NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 1991

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 1989



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Who do you Contact

For all administrative issues regarding sending images through to how to best utilise the site contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Your Association contact is the Secretary/Editor Ralph Daines on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NEWSLETTER JUNE 1991

PAST ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTERS

Its taken awhile but we have now found a satisfactory method of displaying our past newsletters to all our association members. This format is quick to view and does not rely on any other PDF programs to display.

We suggest you keep revisting this section as there are so many newsletters to load and it is going to take some months before it is completed.


 

THE LAST POST

This important section informs us of the passing of close friends. If a passed mate is not presented in this section, please take the time to inform us. Also if you have details regarding our past colleagues, ie, Dates, Nick names, Instrument played, Rank when paid off etc, please leave a message under the Band Room "Share with everyone" section and we will update accordingly.

A

Ashton (OBE), Cedric. Passed away in 2001. 1911 - 2001, WW2, French Horn & Cello. OBE for services to music.

Argent, Max. Has passed away. (Details to be updated). POMusn, Trumpet.

Arrowsmith, Peter Norman Francis. Passed away on the 21st of March 2019

Atkins, John (JC). Passed away on the 11/05/2010. Born 3/08/1942. Trumpet.

B

Ball, G.R (Curly). Passed away on the 16th of July, 1978 aged 65. R19837, Chief Bandmaster.

Barry, Wally. Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

Batstra, Sonia. Passed away April 2001. AMusn, Clarinet

Blatch, Trevor (Bluey). Has Passed Away. (Details To Be Updated)

Blankesteijn, Paul Albert (Mouse) passed away on the 25th of January 2019

Bollard, R.B. Passed Away On The 28th Of November 1957 Aged 57. 2740, Bandsman.

Boon, Rodney (Danny). Has passed away. (Details to be updated)ABMusn, Trombone.

Bourne, George. Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

Bowen, William (Bill). Passed away on the 31st of July 2014 aged 89.

Boyle, Trevor. Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

Bowen, William (Bill). Passed away in August 2014

Briglia, Antonio Michael. Bandsman Wounded in Action on HMAS Australia, Died 11th February 1945

Britten-Jones Phillip, Passed away on the 23rd of October 2015. 1952 - 1972 CPOMusn

Buckley, Peter. Passed away in the mid 60's. (Details to be updated)

Buntine, Don (Icky). Passed away on the 20th of April 2021.

Burgess, Doug. Passed away 23/07/2011. Ex RAN Band 2nd World War.

Buckley, Peter. Tragically died in a motorbike accident in 1966.

Buckmaster, Phil. Passed away on the 31st of May 2020. Served 12 years in the RAN Band on Tuba/String Bass.

Butler, (Shorty). Has passed away. (Details to be updated). Tenor Saxophone, 70's.

C

Cant, Stuart. Passed away in July 2014

Carkeet, Ron (Petals). Has passed away. (Details to be updated). CPO Musn, Euphonium.

Carr, Ron. Has passed away. (Details to be updated). CPOMusn.

Clark, Robert (Rob). Trumpet RANR Band Victoria, 60's/70's and 80's, Sadly passed away in September 2020.

Clifton, Ron. Passed away on the 24th February 2013Flute/Piano

Cockerill, Ken. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Collinson, Malcolm (Rex). Passed away on the 10th of May 2014. Born on the 25th of March 1937. CPOMusn, Tuba.

Cooper, Doug. Passed away on the 3/04/2000.

Connelly, John Francis Bernard. Passed away on the 5/5/2013. Born 10/5/1948. Joined the Navy Band on the 3rd June 1963 and paid off as a LCDR Chaplin 2003.

Crompton, Gordon. Sadly passed away in 2019.

Coutts Geoff (Digga). Has passed away. (Details to be updated). WOMusn, Percussion.

Coxon, Don. Passed away on the 23/09/1999. Born, 10/11/1927. LT CDR, Ex DOM.

Cummings, John. Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

D

Dalby, Gordon. Passed away on the 4th of April 2011. R51512, Musn, Clarinet/Tenor Sax.

Dasczyk, Richard (Dick), Passed away on the 4/6/2012. French Horn. Born 18/02/1947.

Day, Jack. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Dawes, (Lofty). Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Dean, Doug. Has passed away. (Details to be updated.) ABMusn, Trombone.

Demeral, Andrew (Andy) Thomas. Passed away on the 27th of September 2014

DeVaurno, Ray. Has passed away. (Details to be updated). ABMusn, French Horn.

