A MUSICAL VOYAGE - Royal Australian Navy

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Historically though, this is only the second time the Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been
performed outside of Edinburgh, the only other time was in New Zealand in 2000. I wonder
if it rained in New Zealand as well? Nothing worse than wearing a white uniform and trying
to dodge horse leftovers in slushy ground… yes we always march on after the horses (this
time the New South Wales Mounted Police): some things never change! Apparently not one
single performance of the Edinburgh Tattoo has ever been cancelled; rain, hail or shine!
The replica of Edinburgh castle was quite spectacular. A life size version standing 25 metres
high, embracing every detail from drawbridge to sentry boxes, made the most magical and
dramatic backdrop fitting for such a performance. The smoke machine puffed away as we
marched out thus providing a very mysterious entrance into the arena.
The atmosphere of the arena as we marched out was electric. As soon as we were
announced there were cheers and whistles. It truly was a magnificent experience….
HMAS ANZAC DETACHMENT
Article by Petty Officer Kara Williams
When asked to contribute an article for the band newsletter, I felt that my representation
of the deployment thus far would only be a small facet of the experiences and views each
and every one of us takes with us on a day to day basis. So, I felt it only right to ask each of
the members of the HMAS ANZAC detachment for a short paragraph on their highlights of
the deployment thus far and it was no surprise the diversity of the comments I received.
Able Seaman Andrew Hansch
Wednesday 4 May 2005 will be a memory that I will take with me to the grave. Having the
chance to play a civvy gig at any time is always special but this night was a highlight of my
10 years in the Navy. B.J’s nightclub in Malta was the venue, a famous Jazz nightclub that
has been the host to some of music’s all-time legends. Just standing on stage was enough,
but playing to a packed room full of your ship mates, consulate officials, friendly locals and
a few ex-pats who’d come to check us out was just something else. It really didn’t feel like
work, as at no time did it feel any effort to whack out a solid gold Aussie hit for the kids to
dance and sing along to.
Leading Seaman Aaron Geeves
So far I’ve had a great time while on this historic journey re-tracing the steps of our
forefather's as they went of to war as young men full of dreams on an adventure across the
world. Sadly most never came home, but in the words of Attaturk “they are now buried in
the soil of a friendly country, no longer enemies but friends. My experience has so far been
quite different, still quite an adventure but I expect to make it home in one piece. Malta
for me was a highlight and each port has proven to be more beautiful than the last. All I
can say is: everything is bon, everything is bon.
Able Seaman Heather Wright
I have two highlights so far this deployment. First it was fantastic to go to the home of
hand made Turkish cymbals in Istanbul. After about and hour or so of hitting testing and
mixing cymbals I was able to purchase a set of Hi-hats, Ride, Crash, Splash and China
cymbal for a fraction of the cost found in Australia. At the end of one of the streets (it is
music lane - a muso’s delight) I have never seen so many music shops in one spot at one
time. Secondly, the atmosphere created by the mainly Australian crowd at Anzac Cove and
Lone Pine was so exciting and magical - we (everyone at Lone Pine) managed to hold about
10 circles of a Mexican wave. The services were quite “short and sweet”; it was a great day
for the 'ANZACS'.
Able Seaman Damian Dowd
So far the Anzac trip has met with success. I have found the ports to be both challenging
and rewarding with little or no problems in meeting our objectives and delivering
benchmark performances. We have found favour with the ship’s company and over all I
think that is wonderful. Our messes are good and the food is really tasty. I like the dessert
range as well, but I'm watching my weight, because I could get fat.
Royal Australian Navy Band: A Musical Voyage