- 200 – Due to the increased security state at different times throughout this passage, all of the musicians were utilised for the Ship’s Defence Team. This involved being the first physical response to any unwanted guests at sea and whilst coming alongside in ports such as Cochin. Although the duty was in two watches, the musicians still participated in a variety of performances which really solidified our ‘can do’ reputation. Some of these performances included; assembling the drum and bugle corps on 02 deck to farewell ships from the Indian Navy participating in operations, a small brass group for a church service at sea, rock group for a RAS with USNS Lewis & Clark and the Cape Spada commemorative service. This service had special significance as it occurred at the very location where the Italian Cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni and HMAS Sydney II went into battle on 19 July 1940. The lack of sleep and rehearsal time during this eight day marathon was off-set by a well deserved two day tour of Egypt organised by the ship to experience the Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum and many other tourist attractions. Six out of the eight musicians were able to participate, with the remaining personnel experiencing the transit through the Suez Canal. There were as many highlights from the trip as there were photos taken, with Able Seaman McMahon taking out the award for most images taken in a 24 hour period, closely followed by Able Seaman Ward. On completion of the Canal transit, the routine eased off enough for us to put in some very productive days of rehearsals. A few other non musical opportunities were thrown in for good measure including a supervised shot gun shoot that Able Seaman Izumi and Able Seaman McMahon were able to attend and also a 9mm pistol shoot. As a result of the solid rehearsal time and the addition of Able Seaman Summer’s vocal talents in jazz group, the Cocktail Party and Ceremonial Sunset in Toulon were a resounding success with very favourable comments from all who attended. Special thanks must go to Able Seaman Mildren who put in a great deal of effort on the night, enhancing both the drum corps and jazz groups musical product. Able Seaman Hansch also deserves a huge debt of gratitude for working tirelessly in obtaining high profile performances to enhance the ship’s (and musicians) positive profile throughout the entire trip. All the long days and nights at sea seemed to be rewarded over the following days, with all but two personnel being able to leave the ship for the full port visit around the south of France. The remaining two members had a 24 hour duty on the front gate, however on completion were free to explore cities such as Nice, Monaco, Marseilles and Toulon where the ship was docked. As I am writing this article, we are making our way to Spain for a four day visit of Ferrol, where the Royal Australian Navy’s new Air Warfare Destroyers and Landing Helo Dock are being made. For the musicians, it involves participation in another Cocktail Party and Ceremonial Sunset and localised performances to represent HMAS Sydney and the Royal Australian Navy Band. We will all be thinking of our land based bands-people as we are munching on Paellas and soaking up the sun in Spain.
LONGLOOK 2009 Article by Lieutenant Matt Klohs, RAN In late March, Leading Seaman Esa Douglas and I departed Sydney for the United Kingdom to participate in the Longlook Exchange Program for 2009. As part of a 98-member TriService contingent, we flew to London Heathrow via Singapore and then proceeded to the HQ of the Royal Marines Band Service in Portsmouth. On arrival to the UK, the weather was suitably raining, freezing cold and generally quite miserable: typical of England in March. On arrival at HMS NELSON in Portsmouth, we were greeted by Major Tony Smallwood RM, himself a veteran of two Longlook Exchanges to Australia, and who was to be our host officer for the duration. Once Leading Seaman Douglas had been assigned to the Portsmouth Band and settled in her accommodation, Major Smallwood informed me that I was to be put in charge of the RM Band at Lympstone for the four months. He also told me that it was the first time in their history that a foreign national had been appointed as a Director of Music of one of a Royal Marine Band.
Royal Australian Navy Band: A Musical Voyage
