Souvenir book of the Royal Australian Naval Band and the Naval Salute celebrating the RAN centenary 1911-2011 held at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney on 10 July 2011
Date2011
Object number00026801
NameBooklet
MediumPaper, ink
DimensionsOverall (Closed): 296 x 210 x 4 mm
Overall (Open): 296 x 420 mm
Overall (Open): 296 x 420 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionSouvenir booklet from ‘A Naval Salute', a recital by the Royal Australian Navy Band held on 10 July 2011 to mark the centenary of King George V granting the title of 'Royal' to the Australian Fleet.HistoryOn 10 July 1911 King George V granted the title of 'Royal' to the Australian Fleet. To mark the 100th anniversary of this event, one of the celebrations was a recital given by the Royal Australian Navy Band.
'A Naval Salute' was held on 10 July 2011 at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney. The concert was led by the Director of Music - Navy, CMDR Phil Anderson, and featured a boarding party from HMAS KANIMBLA, and staff and cadets from Training Ship SIRIUS. Music specially written for the event featured on the evening, alongside traditional repertoire such as Colours, Man Ship, Cheer Ship, Ceremonial Sunset and Beat to Quarters. The centenary concert saluted Navy veterans, the role of women in the senior service and honoured Indigenous service. Uniforms spanning one hundred years of the RAN were also worn for the event.
A few months prior to the commissioning of the HMAS AUSTRALIA at Portsmouth on 21 June 1913, six musicians were sent to England to join up with a number of British musicians no longer serving in the British defence forces. These six formed the first band established under the title 'Royal Australian Navy', though small voluntary groups had existed before this time. Subsequent bands were formed in the following years with a resulting five bands at sea. It was reduced to two bands following the end of World War II and by 1973 the only band remaining was stationed with HMAS MELBOURNE, transferring to HMAS STALWART when MELBOURNE was decommissioned in 1982. After a brief absence, the Navy Band returned as an active and valued part of the RAN, with a significant and consistent public engagement profile. Tasks range from supporting local community groups and ex-service associations to supporting ceremonial, public relations and social activities. The navy musicians are trained in a variety of skills and have served in a number of roles such as gun crews, first aid parties and watch lookouts.SignificanceThis souvenir booklet is indicative of the strong role of ceremony in naval life. The concert marked the 100th anniversary of the RAN.