| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain, Kimbe Bay Area, Cape Hoskins |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | P02217.005 |
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white |
| Physical description | Black & white |
| Maker |
Hayman, Peter |
| Place made | Pacific Islands: Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain, Jacquinot Bay Area, Jacquinot Bay |
| Date made | 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Group portrait of musicians in the 36th Battalion, Australian Military Forces (AMF), swing band ...
Description
Group portrait of musicians in the 36th Battalion, Australian Military Forces (AMF), swing band outside the hut shared by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) and Salvation Army. In 1944 the Battalion plus support groups were sent to Cape Hoskins to relieve American troops who were required to drive to the Philippines. After being relieved, the 36th Battalion assembled in Jacquinot Bay, awaiting return to Australia. The musicians in the front row are seated with their instruments behind individual banners bearing their nicknames. Left to right, front row: "Ah-La Rose" [Private (Pte) Stewart Rose (trumpet)]; "Nick" [Pte Ron Winter (trumpet)]; "Jivin Jim" [Sergeant (Sgt) James Huggett (trombone)] band leader; "Artie" [Pte Merv Whittaker (saxophone)]; "Rico" [Pte Merv Rixon (simulated saxophone)]; "Doc" [believed to be NX154823 Hugh Edward Marsh] (simulated saxophone). Left to right, Back row: unidentified; Private (Pte) Harry Cooper (piano, when one was available). Private (Pte) Laurie Flower (drums); "Butch" [Corporal (Cpl) Harold Holloway (bass)]. In association with the Battalion concert party calling themselves "The Austerity Auditorium Players" they gave several performances to audiences made up of Australian and US Army personnel.