Photo Gallery
The National Service Years 1945-59
Bandsman Thomas Hunt, 1st King's Own,
Trieste & Italy,
1946-47
"I got my papers to join the Army in December 1945, so in January
1946 I reported to Carlisle to do six weeks basic training, I was then
posted to the King's Own Lancaster's at Hadrian's Camp, Carlisle for
another ten weeks of intensive training. The first week at
Hadrian's Camp I applied to join a military band, I found out they were
forming a new battalion band in Lancaster. I was called for an
audition, but thought I didn't stand much chance because I had only just
started playing the Alto Saxophone a few months before call up. After
finishing the ten weeks at Hadrian's Camp we were given five days leave,
I still hadn't heard anything about the band. However when I
arrived back at camp I was called to the office and told to hand in my
rifle, kit etc, because I was being posted to the Band in Lancaster at
Bowerham Barracks, this must have been around about May 1946.
Apart from a few staff at the barracks there was only the band there.
In the autumn of that year, may be October?, we were told the band was
going to Italy to join the 1st Battalion and then on tour to entertain
the troops and local people
We sailed from Liverpool on an American Liberty boat to Naples.
At that time, 1946, Naples was a mess it was just after the war and
Naples was badly damaged. We spent the night in a transit camp and
next day we travelled by train up through Trieste to Pola which is on
the other side of the Adriatic. We spent six weeks with the
battalion there before going on tour.
(Apart from the military band we had a big dance band (five
saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass, drums.) At
that time Glen Miller was all the rage but you couldn't get the music
because of copyright, however Paul Courtenay and another musical friend
of his spent hours writing music from records.)
The first place was Padua where the army Headquarters was based.
We always seemed to arrive at places either at the dead of night or very
early in the morning. I remember arriving at Padua railway station
at about 04.00 in the morning. That same night there was a dance
in camp next to the Cafe/Restaurant, but the band didn't show up, so we
offered to give a big band concert in the cafe. It was a great
success, so much so they invited us back after we had finished the tour.
We then went to Rome for two weeks (including five days leave) we
actually did a military band concert from Rome Radio Station. We
then went to Caserta which is just north of Naples, then across to
Riccione near Rimini on the Adriatic Coast, then back to Padura for
another week before returning to Trieste where the battalion had moved
to.
We then came home on leave before going back to the battalion in
Trieste for another six months."
Bandsman Thomas Hunt, 2012.
The photographs appear in the order in which they appear in the
original album. Sadly the majority of names of those who feature
in the album are unknown.
The band of the 1st Battalion, King's Own, going on board a ship on
which they gave a concert. Believed to be HMS Mermaid, Pola, 1946.
Accession Number: KO2905/001
Ship believed to be HMS Mermaid, Pola, 1946.
Accession Number: KO2905/002
Ship believed to be HMS Mermaid, Pola, 1946.
HMS Mermaid was a Modified Black Swan class sloop of the Royal
Navy.
Mermaid, built by William Denny and Brothers, Dumbarton, Scotland, was
laid down on 8 September 1942, launched on 11 November 1943, and
completed 12 May 1944.
During her World War II service Mermaid contributed to the destruction
of two U-boats, U-354 in the Barents Sea on 24 August 1944, and U-394 in
the Norwegian Sea on 2 September 1944.
In 1945 Mermaid was assigned to the British Pacific Fleet. However
arriving at Aden en route she learned of the Japanese surrender, and of
her recall for service with the Mediterranean Fleet as part of the 33rd
Escort Flotilla. The ship remained in the Mediterranean up to 1954 when
she returned to Britain to be placed in reserve status at Portsmouth.
After three years Mermaid was sold. The ship was transferred to West
German Bundesmarine as Scharnhorst on 5 May 1959. Modernised in 1961-62
and used as gunnery training vessel, the Scharnhorst was removed from
the active list in 1980 and broken up in 1990.
Accession Number: KO2905/003
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/004
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/005
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/006
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/007
The Coliseum, Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/008
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/009
Bandsman Paul Courtenay, a great friend, a brilliant musician he was
lead clarinet in the military band and lead saxophone in the dance band.
When we got back to Trieste he left to join the staff band of the Welsh
Guards, in London. He lived in Heston, London, until his
death. Outside the Grosvenor House Hotel, Rome, Italy, 1946.
Accession Number: KO2905/010
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/011
Stan on his bed, barracks, at Trieste, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/012
The band on parade, 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal Regiment, Trieste,
2nd May 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/013
The band on parade, 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal Regiment, Trieste,
2nd May 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/014
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/015
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/016
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/017
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/018
Naples, just after arrival in 1946.
Accession Number: KO2905/019
Rome, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/020
Transit camp at Naples, Italy, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/021
Naples, just after arrival, 1946.
Accession Number: KO2905/022
Caserta, 1947. this is the palace that Mussolini used when he was in
power. The American Forces had a radio station in the basement.
Accession Number: KO2905/023
Caserta, 1947. this is the palace that Mussolini used when he was in
power. The American Forces had a radio station in the basement.
Accession Number: KO2905/024
Caserta, 1947. this is the palace that Mussolini used when he was in
power. The American Forces had a radio station in the basement.
Accession Number: KO2905/025
Army camp, Italy, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/026
Stan at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/027
'Biff' Smith at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/028
The beach at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/029
The beach at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/030
The beach at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/031
The beach at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/032
Transit Camp, Italy, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/033
Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/034
The beach at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/035
The beach at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/036
The beach at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/037
St. Mark's Piazza (Square), in Venice, Italy.
