Army Band receives ancient honour
An honour that dates back to ancient Rome was bestowed upon the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment’s (1 RAR) band by the Townsville City Council on May 28.
CAPTION: The band of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hiscock, is challenged by a Queensland policeman during the parade in Townsville. Story by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton. Photo by Sergeant James Duquemin.
Most units from 3rd Brigade have been granted freedom of entry to Townsville. This was the first time its band – a sub-unit of the Australian Army Band – had received the honour since it was established as a unit in 2014.
Commanding Officer of the Australian Army Band Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hiscock received the “scroll” from the mayor.
“No greater trust and respect can a city or community put in a military unit than the freedom of entry,” Lieutenant Colonel Hiscock said, “than to march through its streets with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, colours flying, and importantly for the Army Band, drums beating and band playing.”
The Army Band has supported many units during their freedom-of-entry parades but, in this instance, the 1 RAR Band paraded alone.
“As this freedom of entry was granted to the Australian Army Band, there were no other troops on parade,” Lieutenant Colonel Hiscock said.
“The band was front and centre, which was a rare honour and treat for us.”
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