Dixon, Brian James. Passed away on the 21st August, 2013

Dickinson, Robert. Passed away on the 28th of November 1968 aged 22. R62349, Bass.

Dorney, Jack. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Driscoll, Keith. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Duncombe, George Edward. Passed away on the 9th of August 2015 aged 89. Served from September 1948 to December 1953.

Duniam, Neville. Passed away on the 25/7/2012 at the age of 85. Trombone. Ex President and Vice President of the Queensland Band Association.

Duthie, Paul. Passed away on the 6th of November 2016

E

Elliget, Walter. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

F

Faye, Ricky. Passed away on the 30/01/1996. LMusn.

Fahey (OAM), Ray. Passed away on the 30/03/2012.

Fisher, Danny. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

G

Gailer, Robin Roy (Bob) Passed away on the 26th of June 2017. 7/8/1953-16/6/2017 R107565

Gillespie, Martyn (Dizzy). Passed away on the 20th May 2021. Saxophone 70's

Greedy, Fred. Passed away on the 27/08/1998. POMusn, Then LCDR (Schoolie). Clarinet.

Griffith, Jack. Passed away on the 5/5/2018. Joined 1940.

Gullick, Norm. Passed away on the 14/09/2005. Born 10/09/1927. LT CDR, Ex-DOM.

Guy, Bert. Passed away on the 4/02/2000.

Greedy, Ashley William, Commander AM, RAN (rtd). Passed away on the 26th of January 2016 Norfolk Island.

Greer, Ray. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Gray, (Shorty). Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

Grant, J.R (Tubby). Passed away on the 26th of August 1999 aged 92. 14107, Bandsman.

Green, Bob. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Gwynne, Robert (Nellie) passed away on the 27/5/2020 He was 84.

H

Halliday, Bardyn (Slim). Passed away on the 11/01/2012. WOMusn. Percussion.

Halliday, Myles (Speed) Passed away on the 11th of October 2010 aged 73. R49281, LMusn.

Hanratty, Dennis Has passed away (Details to be updated)

Harris, Jack. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Hassall, Max. Passed away on the 02/10/2011. Tuba/String Bass.

Head, (Scoops). Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Henry, Ron. Passed away in 2019

Hibbert, Ces. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Higgs, Keith. Passed away 16th of September 2017. RANR Queensland

Higgins, Chris. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Hughes, Colin LS Musn ex-RM. (Struck & killed by a vehicle while on duty in Cairns for Navy Week). 22nd September, 2012.

Hollard, John Late 50's. Tenor sax. Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

Hooker, George. Passed away on the 20/03/2002. LT CDR, MBE, AUA, LRAM RAN (Rtd), Ex-DOM. Joined 16/03/1936, Paid off, 06/02/1970.

Hopkins, Phil. Has passed away. (Details to be updated). PO Musn Trombone.

Hourigan, J.H. Passed away on the 21st of August 1986 aged 66. 54304, CPOMusn.

Horton, Ken. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

I

Ingram, Phil (Stoney) Passed away March 2011.

J

James, Bill (Friday). Died of a tragic Bike accident on the 18th of June 2017

Jeff, Maurie, (Moose). Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Jones, Ernest (Ernie) Cyril. Passed away 1999. 2nd WW Veteran, Royal Marines. Trombone.

Jones, Phil CPOMusn. Passed away in October 2015. Trumpet Joined in 1952 as an Adult entry.

Johnstone, R.F.D. Passed away on the 29th of November 1952 aged 88. 25684, Bandsman.

K

Killick, Charles. Passed away on the 7/08/2000.

Kirkwood, Ron. Has passed away. (Details to be updated). POMusn. Trumpet.

Knight, (Bogey). Has passed away. (Details to be updated). Trumpet.

L

Lambert, Tom (RM). Passed away on the 31/10/2012.

Large, Ron (Akky). Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

Lawford, (Specs). Has passed away. (Details to be updated). AB Musn, French Horn.

Le Dan, Lyndon (Puss) John. Passed away on the 22nd of October 2014.

Lewer, Ray. Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

Lewis, Desmond Henry. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandsman, WW 2.

Lowry, Don (Zonk). Passed away 01/11/2005. CPOMusn. Ex- Royal Marines, Aged 81 years.

Lunn, Frank. Has passed away on the 1/6/1992 aged 71. CPO Musn. Bandmaster.

M

McKaskill, Hector. Has passed away. (Details to be updated). Euphonium.

MacKenzie, Ron (Bandie Mac). Has passed away. (Details to be updated). POMusn/Bandmaster, Tuba/String Bass.

