KOSOVO THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
AUTHOR CAPTAIN A P THORNHILL MMus LRSM
Now for those of you who have been regular readers of the
Kosovo web site you will have read about the daily/weekly
/monthly shenanigans that the guys and girls have got up to.
For those of you who were not regulars, shame on you, however
you can redeem yourselves by reading all the previous scripts
before you carry on any further!
Now we are all fully aware of exactly what the Kosovo Band
have been doing during August 00 - Feb 01 I shall carry on.
I am pleased to report that we all returned safely to Blighty
and have now dispersed back into the Band Service to resume
'normal' life once more.
This was the first time that a Royal Marines Band had been
deployed specifically for an operational humanitarian role,
and on leaving the UK we were still unsure as to the role
that we would play in the overall game plan. Life in the first
few weeks was hectic to say the least and as always in these
situations the guys and girls acted in a highly professional
manner, assisting in many varying environments. As the tour
progressed, although relatively organised routines were implemented,
life was constantly changing. The way in which the Band adapted
and integrated into Med Sqn was a credit to them all and this
was echoed by all involved throughout the deployment. For
all of us this was a journey into the unknown and although
life was far from comfortable at times, there was always a
typical 'smile and get on with it' attitude which is synonymous
throughout the Band Service.
This was my first appointment as a DoM and the prospect was
both exciting and challenging. The success of a deployment
such as this lies in the attitude and professionalism of the
ranks involved. Throughout the tour there were 88 engagements
undertaken by the Band, and considering that this was all
done in 'free time', this is a tremendous achievement. I would
publicly like to thank all the Band of HMRM Plymouth (Kosovo)
for the loyalty and support which they showed throughout the
deployment. From the management team through to the last man
who was left to turn out the lights (yes Daffy this is your
moment of glory!), each and every person had an important
role to play. There was very rarely a meeting to which I attended
where, although many important operational issues were discussed,
the Band was not mentioned (in a complimentary manner I hasten
to add!).
Hopefully as a Band Service we will not be needed to operate
in this sort of situation for some time, however, in these
ever changing times it is a brave man who says that this will
never happen again. As with all secondary role deployments
that the Band Service have been involved in during the past,
the guys and girls were not only a credit to themselves but
also to the Band Service.
This is now the time that we all looked forward to when
we said:
"One day we will look back on this and laugh"
Please do guys, but remember, with the exception of 3, you
all volunteered!
The Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth (Kosovo) May 00 - May
01
The entire contingent of the Royal Marines Band in Kosovo
shortly before departure back to the UK
The entire Med Squadron involved in Operation Agricola 4
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