Formed 10th June 1989

PATRON: BRIGADIER J.J. SHELTON DSO MC

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

NEWSLETTER OF THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY BAND CORPS ASSOCIATION INC.Website: www.aabcassociation.com.au

Anzac Edition 2017 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: President – John Franklin Ph: 0407 312 035 Email: jf33@hotmail.com.au

Vice President – Stephen Mee Ph: 0410 568 032 Email: Stephen.mee@hotmail.com

Secretary – Kevin Noon CSM Ph: (02) 6299 9954 (H) 0414 313 566 (M) Email: knoon@netspace.net.au Assistant Secretary – Dave Oakley Ph: 0438 951 738 Email: sodaveo@kern.com.au

Treasurer – Trevor Beswick Ph: 0432 273 701 Email: trevor.beswick@gmail.com

Assistant Treasurer – Jim Harper BEM Ph: 03 9776 9172 Email: shadhar@bigpond.net.au

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Ivan Cocking – 0416 207 940 Sue Baxter – 0412 742 564 Bill Honter BEM - 08 9593 2868 Chris Stock - 0419 897 179 Grahame Johnson - 08 8364 7232 Pat Steer – 0418 717 174 CHAPLAIN: LTCOL Dennis J Hills, Retd Ph: 0417423363 Email: denrose@mac.com

CO-CHAPLAIN: Matthew James Ph: 0409 725 313 Email: matt.james1@optusnet.com.au STATE REPRESENTATIVES:

Victoria: Neville Lloyd Ph: 03 9789 2979

New South Wales: Kevin Noon Ph: 02 6299 9954

South Queensland: John Franklin Ph: 0407 312 035

North Queensland: Scotty Laycock Ph: 07 7757 7550

Tasmania: Colleen Harbod Ph: 03 6224 0256 South Australia: Dave Oakley Ph: 0438 951 738

Northern Territory: Ron Roberts Ph: 0418 857 744

Western Australia: Bill Honter BEM Ph: 08 9593 2868

Australian Capital Territory: Ron Bennett Ph: 0419 885 359

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Schedule of Membership Fees

The Schedule of Fees for Full Members and Associate Members as at December 2012 is shown in the following table:

Fee Amount Entrance fee (non serving) $15 Entrance fee (current serving) No fee Annual subscription (members) $35 Annual subscription (widows) $20

Fees and subscriptions can be payed by cheque or electronic transfer. For details see Treasurer’s report. Note: Members joining on or after 1 January pay the entrance fee and 50% of the annual subscription fee for that year. The membership year is 1 July to 30 June.

LAST POST

We pause a moment to remember those friends and former associates who have passed away and to appreciate their

service and contribution to military music

Hetty Florence Thorensen Harvey William ‘Bill’ Thackrah Morris Noel Dwyer John ‘Chuckles’ Watts

“OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE - THEY SIMPLY FADE AWAY!”

NOTEWORTHY 2017 DEADLINES

ANZAC EDITION 19th March

AABC BIRTHDAY EDITION 26th June

CHRISTMAS EDITION 1st November

All NOTEWORTHY NEWS contributions to

Stuart Colhoun via email: sepmc@iprimus.com.au

Or mail to:

Stuart Colhoun

5 Hammond Circuit

HOPETOUN PARK VIC 3340

The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any article submitted. Items published may be altered for economy of space and other reasons.