Mansell, Darryl Craig. Passed away on the 11th January 2014. Born on the 15th of November 1948.

Mansfield, Ken. Passed away on the 24/06/1998. Percussion.

McAuley, Angus Campbell. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Band Corporal, WW 2.

McCabe, Les (Ming). Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

McCathy, Bill. Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

McLaughlin, Milton (Harold) John, Passed Away 1994. Born 1961, Joined the SOM 1977, Saxophone.

McLeod, Jim. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

McKenzie, John (Darbie), Passed away on the 8th of November 2020

McNally, Wayne. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Melandri, Percy Ernest. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandsman, WW 2.

Middleton, Bill. Sadly passed away in 2019 after a long illness with Cancer.

Mitchell, John. Passed away in 1954/55. Tenor Sax.

Mulhall, John Dillon. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandsman, WW 2.

Mungovan, Lindsay. Left us on the 14th September 2021. Born 9th August 1946. French Horn.

Musinskis, Bob.Has passed away. (Details to be updated). PO Musn, Clarinet.

N

Napier, Hec. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Newham, Greg. Died on the 14/12/2012. Born on the 6/11/1953. Percussionist.

Newton, Maurice James (Blue). Passed away on the 9th of March 2019

Nichols, Terry "Tubby". Passed away on the 31/12/2012. RAN Band 1950-1960. Trombone, Tuba, Eupho & Bass Drum.

Nixon, Neville. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Noonan, Jack. Passed away on the 9th of September 2014.

O

O'Leary, Kevin "Paddy". Passed away 29th October 2012.

P

Page, Percy. Passed away on the 22/09/2000. Born 04/05/1905.

Palmer, L.C.Passed away on the 10th April 1979 aged 73. 9445, Band CPL.

Partington, Arnold. Departed this life 16/04/1941. HMAS Canberra, Off the coast of East Africa, Bandsman, WW 2

Partington, Lesley Warbuton. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandsman, WW 2.

Partington, Perce. Departed this life 30/03/2001. Youngest of the three Brothers, HMAS Perth Prisoner of War, Bandsman, WW 2

Pearce, Eric. passed away on the 4/7/2013. Born 23/7/1945, Joined as a Jnr musician on Trumpet.

Pelham, Frederick Charles. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandsman, WW 2.

Pollock, Desmond. Passed away on the 16th of December 2014

Pople, Alfred Herbert. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Band Corporal, WW 2.

R

Rayner, F.M. Passed away on the 16th of June 1965 aged 72. 15175, Band CPL.

Rees, E.M. Passed away on the 4th of May 1963 aged 53. 20703, Chief Bandmaster.

Reid, Paul. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Reynolds, Jim. Has passed away. (Details to be updated). 2nd LEUT, RM Bandmaster. (Then Sin Bosun).

Ridley, Bob "Ant",  Passed away on the 22nd September 2012. Wanneroo.WA.

Rose, Peter. Passed away on the 13th of May 2012. Trombone.

Rushworth, Kim. Passed away in March 2021. Clarinet/Saxophone

Russell, (OAM), Geoff. Has passed away. (Details to be updated) WOMusn, French Horn.

S

Sawbidge, George William. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandsman, WW 2.

Saunders, Ken Has passed away (Details to be updated). Clarinet.

Simm, Geoff. Passed away June 2005. AB Musn, Tenor Saxophone.

Slim, Victor Raymond. Passed away on the 14th of April 2014. Born on the 17th August 1941.

Sloane, Andrew. Passed away on the 22nd of January 2021. Trumpet 70's

Sparkes, Eric (Buggsy). Passed away March 2006. Bass, (Ex-RAN 52-60)

Sparks, L.C. Passed away on the 7th of July 1950 aged 54. 1793, Bandsman

Sproule, R J, (Bob). Passed away in 2001. Saxophone.

Steans, Peter. Passedaway in 2001. Clarinet.

Stear, Ernest Victor. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandmaster, WW 2.

Stevens, Horace John. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandsman, WW 2.

Stucas, John (Sniff). Passed away on the 21/07/1982. Born 26/10/1956.

Suhonen, Ilka Jouka. Passed away on the 16th of August 2009, aged 59 years.

Suhr, Chris. Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

Summerson, Ken. Passed away on the 17th of June 2021. 50's Clarinet/Saxophone.

T

Taylor, Charles Linn "Jock" passed away on the 12th of December 2013, aged 80 years.

Toovey, Donald Robert, Passed away on the 9th of December 2013, Aged 76.

