Unit History

The creation of the AAB(P) pre-dates the establishment of the Australian Army Band Corps. The AAB(P) was formed on 19 December 1949, in Perth at Swan Barracks, and was known as the Western Command Band. The Band's name was changed to the Band of the Fifth Military District in 1973 when Army Command areas were re-titled Military Districts. The Band assumed its current title on 1st July 1992.

As of the 1st January 1994 the establishment positions for AAB(P) were changed from Full Time to Part Time with the exception of the OC/MD and the BSM.

The AAP&D(P) was formed in 1936 as part of the 16th Battalion Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia. This association continued through several Battalion name changes until 1969 when the Band's name was changed to the Western Command Pipes and Drums. In 1974 the Band was re-named the Fifth Field Force Group Pipes and Drums and in 1980 the Fifth Military District Pipes and Drums.

The Band was named the Army Reserves Pipes and Drums Perth on the 1st July 1992 and maintains a traditional link to 16 Battalion through the wearing of the Cameron of Erracht tartan. Band personnel are members of the AABC and to better reflect the role played by this band and in line with the naming policy for AABC bands the name was changed in February 1999 to the Australian Army Pipes and Drums Perth.