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A short Note………. Welcome to the Anzac 2017 edition of Noteworthy News. This edition will go out too many of our members electronically. Unfortunately, the Association doesn’t have updated email addresses for some members. Over time that will be rectified and eventually the majority of our members will receive it via email. Rest assured those members who cannot receive it this way will still receive hard copies in the mail. While some may feel uncomfortable with the decision to distribute the newsletter this way it is an approach many organizations are now taking. This is mainly as a result of Australia Post price rises and also because some members prefer to receive their copy via email. Over time I may look at creating a version more suitable for emailing, as well as still writing the current version. This will take time, I am time poor, but will look into this for future editions. Don’t forget, I still look forward to receiving submissions from our members for publishing in the newsletter and these can be anecdotes, reports or images. My contact details are on the website and also included in this newsletter. Best wishes, Stuart Colhoun

From the President

Greetings one and all. This year as we come together to commemorate ANZAC Day and continue to honour the sacrifices of our service men and women over the last 100 years, I ask that you take time to research a conflict that rarely rates a mention in the press or from our national leaders. This conflict is significant in terms of the effects it has had on members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who have been deployed to the region to assist in the monitoring of human rights issues and the delivery of humanitarian aid. I refer to the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan that has seen tens of thousands killed and millions displaced within the country. A rotation of up to 25 members of the ADF are deployed to South Sudan as part of Operation ASLAN, a United Nations Mission that was established on 23 September 2011, known as UNMISS. ADF personnel are not deployed in combat roles, however fulfil key, military liaison officer, aviation and logistic roles deploying for periods of 6-9 months. Major Lyndon Jackson, CSM, a former long serving member of the Australian Army Band Corps, saw service in South Sudan and like many of those who have served in operational areas found it a very difficult and trying place. I have no doubt that Major Jackson’s contribution to Operation ASLAN was substantial and we thank him for his service. While we have the utmost respect for those who fought on the beaches of Gallipoli, in the deserts of Afghanistan and all major conflicts in-between, we should take time to remember those who served in operational areas not

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widely reflected on, but were just as demanding and traumatic. Hopefully many of you will be reading this edition of the newsletter in its new electronic format, on your phone, tablet or computer while sitting on the train, in your caravan or in your loungeroom. It is hoped that by keeping in step with technology we will be able to produce a quality product with clear, high resolution images that is accessible to you 24/7. So, on those days you are dragged to the shopping centre and left sitting outside Woollies you will be able to take out your phone and catch up with the goings on of the AABC Association. There have been several contributing factors that have resulted in moving to the electronic version, including significantly decreasing the logistic requirements of production and excessive costs. If you are unable to receive the newsletter electronically then a hard copy will be sent to you. Information will be on the website as to how this may be done. The 2017 AABC Association Annual General Meeting and Reunion will be held at the Maroochy RSL in Maroochydore over the period 6-8 October 2017. Accommodation information will shortly be released on the website and Face Book page to assist you in finding somewhere to stay. All traditional activities of the reunion weekend will be held at the Maroochy RSL, while golf will be held at the Pelican Waters course. The Band of the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery will be performing a concert at the venue at 1400 hours, Saturday 7 October. I am hoping the registration sheets will be available prior to this newsletter being published so you can all start to book. However, l am waiting on the association’s new bank account details. Enjoy marching, commemorating and having a few beers with your mates on ANZAC Day. Lest We Forget.

John Franklin President, Australian Army Band Corps Association Inc

Index Last Post Page 2

From the President Page 3

Treasurer’s report Page 5

Obituaries Page 6

CO AAB Report Page 6

AGM/Reunion 2017 Page 7

News and Events Page 8

Book Review Page 13

AAS facts & figures Page 14

From the past Page 17

AGM registration form Page 19

Membership application Page 20

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Treasurer’s Report The Association is still in good shape financially with just over $10,300 in the main account and $7,660 in the Term Deposit. There have been some delays in getting the new bank account open, requirement of ABN and specific documentation (oh, and time, time, time which I have had not a lot of). The plan is to have this done over the next month. The existing account will remain open (particularly for the next membership renewal period) while the new one is started up. As for the next round of membership fees, the accounts will be sent via email (where possible) in the next few weeks. Oh, and remember that cheques should be made payable to The Australian Army Band Corps Association, not to me personally.

Subs can be payed online via EFT: AABC Assn Inc BSB: 704230 Acc. No. 100112721 Ref: YOUR NAME Please remember to add your name if paying via EFT or we cannot credit the payment to your membership.

