In 1924, when the regular detachment from the Royal Artillery stationed at HM Tower of London was disbanded as part of government economies, the HAC took over the task of firing the salutes from this Royal Fortress. The Regiment had fired salutes from there on previous occasions, the first recorded being on 18 March 1771.
Whilst a Royal Salute normally comprises 21 guns, increased to 41 if fired from a Royal Residence, 62 guns are fired from the Tower on Royal anniversaries and 41 on Royal or State occasions. Early engravings show guns on both the battlement s of the Tower and an the wharf, and an early regulation stated that 21 rounds would be fired from the carronades and 41 discharges from the chamber guns. It is believed that the guns on the wharf were the carronades, and it has been suggested, though not verified, that they were fired to indicate the loyalty of the citizens of London to their Sovereign.
62-gun salutes are fired on the following anniversaries (or day following, if the anniversary falls on a Sunday) at 1300 hrs, 1 round every 10 seconds: Anniversary of Accession, Coronation, Birthday (and official birthday) of Sovereign, Birthday of Sovereign's Consort, Sovereign's parent.
41-gun salutes are fired on the following occasions, 1 round every 10 seconds: State Opening of Parliament (at 1200 hrs), a State Visit ("timed"), Royal Birth.
The 41-gun salute for a State Visit is timed to mark the arrival in London of the foreign Head of State or Commonwealth Prime Minister. It was usual for the visitor to fly to Gatwick Airport and travel to Victoria Station by train, arriving at 1230 hrs. A radio link is established between the station and the saluting base at the Tower, where a signaler indicates with a flag the progress of the train so the Officer Commanding can give the order to "fire" to coincide with the visitor's foot stepping onto the platform (tarmac if landing at Heathrow). The same process is now used, however, the salute is fired as the Head of State passes under Horse Guards Arch before inspecting the Guard of Honor on Horse Guards. On the occasion of the birth of a child or grandchild to the Sovereign, the timing of the 41-gun salute is determined by the time of the birth:
No salute is fired if the day in question is a Sunday.
The guns are also fired on the death of the Sovereign, the Consort or a leading public figure (e.g. Sir Winston Churchill). One round is fired for every year of the person's life, at 1 minute intervals. If ordered, they are fired on other occasions, too.
Acknowledgements -
Brigadier Michael Bray, Chief Executive, Honorable Artillery Company - for the use of the text
Janet Johnson - for the use of her photographs
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