The elements dictated the agenda yesterday at the historic lowering of the Royal Navy's ensign at Dockyard.

What was to have been a magnificent open air tattoo spread out before Dockyard's Clocktower building, was reduced to a cramped and static performance inside because of the rain.

But still, crowds packed the upstairs hall at the Clocktower to catch a glimpse of the Royal Marine Band of the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon, play out the closing chapter in the Royal Navy's 200-year association with Bermuda.

The band was widely admired for producing a grand impromptu performance with rousing tunes. But for many, the actual symbolic lowering of the ensign outside passed unnoticed.

Some, however, managed to catch a glimpse through a window.

Earlier in the day, the band accompanied the organ and congregation at a commemorative service at the Anglican Cathedral.

But for those still waiting outside unaware of the decision to move the performance inside, it was a disappointing event.

"It was very disappointing because they didn't announce what was happening,'' said one disgruntled spectator. "I think it's disgusting. It was a mass of confusion. They should have been able to plan for a bit of bad weather.'' She added her biggest objection was that an announcement was never made over the public address system.

The tattoo followed an indoor cocktail party for invited dignitaries including the Premier Sir John Swan, Government Ministers, Opposition Party members and those with associations with the British army and navy.

"It would have been outside but because of the weather they had to have it inside,'' explained Commander Robin Bawtree, Malabar's Commanding Officer since 1992.

While the lowering of the white ensign was a symbolic gesture, he said, the flag would be hoisted again today at HMS Malabar where it would stay for six more weeks until the Royal Navy's departure.

But the crowd got its spectacle in the end when the Bermuda Regiment and Bermuda Pipes and Drums played outside.

"It would have been nice to have been able to see the Regiment and the Marines together,'' commented Mr. Peter MacDonald who came from St. George's in group of 15 for the event.

"I was disappointed because the weather wasn't that bad and they could have come out. It was a bit of a bad decision. There was the lowering of the flag but no one knew what was going on.'' But while the estimated 500-strong crowd was denied the chance to see the Marine band's performance, Mr. McDonald said the Bermuda Regiment Band provided consolation for those who had braved the elements last night.

Another Devonshire resident who said he had come for the music admitted he found the event an anti-climax.

"I like the music. It was something to come out to but it was too much from inside,'' he said. "People didn't know what was going on.'' But a former employee of Malabar said she would not have missed the occasion, whatever the weather.

"I wanted to see the final episode of Malabar,'' said Mrs. Betty Hart who worked as a naval secretary to Malabar's captain in charge in 1945. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

"It would have been nice if the weather had co-operated but with the service this morning they did it very well. They really do things with polish. "I am very sorry to see Malabar close. I think the Island will be the poorer because of it.'' Turn to Pages 4 and 5 for a report and pictures of Saturday's anniversary celebrations SYMBOLIC FAREWELL -- A Royal Marine Band bugler gave the signal for the lowering of the ensign in the rain at Dockyard yesterday evening. The ceremony marked the end of the Royal Navy's 200-year-old presence on the Island at HMS Malabar.