If making out cheques/money orders there is no need to write the full title. Only write: AABC Assn Inc. Cheques/money orders can be forward to the Association Treasurer: Honorary Treasurer AABC Assn Inc PO Box 171 DINGLEY VILLAGE VIC 3172 Trevor Beswick

The President and Members of the Australian Army Band Corps Association extend a very warm welcome to the following members who have recently

joined, or returned to the Association:

Peter Robinson

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Vale Warren T McQuilty

Former members of Northern Command Band and North Queensland Army Band may remember Warren T. McQuilty, who has been off the radar for a number of years, and I have been trying to track him down. A McQuilty was located at at Ulong, a small town located on the mid North Coast region of New South Wales. At the 2006 census Ulong had a population of 131 people. The town lies inland from Coffs Harbour by 36 kilometres. Warren’s name came up in relationship with the Ulong Ex Servicemen and Women’s club. I contacted them and received a reply: ‘Hello, unfortunately yes your Macca is our Warren McQuilty. He was a much-loved member of our community for many years, unfortunately though as you have read he passed away from cancer in 2015. He would have been so happy to have known you were looking for him. Until he passed he was our clubs flag man and a very important member of our club, being one of only a few ex-servicemen in our area. Warren's brother Owen has taken his place up here as Warren left their family home to him. The house is in Hutchinson Street in Ulong. As I said, he would have been tickled pink to know you all were thinking about him and looking for him. Such a shame he passed before you got to find him. It would be wonderful if you and some of the old band members could ever get down to our little club and see where Warren spent his golden year's. We have a picture of him hanging proudly in our club and also many fond memories and stories about the legendary Warren McQuilty.’ Knobby Neilsen

Commanding Officer Australian Army Band Report The unit headquarters experienced some changeover in January. LTCOL Craig Johnson took over as CO, MAJ Jeff Cocks came on board as XO, and WO2 Graeme Hey began as the WO COORD, joining the RSM, WO1 Kevin Hill, and TECH SGT, SGT Adam Matthews. We are midway through the Centenary of ANZAC commemorations, and the unit remains busy with commitments to this activity. At the time of writing, MAJ Jeff Cocks is leading a 20-piece band for commemorative services at Villers-Bretonneux, France. Bands have been selected for commemorative services at Polygon Wood, Belgium, in September, and Beersheba, Israel, in October. Although not a Centenary of ANZAC event, a 60 piece band will be travelling to Basel, Switzerland, in July for performances at the Basel Tattoo. This band is based on personnel from RMC Band, but like all the other trips this year, includes a healthy level of Army Reserve members. I’ve intended to include approximately one quarter of each touring band as Reservists, and so far we’ve managed to hit that mark. Three members of AAB-Sydney are deploying to the Middle East in late April/May as tech crew for a Forces Entertainment tour in support of deployed forces in that area of operations. I’ve been advised that Army’s senior leadership is very pleased with how the corps is undertaking its role and tasks. You would all know that recent reviews have seen the corps reduced in size. However, during my travels to the sub-units, I’ve seen plenty of evidence of the “can do” spirit that has typified generations of band members, as well as a solid commitment to high standards of playing and soldierly qualities. I trust all members will be pleased to know that high morale and

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dedication to task has been consistently demonstrated by current serving members, unaffected by cutbacks or reduction of resources. CO DFSM, LTCOL Dan Hiscock, advises that training is going particularly well at the moment. LTCOL Hiscock and his staff are continuing to develop and refine delivery of training, with a particular focus on ‘Blended Learning for the integrated (Permanent and Reserve) workforce’. Forces Command is very interested and impressed with the improvements the DFSM has made to training delivery…so much so that LTCOL Hiscock and MAJ Peter Grant, OAM, are providing a presentation on the DFSM’s methods of delivery of training to senior officers and RSM of Forces Command in the near future. Best wishes to all Association members, and I look forward to catching up with you later in the year. Craig Johnson LTCOL CO AAB, Head of Corps AABC

2017 AABC Association Annual General Meeting and Reunion Maroochydore QLD

Accommodation Keeping in mind everyone's varying budgets and circumstances, the following is a range of accommodation that is within easy walking distance to the reunion venue, Maroochydore RSL.