Thompson, Bill WO (Ret). Passed away on the 22nd of October 2020

Trimble, John Clement. Has passed away (Details to be updated). Served from 1934 to 1946. Born 09/09/1910.

Trivett, Don. Has passed away. (Details to be updated)

Turner, C.D.K. Passed away on the 25th of February 1991 aged 72. 22180, Bandsman.

Tyler, Charles Desmond. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandsman, WW 2.

W

Ward, Frank. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Ward, Ray. Passed away on the 17/04/2000. RANR 1949-1954, Active Reserve, 1958-1976.

Warren, Vincent. Departed this life 19/11/1942. HMAS Sydney Bandsman, WW 2.

Watford, Kevin. Has passed away. (Details to be updated). LEUT. Bandmaster RAN.

Watson, Jesse Richard. Passed away on the 26th of March 2019 aged 78

Weldon, E.G.H. passed away on the 22nd of February 1962 aged 53. 19446, Bandsman.

Western, Len Passed away on the 12th of February 2019 aged 92

White, Ian. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Whittaker, Frank. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Whitmore, Tom. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Whitmore, Merv. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Widdicombe, Margaret (Marg). Mother of all Bandies, loving wife of John passed away on the 13th of  August 2014.

Widdison, Bob. Has passed away. (Details to be updated).

Williams, Ian. Has passed away. (Details to be updated). CPOMusn.

Williams, G E. Passed away on the18th of July 2003, aged 91. 20643, Bandsman.

Wood, A.R, Passed away on the 29th of August 1986 aged 68. 24551, Band CPL.

Worth, Graham George. Passed away on the 17th of April 2014. Born on the 29th of October 1934.

Wright, Graham "Old Shiner" Sadly Passed away in 2015.

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 1990































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The Ceremonial Silver Drums
Thanks to Robin Himbury, the Silver Drums now have their pride of place in the history of the Royal Australian Navy Band. Through his book, "The Evolution of the Royal Australian Navy Band", the whole story is there for past and present members of the Band and public to read. This is his story.

Royal Australian Navy Band Association

Incorporating the, RAN VETERANS BAND

MEMBERSHIP FEES

As per the 2013 AGM, Membership fees are now due on the 1st of July each year and for the 2014/2015 year are $30.00. Associate Membership is $20.00.
Payments can be made either by Money Order, cheque or Direct Deposit.
Paying by Cheque or Money order make them payable to RANBA and post to;
The Treasurer
Royal Australian Band Association
PO Box 69
LYNBROOK.VIC.3975

Direct Deposits are also welcome, the NEW account details are:
ANZ Bank
Account Name: Royal Australian Navy Band Association
Account No: 290164678
BSB No: 013232
Please make sure you put your name or the invoice number issued as a reference against the deposit.

NEW MEMBER APPLICATIONS:
For new members joining the association through the site, you will receive a confirmation of your initial lodgement and asked to make your membership payment following the details above. Your treasurer will confirm your payment and activate your membership to the site. If you require any further information regarding joining, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

YOUR CURRENT EXECUTIVE & COMMITEE

A brief history as to the formation of the Association from the pen of ex-secretary, Jim Hawkins.

Jim writes,
In May 1990 the Director of Music - Navy, LCDR Vic Knowles RAN invited Jim Hawkins to compile a column for the Navy produced and distributed newsletter, 'Royal Australian Navy Band News' which was distributed twice each year. This meant chasing up retired musicians and writing stories about their present whereabouts, occupations, interests etc. The column was published under the title 'EX-PRESS' for some time. (Some past newsletters will be featured in the "Past Newsletter section of the site)
Unfortunately, the RAN from then on went through a phase of cost-cutting with man-power and finances, to the point where new DOM-Navy, LCDR Ashley Greedy RAN found he had fewer people and less money to work with, so the band newsletter was one of the first items to suffer. Distribution became very haphazard to the point that in early 1993 it had been 18 months between newsletters.

Three former POMUSN's, Rob Bedwell, Ron Henry and Jim Hawkins discussed the situation, because Jim was receiving phone calls asking where the newsletter was, and obviously a civilian had no control over Navy produced magazines. The men decided to formed a steering committee, borrowed the Navy name & address list, and following some money being put into a kitty, mailed a very brief newsletter asking Ex's to join an association for the modest sum of $7 per year. This would allow 3 issues of a newsletter, and the organisation of 2 yearly National reunions. The response was excellent, with nearly 200 signing up, and a general meeting was called for the following year during a reunion to be held at the Surfers Paradise RSL Club on 9th July 1994.

