A very short ceremony marked the disbandment of the British military in Jamaica at Up Park Camp. This was a very important moment in history, as the Union Jack was lowered for the last time in 307 years.

Published Tuesday, July 3, 1962

After 307 Years…

The Union Jack was lowered at Up Park Camp for the last time yesterday after 307 years, marking the disbandment of the British Military Headquarters on the island.

The headquarters will be handed over to the Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica national flag will be flown from the flagstaff instead of the Union Jack. But until the Jamaican flag is hoisted on Independence Day, August 6, no flag will fly at Camp.

The ceremony of disbandment lasted about three minutes at lunchtime yesterday. As the retreat was sounded by two buglers of the Jamaica Regiment, Brigadier Derek Lister, commander of the Caribbean Area, and members of the Staff and Services of the Headquarters Caribbean Area, saluted the Union Jack as it was slowly lowered.

Mr G. R. Saltonstall will remain in Jamaica as rear party commander of the British headquarters with responsibility for the final disbandment and handing over of land and buildings and equipment.

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