Some of you may be familiar with sites like Trivago.com.au and Wotif.com.au and if you are more comfortable using these, I encourage you to do so but for the 'old school' amongst us, the following may help you get started:

If you have a caravan or want budget accommodation: http://www.sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au/holiday_parks/maroochydore_beach_holiday_park/ Powered site - $46 per night Studio cabin - $129 per night http://www.sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au/holiday_parks/cotton_tree_holiday_park/ Same prices as Maroochy Beach but may have slightly different cabins available. If you want a nice tidy middle of the range apartment or resort room try: http://www.catalinaresort.com.au Studio apartment - $125 per night 1 Bedroom apartment - $135 per night

http://www.langleypark.com.au 2 Bedroom apartment (1 queen/2 singles) $147 per night

http://www.key-largo.com.au 1 Bedroom apartment - $128 per night

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http://argyleonthepark.com.au 1 Bedroom apartment - $132 per night

If you want something a little more up market or are sharing: http://www.beachonsixth.com.au Studio apartment - $170 per night 2 Bedroom apartment - $236 per night

If you would like to treat yourself: http://www.m1resort.com.au 1 Bedroom - $241 per night 2 Bedroom - $251 per night

http://www.thewaves.net 2 Bedroom - $279 per night Penthouse - $450 per night

News and Events

Members of Australian Army Band Melbourne and Team Army at the 2017 Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Victoria

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The Commanding Officer, LTCOL Craig Johnson promoting James Duquemin of the Band of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment to Sergeant.

Captain Nigel Davy, Australian Army Band Darwin, promoting Ben Bonney to the rank of corporal.

The Commanding Officer, LTCOL Craig Johnson, promoting Alastair Magary of Australian Army Band Adelaide to Corporal.

Bernard Winetroube of the Australian Army Band Brisbane was promoted to Sergeant by the Officer Commanding, Major Steven Button.

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The Commanding Officer, LTCOL Craig John presenting Musician Daniel Watterson of the Band of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment the Defence Long Service Medal for fifteen years of service to the Australian Defence Force.

Major Dean Griffiths, OC Australian Army Band Adelaide, presenting Musician Jaclyn Hale with the Defence Long Service Medal for 15 years of service to the Australian Defence Force.

Sergeant Adam Corning of the Australian Army Band Brisbane being presented the Defence Long Service Medal which recognises 15 years of service to the Australian Defence Force. Adam was presented the medal by the Director General Logistics - Army, Brigadier Cameron Purdey.

Major Matt Chilmaid, OC Australian Army Band Sydney, promoting Sergeant Peter Bell to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two.

Corporal Adam Cameron-Taylor of the Australian Army Band Sydney was presented the Defence Long Service Medal for fifteen years of service to the Australian Defence Force. The medal was presented by Colonel Darryl Groves, Assistant Chief of Staff, Forces Command at Victoria Barracks in Sydney as part of Army's 116th Birthday celebrations.

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Important information for DVA Recipients

ViDA Wellness and Rehabilitation Program Entitled DVA clients are eligible for clinically necessary treatment upon referral from the treating GP. Exercise Physiologists are allied health professionals who specialise in the prevention, treatment and management of injuries, disease and health conditions through appropriate exercise prescription. They can also assist athletes with sporting performance, strength and conditioning, as well as injury prevention techniques. For enquiries or to find your nearest exercise physiologist please call Wellness: 1300 890 507.

WO2 Rick Barnett emerging from the smoke with Australian Army Band Kapooka.

ADFA Bandmaster, WO2 Jo Davey and Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC.

