In 1936-1937, during the British Diplomatic Mission to Lhasa led by Sir Basil Gould, who served as the British Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet from 1935 to 1945, a striking scene unfolded in the Tibetan capital. As the mission approached, the Tibetan army and its military band gathered in full ceremonial display. The soldiers, dressed in traditional Tibetan military attire, proudly marched in formation through the streets of Lhasa, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the army band.

At the forefront of this grand spectacle was the Tibetan national flag, symbolizing the sovereignty and unity of Tibet. The flag, with its vibrant colors and sacred symbolism, fluttered in the crisp mountain air, a powerful reminder of Tibet’s identity and cultural heritage.

This display of military and national pride was not only a ceremonial greeting for the British mission but also a reflection of Tibet’s political and diplomatic status at the time. Sir Basil Gould’s mission to Lhasa aimed to strengthen relations between Tibet and British India, and the procession by the Tibetan army was an essential part of the formalities and hospitality extended to the foreign delegation.