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A MUSICAL VOYAGE - Royal Australian Navy

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- 135 –<br />

There were a couple of special services held during the deployment in which both buglers<br />

played beautiful renditions of Last Post. Able Seaman Aston played at the United Nations<br />

Memorial Gardens in Pusan, and Able Seaman Sampson played onboard HMAS Westralia for<br />

the 60 th Anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, at sea, in the presence of many war<br />

veterans.<br />

On arrival in Pusan, the ship was greeted by music of the Republic of Korea (ROK) <strong>Navy</strong><br />

Band, based in Pusan. After introducing themselves to the Korean Band, three of our<br />

musicians were fortunate to be shown around Pusan by the second in charge and the wife of<br />

the Commanding Officer. They were treated to the most wonderful day of sightseeing and<br />

gastronomical delights. All costs were compliments of the ROK <strong>Navy</strong> Band. The ROK <strong>Navy</strong><br />

Band’s Commanding Officer, along with some others from their band joined the <strong>Australian</strong>s<br />

for a traditional Korean banquet later that evening. The meal was washed down with some<br />

traditional Korean whisky.<br />

Qingdao was another great place to visit. There was an official dinner organised by the<br />

Chinese <strong>Navy</strong> to welcome HMAS Anzac to China. At very short notice, we were asked to<br />

prepare some sing-a-longs of <strong>Australian</strong> tunes. We performed a feature number ‘Aussie<br />

Salute’, which was enjoyed by the guests. All musicians then lead the singing with Able<br />

Seaman Izumi accompanying on guitar. HMAS Anzac’s personnel sang at the tops of their<br />

voices, suitably lubricated by the strange whisky concoction they were encouraged to drink<br />

by the Chinese. Apparently it was rude to refuse a drink when a toast is offered.<br />

The next two days in China involved the most amazing whirlwind tour of Beijing. All of the<br />

musicians joined the tour and got to see many spectacular places such as the Ming Tombs,<br />

The Great Wall, Tianamen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace,<br />

as well as seeing an incredible Chinese acrobatic show.<br />

Whilst at sea, we provided a variety of different “wakey wakey” calls each morning. We<br />

also played during Replenishments at Sea, Entering Leaving Harbour, steel deck BBQs and<br />

for sundowners. Going up and down ladders became second nature; but unfortunately,<br />

early in the deployment Leading Seaman Flynn found out just how treacherous those<br />

ladders could be and had a heavy fall down one of them. We were relieved when he started<br />

to recover and returned to playing, despite the couple of broken ribs and a very sore<br />

shoulder. Able Seaman Aston enjoyed spending time down the depths of the ship in the<br />

laundry, amongst stinky overalls and noisy washing machines. Leading Seaman Klohs took on<br />

the role of Quartermaster and could be heard quite frequently over the ship’s piping<br />

system. Able Seaman Izumi, Able Seaman Sampson and I got a ride in the ship’s helicopter;<br />

something that musicians don’t get to do every day. Leading Seaman Campbell and Able<br />

Seaman McIntyre attained their helmsman certificates in a very short time. Congratulations<br />

to both of them.<br />

It has been a very interesting time at sea, especially for five musicians who have now<br />

experienced life at sea for the first time. There have been some challenges, many laughs<br />

and good times. The appreciation of some luxuries like a good cup of coffee or showering<br />

without wearing thongs can never be underemphasized or understood unless one has spent<br />

time at sea. The opportunity to go to sea and visit foreign ports, while still performing as<br />

musicians has been tremendous. Many thanks to the crew of HMAS Anzac for making the<br />

musicians feel welcome.<br />

HMAS TOBRUK DEPLOYMENT<br />

Article by Petty Officer Kara Williams<br />

After coming together as a whole for the first time at Brisbane Airport, the members of the<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Navy</strong> Band element embarked in HMAS Tobruk made their way with the<br />

help of the Bandmaster of the Queensland detachment of the band, Chief Petty Officer<br />

Michael Vaughan, to HMAS Tobruk, which would be the group’s home for the next four<br />

weeks.<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Navy</strong> Band: A Musical Voyage

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