Captain Richard Mason, RMC Band

Members of the Australian Army Band Darwin providjing musical entertainment at the official function held at RAAF Base Tindal, near Katherine in the Northern Territory, to celebrate the 96th Anniversary of the Air Forces' formation.

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Boondall residents honoured by royalty

John Winch and Sue Baxter-Winch have been honoured with two awards and been congratulated by royalty for their contribution to life saving. Both recipients received the HRH Prince Michael of Kent 125th Anniversary Certificate of Merit for their major contribution to the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS). On Australia Day they received the Lilley Australia Day Award from Wayne Swan. The Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove presented the HRH Prince Michael of Kent 125th Anniversary Certificate of Merit on

behalf of Prince Michael, in Canberra. John and Sue then had the opportunity to receive it from Prince Michael in London and meet HRH Queen Elizabeth II at a reception at Buckingham Palace. Prince Michael of Kent is the Commonwealth President of the RLSS and approved the special 125th anniversary edition of his certificate of merit. The award is made to individuals whose voluntary contribution and achievements have significantly impacted on the society and its work, or have represented the society in an exemplary way, in particular in the fields of sport, youth and drowning prevention.

32nd Class 40th Reunion

On Saturday, 14 January 2017 the Army Apprentice School 32nd Class celebrated their 40th reunion at the Royal Hotel on the Esplanade in Mornington. Of 180 graduates, 40 years later 95 returned from all over the world to commemorate their enlistment into the Australian Regular Army in January 1977.

(L-R) Greg Beavis, Stephen Mee, Gregg Amies, Stephen Deakes and Graeme Wilson

Craig Johnson, Vern Thelning, Stephen Deakes, Gregg Amies, Alan Kirkman, Graeme Wilson,

Stephen Mee and Greg Beavis

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Book Review

Stretcher-bearers: Saving Australians from Gallipoli to Kokoda by Mark Johnston Cambridge University Press, 2015 History books about army bands are almost impossible to find however there are available a couple of books about army stretcher-bearers that also touch upon the role played by bandsmen in this role. The book written by Mark Johnson starts with an overview on stretcher-bearers through history, mentioning bandsmen, apart from drummers, being employed to remove casualties from the battlefield at Waterloo in 1815. Mark then goes on to break the story down by writing about stretcher-bearers in the First World War then during the Second World War. The role of stretcher-bearers post World War Two is only very briefly touched upon with

the author stating that ‘unskilled stretcher-bearers’ have become ‘progressively less important’ and being ‘superseded by the combat medic’. The approach the author has taken in writing the book was to have a photo of a stretcher-bearer on every second page and to build a narrative based upon the photo as a way of telling their story. The photos were researched and where possible, and names added when known. This progressively creates a picture of what life was like for the stretcher-bearers and how they were organized. Starting with the First World War the author discusses the two different types of stretcher-bearer used by the Australian Army. Regimental stretcher-bearers (RSBs) were part of the battalions, were armed and wore a brassard with the letters ‘SB’. Their role was to get the casualty from the battlefield to the RAP. Ambulance bearers were members of the Australian Army Medical Corps, not armed and wore the red cross armband. Their role being to get the casualty from the RAP to more advanced medical support. At times their roles were indistinguishable with each supporting the other. The selection of stretcher-bearers is also discussed with bands receiving mention as being superfluous once the fighting started so it was a long-standing tradition that bandsmen became the medical support. As World War One progressed this was discontinued as regiments found their bands being decimated and not being available to cheer up the troops between battles. Despite this move bandsmen still filled the role of stretcher-bearer during World War Two. While the author has written a history of stretcher-bearers in general, a number of the stretcher-bearers in the photos are identified as being bandsmen and this paints are picture of what life was like for the band members during both world wars. A fascinating read and one of the few written histories too contribute to the story of army bands. Mark Johnston is Head of History, Politics and Philosophy at Scotch College, Melbourne as well as Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the ANU’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. He is highly regarded as a historian and has authored 10 books that also include histories of various Australian World War Two units as well as the RAAF in the Pacific War. bookdepository https://www.bookdepository.com/Stretcher-Bearers-Mark-Johnston/9781107087194 Booktopia

