Pipes & Drums National Servicemen's Memorial Band

Established

Tartan

Grade

Links

The Pipes & Drums, National Servicemen’s Memorial Band was established in 1999 as a living memorial to the 300,000 young men who were called to National Service in the Australian Defence Forces between 1951 and 1972. The founder of the band was Dales Whyte who passed away in April 2005. Dales was also an inaugural member of the Queensland Police Pipe Band and was a familiar figure in Reserve Forces circles and at the various military marches in Brisbane for over 40 years. The band has an active membership with both male and female members participating. The band membership includes Nasho’s, along with past and serving members of the Australian Defence Forces, Police and Emergency Services as well as general members of the community. No military background is required to join. The band operates from facilities kindly supported by 9RQR Battalion at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera. The Band regularly attends and performs at a wide range of engagements including National Servicemen’s Association and RSL parades and functions. The band is proud to wear the Cameron of Erracht Tartan, the kilts being those of the now disbanded 61st Queensland Cameron Highlanders, which was formed in 1937. The band is led by Drum Major Dennis Deering under the musical direction of Pipe Major Roland (Rolly) McCartney. As of February 2021 the band is proud to have the following patrons representing the Tri Services of the National Servicemen. They are: Army – Brigadier Michael Bond CSC. Navy – CAPTAIN Robert (Bob) W. Hume RFD, RANR (Retd). RAAF – AVM Hugh Bartholomeusz OAM, RFD, MBBS,FRACS(Ret)