The steering committee was returned for the next two years, with a meeting planned for Melbourne in 1996. In addition to Rob, Ron and Jim, Jim Stathis was elected Vice-President.
The Melbourne reunion also included a visit to CERBERUS where the long-awaited stained glass window was dedicated at St Marks Chapel, and another change in the committee took place. Ron MacKenzie was elected Vice-President. In 1998 saw Eastern Staters travel across the Nullabor to the Fremantle Navy Club, then to HMAS STIRLING, Rockingham for a Memorial Service to remember the Band from HMAS SYDNEY (2) who lost their lives when that ship was lost with all hands. Another committee change took place when Norm Gullick was elected President. During these reunions we were lucky to gain the services of the Queensland Naval Band (Surfers), RAN Band - Melbourne (Melbourne) and the WA Naval Band (Fremantle). As usual, a few of the 'old & bold' got out their trusty instruments on each occasion and had a 'blow'.

The year 2000 was to be something special. For 50 years, Bandies had spoken about meeting on the Man O' War steps, Sydney, at midnight on 31/12/99. As this was impossible because of the Sydney celebrations, and the expected crowds of more than 1.5 million people, so a reunion was organised for the Anzac Day long weekend. Following the Melbourne reunion in 1996, President Rob Bedwell had published a list of those who attended, and placed them in a parade band formation in the newsletter, with the caption..."Wouldn't this be a great sound".

Secretary Jim Hawkins took this idea a little further and asked members if they would be interested in forming a parade band to march in the Sydney Anzac Day parade. "Jim finishes with", The enthusiasm surprised everyone, and after much organising, a band of 75 members proudly marched within the Naval Association contingent, with our Patron LCDR George Hooker MBE, RAN (Rtd) out front. Two drummers, Rob Himbury and Ron Bergman dressed in the two uniforms we have worn (old and new rig) and marched on the flanks of the front rank.

This was the pivotal point in the Associations history to date. It produced an overwhelming response for the comradeship and respect given to the ex-band members and cemented the future of the Association. Today, we still have over 200 members of the association and reunions have taken place all over Australia and the band has ventured overseas since then. The Association will continue to grow with a vibrant executive led by Brian Ellis and Ralph Daines, ably supported By Vice-President, Don Buntine and Ron Henry.

We welcome all ex and serving members of the RAN, RANR and Volunteer Bands into the RAN Band Association.

 

NEWSLETTER JUNE 1990

What ship was it, When was it, Who was it, What was the Event.......

Our ever expanding library is collecting hundreds of archive pictures that need these questions answered. This section will be devoted to displaying these images and relying on all our members to fill in the gaps.

We will be updating the information daily and inserting the images that have been clarified into the correct sections in the Band Library. So put your thinking caps on and update the info in the comment section of each photo.

Happy picture solving!

Admin. 

Reserve bands

Each state had one (up until recently) and they are an important part of  the RAN to provide the official and ceremonial requirements in their state were a permanent band could not be available. Not entirely made up of ex-perms but by musicians that enjoyed the ceremonial occasion's and the satisfaction that comes with playing with a professional band.

This section is a testament to the history of these bands and the continued importance for their existance. Primarily sorted by state then year this section will also include the all important ACT's with the perms at the specific depot's.

From the Reserve Bands tab, select a state then a year to view the pictures and stories. As with all the selections on the site they will be updated constantly, so please submit your photo's and stories for inclusion to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NEWSLETTER MAY 1990

The Library

The Library is a growing archive of photos, music and video presenting a history of the Royal Australian Navy Band up to today and into the future. The categories we have created should cover every aspect of the Bands achievements. It will provide a detailed insight into the life of the individual characters that made up the band and the events, ships and conflicts the band participated in over the last 98 years.

We suggest you keep revisting the categories as often as possible as inclusions will appear daily.

Enjoy the journey and help expand this library by submiting your photos and images for inclusion. Contact Errol at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on how best to get your history to us.

Select  the category and then drill down to the section you want to view.

 

Major Events

The Royal Australian Navy Band can be associated with some of the most memorable major events undertaken in Australia and overseas on behalf of the Australian government and the Navy. The Coronation in 53 to the Melbourne Olympics, The Sydney Opera house opening to the parades of returned servicemen from conflicts, all have been substantial in there musical effect on the general public and their perception of the Royal Australian Navy Band.
There are so many of these events over the last 98 years this section will grow and grow as the site develops and contributions are sent in.

From the Major Events tab, select a year then an Event to view the pictures and stories. As with all the selections on the site they will be updated constantly, so please submit your photo's and stories for inclusion to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.