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http://www.booktopia.com.au/stretcher-bearers-mark-johnston/prod9781107087194.html Angus & Robertson http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/stretcher-bearers-mark-johnston/p/9781107087194 Shrine of Rememberance http://shop.shrine.org.au/productDetail/Info/Item/Stretcher-Bearers-M-Johnston/20602

Fighting Bandsman’s last stand by Don Tweedie

The story of Donald Kenneth Tweedie. This is a story of courage, determination, heroism, faith, love, and mateship throughout World War II. Don Tweedie’s last stand against the Japanese was in 1942 at Holland Hill, Singapore, where he was severely wounded. Most stories that have been written have been more of a historical sense, whereas this is a more personal story. This book is written in three parts and outlines his childhood/teenage years, leads into World War II, and then tells how he dealt with the images of war when he returned home in 1945.

Part two is written from the heart, as it was told to his son, about his war experience. Don Tweedie grew up throughout the Depression years leading into World War II. He worked in a clothing warehouse in Sydney and always wanted to play in a brass band. He joined the militia in 1937 and then enlisted in the infantry in 1940 to fight for his country. Don Tweedie was posted with the 2/20th Battalion in the

Australian Eighth Division to Malaya. It was while he was in the infantry that he became a bass drummer for the Battalion band. However, he was severely wounded and captured in the Fall of Singapore and was placed in captivity in Changi, Burma Railway, Saigon, Singapore, and Japan for the rest of the war.

The book is available for purchase from the author at www.terrytweedie.com

Information is also available on the 2/20 Battalion Association Website: http://secondtwentieth.org.au/

Terry Tweedie 1 Bicknell Drive Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Ph: 0428711725 H: 0266529450 Email: tdtweedie@bigpond.com

Army Apprentices School – Some facts and figures

Trades 9,297 young men and women enlisted into the Australian Army for service as Army Apprentices. There were 1782 non-graduates, including 24 apprentices who died whilst at AAS. Of these, 446 nongraduates went on to service in the Regular Army. There were 7,515 graduates into the following trades:

• Architectural Draughtsman – 12 • Blacksmith – 61

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• Bricklayer – 52 • Carpenter and Joiner – 781 • Clerk – 120 • Electrical Fitter – 335 • Electrical Mechanic – 365 • Electrician – 88 • Fitter and Turner – 1213 • Musician – 385 • Plumber – 287 • Radio Mechanic/Electronic • Tradesman – 1584 • Vehicle Mechanic – 2224 • Welder – 8.

Female Apprentices There were 115 female Army Apprentices, of whom 49 did not graduate. For those who did graduate, their trades were:

• Electronics – 32 • Vehicle Mechanic – 28 • Fitter and Turner – 5 • Carpentry – 1.

One has reached the rank of Major, two of Captain, three of WO1 and one of WO2. Operational Service Many Army Apprentices have participated on overseas operational service, both warlike and nonwarlike. Some Apprentices have been on multiple operations. The number of individual Apprentices who have partaken in all these operations totals 2563:

• Afghanistan – 288 • Thailand -10 • Bougainville – 255 • Thai/Malay Border – 30 • Borneo – 198 • Timor – 678 • Sinai – 29 • Pakistan – 7 • Iraq – 227 • Cambodia – 138 • Korea – 34 • Namibia – 131 • Malaya – 271 • Vietnam – 1125 (includes 71 non-graduates) • Middle East – 18 • Western Sahara – 12 • Balkans – 8 • Ethiopia – 2

Note: The above figures include 145 non-graduates who partook in 205 operations. Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) There were 15 Apprentices posted to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV), including members from the 1st, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st Intakes. SASR There have been 74 Apprentices who have qualified to wear the SAS beret.

