Our People in SA
Ross Chapman - Local Muso Back From Middle East Tour
The former Westminster School student and Adelaide university graduate is now a full-time musician in the Navy and has been promoted to Able Seaman. “On this tour I played saxophone in the Royal Australian Navy band which supported the ninth Tour de Force to the Middle East.
“I’ve been playing since I was 11and been as a member of the Navy band for the last 9 years. So far I’ve performed in Gallipoli, Brunei and North America, but this was my first trip to the Middle East. I was very excited about travelling to Iraq and Afghanistan.
“This is why Defence Force bands exist — to play for the troops away. It’s a privilege to perform for them.
“I was really impressed by the size of Australian operations and the way the troops cope with being far from Australia. The operations are enormous, not what I imagined at all, but the guys and girls have built their bases with Australian touches — with pergolas and barbeque areas, like little pieces of home.”
The latest Tour De Force brought members of the Royal Australian Navy band together with Angry Anderson, Tania Zaetta, Ami Williamson, the Wolverines, Brielle Davis and comedian Fred Lang.
Donating their time free of charge, these Australian performers carry on a tradition that began in the Second World War, entertaining troops of all nationalities with shows that are distinctively and proudly Australian.