- 181 – Our first concert at Camp Victory was held on the main stage and was attended by Australian and Coalition forces. We had a set back when smoke started bellowing out of our PA amplifiers and effect desk. It turned out that the venues electricity had been wired incorrectly. It was looking very grim at one stage however we were fortunate that the Australian electrician was able to correct the wiring as well as replace the melted fuses. On the bright side we were lucky that the guitar amps etc were plugged into a different circuit. If all our electronics were plugged into the facility circuit we may have lost all of our amplifiers. After a 50 minute delay the concert got under way to an enthusiastic audience. On Friday 11 April we travelled to the International Zone in the heart of Baghdad. We were transported in a convoy of Armoured Personnel Carriers as well as two trucks which had our equipment in them. We travelled along Root Irish which is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. IED’s are often placed along this road and the adrenaline pumped when we were told to load our weapons. This trip gave us a good idea of what the soldiers go through every day of their tour. The professionalism they showed was commendable. The soldiers based in the International Zone are responsible for the security of the Australian Embassy in Iraq. The two concerts went over very well. We also had the opportunity to go onto the roof of the Bathe Party Headquarters, which is the building that Saddam’s Court hearing was heard. This gave us an opportunity to view the city of Baghdad. The following day we had the opportunity to tour the area. This was the first time on the tour that we had time to relax. We performed a second concert at Camp Victory on Aussie Island. This was a more relaxed performance and included a BBQ for all the Aussie troops. We left Baghdad on the 14 April and headed for our last destination Tallil. Tallil is in southern Iraq and is the home of the majority of our troops in Iraq. The venue was Memorial Hall, a large venue with a large stage and good facilities. We played two shows, the first for Australian troops and the following night was for the coalition forces. The venue was at capacity for both shows. Whilst in Tallil we visit the Ziggurat of Ur. These ancient ruins were 4000 years old and this city was the birth place of Abraham from the bible. To have this opportunity to tour such a historical place was a great way to finish our tour of duty. It was hard to believe that the tour had come to an end - 12 concerts with the civilian artists in 15 days and 13 Navy Band performances in all. To have the ABC film crew with us and to be part of Australian Story was indeed special. To be part of the first Navy Band to tour Afghanistan was something that we will never forget and is now in the history of the Royal Australian Navy Band. I would like to thank the touring party for their efforts and dedication. What an honour, to be given the opportunity to direct such a dedicated and talented group of musicians.
TOUR TO AFGHANISTAN Article by Petty Officer Mark Ham Brisbane, September 2007: Playing the Bass Bone/Tenor Bone part in the production of Miss Saigon. The orchestra was crammed into a small space. I had no social life. I rarely saw my children. It was during this show that I contemplated a return to the Royal Australian Navy band. I mean, seriously. How hard could it be? Baghdad, April 2008: Rifle (loaded), full body armour (on), helmut and blast goggles (on), my 6-foot frame crammed into an ASLAV, sweat driping down my back and it’s not just due to my attire and salubrious surroundings. Along with 11 of my fellow reality-checked colleagues, I was about to travel THE most dangerous stretch of road in the world. Luckily, I’m in the lead vehicle. Suddenly that orchestra pit in Brisbane seemed like a wonderful place to be.
Royal Australian Navy Band: A Musical Voyage
