[kingsley]

We really need someone to write a book on insignia of Australian army bands from the last 100 years or more. In 2011 the Labor government disbanded (a 'mot juste') a lot of them to save money. I had an old uncle who was drum major of the Sydney University Regiment Pipes and Drums in the 1950s, an impressive figure in his full highland regalia. I think the SUR still has some of the old band insignia.
In one of the RAR museums in Townsville I saw some band busbys with large RAR distinctive helmet plates, also an amazing bullion-encrusted tunic and crossbelt of the drum major, but have never seen anything published.
Another undocumented military-related band was the RSL 'Cenotaph Trumpet Corps', apparently set up in the 1920s when the Cenotaph in central Sydney was built to commemorate the fallen from WW1. I was told that they wore RED uniforms and slouch hats but I have never been able to find any contemporary pictures or information.
A list of bands that were know to exist would be a good start, and maybe an album of insignia for discussion or identification.