admin
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RMBXWas the RMB part of the register number exclusive to the RM Bands? Was the X in the service number Hostilities Only? or was it just the way the numbering system worked?
Before and of the young whipper snappers start it was register number and not regimental number... if you want to argue, Capt Terry Freestone told me!
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admin
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I've just had this via email:
| Quote: | The first RMB1 was a member of the R.N.S of M named Arthur William Shepard, who joined at the age of 18 years. Some 3.000 numbers. The change was made to RMBX1 and this was brought about by the Geddes Axe, a term to indicate that the serviceman's pay had been cut. Circa 1920s 1930s. Geddes was the name of the politician who brought the cut in.
The Attestation forms for the early bandservice had been transferred to the F.A.A.Museum. RNAS, Yeovilton.
It is from them that you should be able to put a name to RMBX1.
I do not know why the RM Museum were given the opportunity to acquire the Attestation papers, that would seem to be a more appropriate place for them. |
If anyone else would like to contribute, please join in.
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RAB
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Just to be my usual pedantic self, there was more than 1 RMB 1..
There were 6 Double Basses at Deal Concert Hall which were never allowed to be transported on any gigs(not in my time anyway). They were beautiful instruments used only at Staff Band and were numbered RMB1-RMB6..Sorry but true.....Wonder what happened to them 
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bootybandy
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Each shore based Band had string instruments that were classed as "Specials" and were so numbered RMB1, 2, 3 etc. etc. It wasn't just String Basses, but all the violin family....Booty :O)
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Marcher
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Two quick points. Firstly, the records held at Fleet Air Arm Museum are held on behalf of the Royal Marines Museum. The records take up an enormous amount of space and FAA were able to provide both space and suitable conditions at a time when the Public Record Office were about to dump them all.
Secondly, RMB1 did not 'join up' as we currently understand the phrase. At the time of the forming of the Royal Naval School of Music in 1903 the Musicians of the Royal Navy had to transfer to the Royal Marines or leave after their current term of service had expired. Therefore entire ship's bands were transferred into the Corps and Musician Shepard just happened to be standing at the head of the queue of the first ship to take part in such a transfer.
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Co-admin
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Many thanks Marcher...
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bootybandy
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Marcher seems like a very knowledgeable person about such matters. I think he is in very good company here, with Aaron's expertise and Melchets corps history regarding thick and thin red stripes. Welcome aboard Marcher. Pleased to meet you....
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Co-admin
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I'll introduce Marcher as he is probably too shy to let you know who he is. He is our Band Service history writer for the Blue Band and has a vast knowledge of Corps history as well.
All I'll say about him is that he has forgotten more than I can remember and is a top bloke.
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bootybandy
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Cool.
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