• Rhodesia – 5 • Mozambique – 3 • Rwanda – 40 • Sudan – 2 • Solomon Islands – 94 • Kashmir – 3 • Somalia – 43

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Officers and Warrant Officers There have been 766 Apprentices who have reached officer rank. This includes 34 non-graduates. There have also been six padres in that total. 382 Apprentices graduated from OCS/RMC/ADFA. In the higher ranks there have been: 1 x Lieutenant General, 1 x Major General, 6 x Brigadiers, 20 x Colonels and 117 x Lieutenant Colonels. There have been 741 x WO1s and 749 x WO2s. Still Serving As at September 2016 only 449 Apprentices remain in uniform: 273 Regulars and 176 Reservists (includes 8 x Airforce and 2 x Navy personnel). The oldest still serving are Reservists LTCOL Ian McLean and MAJ Robert Hudson, both 22nd Intake; and Regular WO2 Gary Kalem, 26th Intake. Statistics from Wally Rotow, 18th Intake and Phillip Scholz, 35th Intake.

Army Apprentices School – Highest Achieving Intakes

Over the years, many intakes have laid claim to being the highest achieving intake. These claims are mostly based on the numbers of their classmates who have risen to high ranks. It is unfair to compare intakes over the history of the AAS. The early intakes did not have the same opportunities as later intakes and those intakes during the Vietnam era had the greatest promotion prospects. Based on simple raw data, however, the intakes who produced the most Warrant Officers were: • 19th Intake – 49 (25.7 % of their class) • 18th Intake – 47 (25.1 %) • 25th Intake – 44 (23.9 %). The Intakes who produced the most officers were: • 15th Intake – 21 (17.6 % of their class) • 13th Intake – 21 (14.6 %) • 18th Intake – 27 (14.4 %). The top five intakes who produced the most Apprentices to reach WO2 or higher were: • 18th Intake – 74 (39.5 % of their class) • 19th Intake – 73 (38.4 %) • 17th Intake – 59 (35.1 %) • 15th Intake – 41 (34.4 %) • 25th Intake – 63 (34.2 %). The most amazing achievement would have to be the 35th Intake. Even though they had a large number of Apprentices in their intake (274), they produced 34 officers, many of very senior rank: • 1 x Major General • 1 x Brigadier • 4 x Colonels • 7 x Lieutenant Colonels. The 9th intake had the next highest number of senior officers: • 1 x Colonel • 8 x Lieutenant Colonels. The Apprentice to achieve the highest rank is Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, 23rd Intake Bricklayer, past AAAA Patron, who was Chief of Army from 2008 until his retirement in 2011. The Apprentice to reach the rank of WO1 in the shortest time is Hanna Andrews, a 17th Radio Mechanic, who made WO1 at age 27. Statistics from Wally Rotow, 18th Intake. October 2016

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From the Past

Jim Harper and Fred Morrison at the Band's Mess, Bien Hoa Vietnam 24th March 1966.

Northern Command Band, Nui Dat September 1970.

Royal Australian Engineers Band, Canberra January 1967. The official arrival of Marshal Ky, the South Vietnamese General in Canberra. Bandmaster: WO1 Jack Parry. Front Row: Alan Brown, Gordon Boyd, Peter Scott 2nd Row: Alan Baldwin, John Dunkley, Aubrey ‘Mo’ Murakami 3rd Row (far right): Bob Butcher

RAA Band 1972-73 Back: Len Turner, Ted Harley, Bob Johnson, Scott Gourlay, Warren ‘Humpty’ Goodwin, Terry McCleary, Frank Rugers Centre: Ron Turner, Fred Fagence, Chris Jones, Malcolm ‘Dinga’ Bell, Ron Fawkes, Bill Mann, Steve MacDowell, Bob Novice, Terry Pollock, Mick Avramovic Front: Tony Sillcock, Alan Brown, Don Cartwright, Bob Hore, Stan Brabender, Jeng

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Photos supplied by Harry Cole, an ex-apprentice from the 7th Intake at Balcombe in the early 1950's. Harry reported they were taken before band boys and the Army School of Music arrived. Some of the instrumentalists pictured may have been the first band boys to arrive at Balcombe.

