- 135 – There were a couple of special services held during the deployment in which both buglers played beautiful renditions of Last Post. Able Seaman Aston played at the United Nations Memorial Gardens in Pusan, and Able Seaman Sampson played onboard HMAS Westralia for the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, at sea, in the presence of many war veterans. On arrival in Pusan, the ship was greeted by music of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Band, based in Pusan. After introducing themselves to the Korean Band, three of our musicians were fortunate to be shown around Pusan by the second in charge and the wife of the Commanding Officer. They were treated to the most wonderful day of sightseeing and gastronomical delights. All costs were compliments of the ROK Navy Band. The ROK Navy Band’s Commanding Officer, along with some others from their band joined the Australians for a traditional Korean banquet later that evening. The meal was washed down with some traditional Korean whisky. Qingdao was another great place to visit. There was an official dinner organised by the Chinese Navy to welcome HMAS Anzac to China. At very short notice, we were asked to prepare some sing-a-longs of Australian tunes. We performed a feature number ‘Aussie Salute’, which was enjoyed by the guests. All musicians then lead the singing with Able Seaman Izumi accompanying on guitar. HMAS Anzac’s personnel sang at the tops of their voices, suitably lubricated by the strange whisky concoction they were encouraged to drink by the Chinese. Apparently it was rude to refuse a drink when a toast is offered. The next two days in China involved the most amazing whirlwind tour of Beijing. All of the musicians joined the tour and got to see many spectacular places such as the Ming Tombs, The Great Wall, Tianamen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, as well as seeing an incredible Chinese acrobatic show. Whilst at sea, we provided a variety of different “wakey wakey” calls each morning. We also played during Replenishments at Sea, Entering Leaving Harbour, steel deck BBQs and for sundowners. Going up and down ladders became second nature; but unfortunately, early in the deployment Leading Seaman Flynn found out just how treacherous those ladders could be and had a heavy fall down one of them. We were relieved when he started to recover and returned to playing, despite the couple of broken ribs and a very sore shoulder. Able Seaman Aston enjoyed spending time down the depths of the ship in the laundry, amongst stinky overalls and noisy washing machines. Leading Seaman Klohs took on the role of Quartermaster and could be heard quite frequently over the ship’s piping system. Able Seaman Izumi, Able Seaman Sampson and I got a ride in the ship’s helicopter; something that musicians don’t get to do every day. Leading Seaman Campbell and Able Seaman McIntyre attained their helmsman certificates in a very short time. Congratulations to both of them. It has been a very interesting time at sea, especially for five musicians who have now experienced life at sea for the first time. There have been some challenges, many laughs and good times. The appreciation of some luxuries like a good cup of coffee or showering without wearing thongs can never be underemphasized or understood unless one has spent time at sea. The opportunity to go to sea and visit foreign ports, while still performing as musicians has been tremendous. Many thanks to the crew of HMAS Anzac for making the musicians feel welcome.
HMAS TOBRUK DEPLOYMENT Article by Petty Officer Kara Williams After coming together as a whole for the first time at Brisbane Airport, the members of the Royal Australian Navy Band element embarked in HMAS Tobruk made their way with the help of the Bandmaster of the Queensland detachment of the band, Chief Petty Officer Michael Vaughan, to HMAS Tobruk, which would be the group’s home for the next four weeks.
Royal Australian Navy Band: A Musical Voyage
