFA, ACT.
WHEN:
6:30pm – 7:30pm on Wednesday, 21 October 2009.
Background:
ADFA personnel will participate in the RAN Ceremonial Sunset and Beat to Quarters,
which will occur on the Academy’s main parade ground. As part of the ceremony
cannon and small-arms volleys will be fired.
The Ceremonial Sunset is performed annually by Midshipmen studying at the
Academy to enhance their understanding of military history and traditions. This year,
the ceremony will be held on Trafalgar Day, which commemorates the victory of Vice
Admiral Horatio Nelson’s British fleet over the French and Spanish fleets at Cape
Trafalgar in 1805.
The Ceremonial Sunset and Beat to Quarters is one of the oldest and most significant
of naval ceremonies. Beat to Quarters stems from the 17th Century when a drum roll
or beating of drums was carried out in warships to signify a 'Call to Arms', when an
enemy ship had been sighted. Today, Ships' Companies are called to 'Action Stations'
by loud electronic alarms.
The Ceremonial Sunset is traditionally used by Navies throughout the world to salute
the lowering of the Ensign at the close of the day.
Media Note:
Media are not invited to attend, however assistance is sought in notifying the public of
the use of cannon fire.
Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
Sharelle Mathias, Public Affairs – ADFA 0411 403 489
NEWS 