Accession Number: KO2905/038
At the top of the bell tower, St. Mark's, Venice, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/039
At the top of the bell tower, St. Mark's, Venice, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/040
St. Mark's Square, Venice, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/041
St. Mark's Square, Venice, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/042
St. Mark's Square, Venice, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/043
Gondola Trip on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/044
Gondola Trip on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/045
The battalion on parade, 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal Regiment,
Trieste, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/046
Gondola Trip on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/047
The beach at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/048
In the barracks, Trieste, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/049
Stan, at the barracks, Trieste, Italy 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/050
Bandsmen on the beach at a place called Barcola, just west of Trieste,
Italy, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/051
Bandsmen on the beach at a place called Barcola, just west of Trieste,
Italy, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/052
Bandsman Thomas Hunt, 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal Regiment, Trieste,
Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/053
Bandsmen on the beach at a place called Barcola, just west of Trieste,
Italy, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/054
The band's barrack room, 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal Regiment,
Trieste, Italy, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/055
Bandsman Keith Gregory in barracks, Trieste, 1st Battalion, King's Own
Royal Regiment, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/056
Bandsmen on the beach at a place called Barcola, just west of Trieste,
Italy, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/057
An American Band in their camp just west of Trieste, the day the band of
the 1st Battalion, King's Own, did a parade with them.
Accession Number: KO2905/058
We had four trucks taking us from place to place when on tour, all with
German Prisoner of War drivers, the chap in the centre with legs apart,
was called Otto, he was a great guy. When we got back to Trieste
we gave all the drivers a party it was a very good evening.
Accession Number: KO2905/059
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. The transit camp is believed to be at Vilach in
Austria.
Accession Number: KO2905/060
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. The transit camp is believed to be at Vilach in
Austria.
Accession Number: KO2905/061
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train showing bridges destroyed by
the Germans as they retreated north.
Accession Number: KO2905/062
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train showing bridges destroyed by
the Germans as they retreated north.
Accession Number: KO2905/063
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/064
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/065
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph of the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/066
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph of the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/067
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/068
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/069
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/070
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/071
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/072
The British Cemetery at Anzio, south of Rome.
Accession Number: KO2905/073
On our journey back to Lancaster, England, we travelled by train from
Trieste, through Austria, Germany, to the Hook of Holland, then sailed
to Harwich. Photograph from the train.
Accession Number: KO2905/074
Part of the 'Big Band' playing at the Military Police Barracks, Trieste,
Italy, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/075
Casa Del Combattente, Trieste. (‘Home of the Fighter’ – Barracks?)
Accession Number: KO2905/076
Faro Della Vittoria, Trieste. (Beacon of Victory)
Accession Number: KO2905/077
Palazzo Municipale, Trieste. (City Hall)
Accession Number: KO2905/078
Piazza Unita, Trieste (Unity Square)
Accession Number: KO2905/079
Marching and concert by the band of the 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal
Regiment, in a square in Trieste, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/080
Enlargement of the pouch badge.
Accession Number: KO2905/080a
Pescheria, Stazione Marittima, Trieste. (Fish Market and Marine Station)
Accession Number: KO2905/081
Barcola Riviera, Trieste
Accession Number: KO2905/082
Stazione Marittima, Trieste (Marine Station)
Accession Number: KO2905/083
Panorama, Trieste
Accession Number: KO2905/084
Marching and concert by the band of the 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal
Regiment, in a square in Trieste, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/085
Enlargement of the pouch badge.
Accession Number: KO2905/085a
Piazza Della Borsa, Trieste
Accession Number: KO2905/086
Castello di Miramare, Trieste (Castle Miramare)
Accession Number: KO2905/087
Piazza Umberto I, Trieste (Umberto I Square)
Accession Number: KO2905/088
Cattedrale di S. Giusto, Trieste (Cathedral)
Accession Number: KO2905/089
Marching and concert by the band of the 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal
Regiment, in a square in Trieste, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/090
Piazza Dell’Impero, Trieste (Empire Square)
Accession Number: KO2905/091
Via Giosue Carducci, Trieste
Accession Number: KO2905/092
S. Giusto, Monumento ai Caduti, Trieste (Monument to the fallen)
Accession Number: KO2905/093
Riva Tre Novembre, Molo Audace, Trieste
Accession Number: KO2905/094
Marching and concert by the band of the 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal
Regiment, in a square in Trieste, 1947.
Accession Number: KO2905/095
Castello S. Giusto, Trieste
Accession Number: KO2905/096
Piazzale S. Giusto, Monumento Ai Caduti, Castello, Trieste. (Castle and
Monument to the Fallen)
Accession Number: KO2905/097
Giardino Pubblico Di Via Franca, Trieste (Public Gardens of Via Franca)
Accession Number: KO2905/098
Panorama, Trieste
Accession Number: KO2905/099
The end of ten weeks training at Hadrian's Camp, Carlisle, taken around
April or May 1946. Private Thomas Hunt is first left on the front
row.
Accession Number: KO2905/100
The beach at Riccione, Italy, 1946/47.
Accession Number: KO2905/101
Rome, 1947, on the roof of St. Peter, Bandsman Thomas Hunt, Stan and
friend who played the piano in the dance band, a great player, but
couldn't read music, just give him the key and he was ok.
Accession Number: KO2905/102
Only a proportion of our collections
are on display at anyone time. Certain items are on loan for display
in other institutions. An appointment is required to consult any of
our collections which are held in store.