Apprentice Drum Corps, Coral Sea March,

Melbourne 1953

5th Class graduation parade Balcombe 1952

6th Class graduation parade rehearsal,

Mace Oval, Balcombe 1953

7th Class Graduation, December 1954

Editor – Stuart Colhoun The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors and do not reflect the official position of the AABC Association Incorporated, unless otherwise stated. The Editor reserves the right to decide on the publication of any article or item for any edition of Noteworthy.

Phone: 03 5367 8351 E-Mail: sepmc@iprimus.com.au Mail to: 5 Hammond Circuit HOPETOUN PARK VIC 3340

Engineers Band Dinner 1965

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2017 Australian Army Band Corps Association Reunion Maroochy RSL

Memorial Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558

Friday 6 - Sunday 8 October 2017

Registration Form

Name/s

Address

Email

Date Time (h) Activity

Cost (pp)

Number Attending

Sub Total ($)

Friday 6 Oct 17

0800

Association Golf Trophy Pelican Waters Golf Club

40 Mahogany Drive, Pelican Waters Price includes buggy, 18 holes, burger and chips and prizes

Pay $69 at the golf club

N/A

Individual payment at

the Golf club

1830

‘The Impromptu’ Maroochy RSL Finger food served

$15

Saturday 7 Oct 17

0830 Partner Tour - Eumundi Markets Bus departs Maroochy RSL N/A

0900 Annual General Meeting Maroochy RSL N/A

1400

Band of the 1st Regiment RAA in Concert A public concert at Maroochy RSL in support of Mates4Mates

Donation

N/A Donate at the RSL

1830

Formal Dinner Maroochy RSL Wearing of miniature medals is encouraged

$60

Sunday 8 Oct 17 0930

Guggenheimer Concert Bring along your instrument N/A

TOTAL

Registration and payment required by COB Friday 15 September 2017

Registration forms are to be emailed or posted to: Email: aabca2017@gmail.com | Postal address: 11 Lizanne St, Boondall Qld 4034

For all registration enquiries please contact Sue Baxter on: 0412 742 564

Cheque payment:

Make cheques payable to:

AABC Association Inc

Electronic Funds Transfer:

Payment transaction MUST include your surname in ‘Reference’ BSB: 642170 | Account No: 761698

Account name: Australian Army Band Corps Association Inc

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APPENDIX 1

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY BAND CORPS ASSOCIATION INC.

I, (name)…………………………………………….…, of (address)…………………………………………………………….…………….............. desire to become a member of the Australian Army Band Corps Association Inc. Phone (Bus): ………………..…. Phone (AH): …………………… Mobile: …………..…..…… Email: ……………………………………………………………... Fax: ……………………… Date of Birth: ………………………Spouse/Partner Name: ……………..………………………. . Service No: ……………………. Bands/units served in and dates: ………….……………...….. ………………………………………………………………………………………….………............. In the event of my admission as a member, I agree to be bound by the rules of the Association for the time being in force. ………………………….. ……………………. Signature of Applicant Date

I, (name) ………………………………………….., a member of the Association, nominate the applicant, who is personally known to me, for membership of the Association. …………………………. ……………………. Signature of Proposer Date I, (name) ………………………………………….., a member of the Association, second the nomination of the applicant, who is personally known to me, for membership of the Association. ………………………….. ……………………. Signature of Seconder Date Forward completed application to: Mr Kevin Noon

Hon Secretary AABC Association Inc. 9 Dennis Place JERRABOMBERRA NSW 2619

Office Use: Committee Notified: Date Ratified: Details in Register: Category: Entrance Fee Paid: Annual Subscription Paid: Receipt:

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