A MUSICAL VOYAGE - Royal Australian Navy
A MUSICAL VOYAGE - Royal Australian Navy
A MUSICAL VOYAGE - Royal Australian Navy
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- 127 –<br />
ANZAC DAY 2004 IN BAGHDAD<br />
Article by Chief Petty Officer Andrew Stapleton<br />
As the dim light of dawn filtered through the crisp, clear night my attention was drawn to<br />
the sound of sporadic gunfire off in the distance, to my estimation somewhere just north of<br />
Camp Victory. As always, when outdoors, my weapon was slung over my left shoulder and<br />
hung comfortably down the middle of my back. I checked my left pocket for the live<br />
magazine that was always strategically placed there for easy access. My heart lifted a little<br />
more as the crack of small arms fire continued and the anticipation of the service to come<br />
drew near. The ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Baghdad was about to begin.<br />
The eerie tranquillity was disturbed as the Catafalque Guard slow marched into position,<br />
their boots lightly scraping the ground. I couldn’t help but wonder how I got here, to this<br />
place, this moment. My mind drifted back to the 10 year old boy in the Parkes Town Band<br />
uniform nervously awaiting the cue to commence his first rendition of the Last Post on<br />
ANZAC Day all those years ago. Had all the bugle calls and all the services and ceremonies<br />
been leading to this point in time and if so, how would I perform.<br />
The Prime Minister and Senior Representatives of the Coalition took their places among the<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> personnel who had gathered. The service commenced with the singing of ‘Abide<br />
with Me’ and continued with a reading from Commodore Darby and an address from General<br />
Cosgrove.<br />
As the Prime Minister moved forward for his address, the extra security around the<br />
perimeter was now visible in the pervading morning light. Special Forces Troopers had their<br />
attention firmly focused outside the Air Traffic Control compound as the fire-fight off to<br />
the north intensified.<br />
With the laying of wreaths came my cue to move into position for the ‘Act of<br />
Remembrance.’ As one wreath after another was brought forward I noticed my nervousness<br />
and anxiety ebbed away and was replaced by a sense of calm and confidence. I raised my<br />
bugle in preparation for the General Salute from the Catafalque Guard, my hand did not<br />
tremble, my mind was focused, and I was determined to play well.<br />
On completion of the service, as personnel jockeyed for a photo opportunity with the Prime<br />
Minister, I noticed General Cosgrove walking my way. My attempt to stay modestly in the<br />
background had failed. The General shook my hand and said “I can’t believe I had to travel<br />
half way around the world, to Baghdad for ANZAC Day to hear one of the best bugle calls<br />
I’ve ever heard.” He then presented me with a signed copy of Ataturk’s famous poem. I was<br />
humbled by his comments and gratified by the gesture. In my own being I knew I’d<br />
performed well. I had to, for every experience, every nerve-racking performance and<br />
everything I’ve ever done in the past had prepared me for this great honour and what an<br />
awesome time it was.<br />
ANZAC DAY AT GALLIPOLI<br />
Article by Lieutenant Steve Cottier, RAN<br />
As I am sure most of you are aware, the RAN Band provided 15 musicians as part of a 30<br />
person ADF Contingent to support the commemoration of the 89th Anniversary of the<br />
ANZAC landing. The band consisted of 10 members from the Sydney detachment, four<br />
members from the Melbourne detachment and was directed by myself who was also given<br />
the auspicious task of administration officer for the overall deployment! The remainder of<br />
the contingent included a senior ADF representative party, a RAAF Chaplain, a detachment<br />
from Australia’s Federation Guard and a Public Affairs and Corporate Communications<br />
element.<br />
I don’t intend to go into great detail about the deployment as I have asked Petty Officer<br />
Kara Williams and Able Seaman Beth Winterhalter to pen their thoughts and reflections of<br />
the sortie.<br />
I would like to say however, that Gallipoli 2004 was a resounding success and this can be<br />
attributed in no small way to the professionalism and attitude displayed by the musicians<br />
who represented our branch, the RAN, ADF and ultimately the <strong>Australian</strong> community.<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Navy</strong> Band: A Musical Voyage