Hi Bryan,
Before the Royal Naval School of Music was formed in 1903 the only Royal Marines bands were RMLI Divisions Chatham, Portsmouth, Plymouth, and the Depot Deal, and the RMA band at Eastney.
The only time these bands went to sea was on a Royal Tour or overseas to entertain the colonies or troops like in France.
The Royal Navy wanted ships bands and so the Royal Naval School of Music was formed in 1903.
From 1906 to 1921 the capbadge was the Globe and Laurel like a collar and from 1906 to 1951 the collar badge was a Lyre.
Over the years Bandmasters badges would change with the times.
Chief Bandmaster (WO) 1903-1910
Bandmaster RM (WO1) 1910-1920
Wore a badge on his sleeve in bullion wire a Crown on top of a Lyre with Oak Leaves.
A Bandmaster 1st Class 1903-1920 wore a Royal Academy Lyre with a Star above.
A Bandmaster 2nd Class 1903-1920 wore a Royal Academy Lyre.
In 1921 the rank badges for Bandmasters would change again as follows,
Bandmaster 1st Class 1921-1947 wore a Lyre with Oak Leaves with a Star above.
Bandmaster 2nd Class 1921-1947 wore a Lyre with Oak Leaves.
In 1947 it changed again and in 1950 the Royal Naval School of Music was no more it became the Royal Marines School of Music.
Bandmaster 1947-1970 wore a Crown on top of a Lyre with Oak Leaves.
After 1970 the rank Bandmaster was stopped and they became Band Colour Sergeants.
In 1972 WO2 Bandmaster rank came back with a Lyre surrounded by Oak Leaves with a Crown at the top.
John
|