Monday 17th March

Circuit training: CSgt Sharp receives suspected broken nose: After a gruelling battle of what could be described as 'a man's' game of netball, Dave Sharp received a rather nasty blow, courteously given by BdSgt 'Patty' Pattison. The end result being that the blame was laid entirely on Musn Trevor Naughton for organising the game in the first place. CSgt Sharp was later overheard talking to the senior members of the band, "I am not a happy man"! This was the only thing that could be translated for this publication. On another note, the Band is looking for sponsors of their newly designed netball mini-skirts.

After Circuits a brief was given on the Chinook and Merlin helicopters. We were instructed by the RAF on how to approach these types of aircraft when receiving casualties. Another brief followed on the subject of body handling. This made most of the band realise how near to conflict we were actually getting.
In the evening, an exercise was conducted to determine how we were going to lower a casualty in the event of the forward lift breaking down. The answer was, to use the ships' crane to safely lower the casualty to the Hangar. This can only be done one at a time, so it became time consuming.

Tuesday 18th March

Confirmation was received informing us that the order for hostilities to begin had been given. To that end, we were issued Nerve Agent Pre-Treatment Systems (NAPS) tablets, Combo pens (Atropine Injectors) and a spare canister for our Respirators. Last minute sun-tans were in order for the rest of the afternoon followed by another exercise in the evening involving 'Comms' and stretcher teams to make sure that we were ready. This was a valuable exercise as we were able to 'iron out' any problems before the conflict started. The Band received a very kind email from a former Principle Director of Music Lt Col Graham Hoskins, who had read the article about the Band in the 'TIMES' at the weekend written by the War Correspondent onboard.

Wednesday 19th March

We started off the day with personal preparations, as the time to conflict was looming fast. Last minute phone calls to loved ones and families' to reassure them things were going to be fine so it didn't cause any tension. All unnecessary equipment was firmly stowed away in our cabins and the order was given to commence the taking of 'Naps' tablets. Defence Watches commenced in the evening with the Band splitting itself into 'Port' and 'Starboard' watch.

Thursday 20th March

Captain Grace gave us our final brief in the morning. We were also told that 'Mine Watch' duties were now commencing from the Bridge. This comprised of duty personnel using binoculars to detect mines in the water and informing the Bridge of anything suspicious objects. Seems like a sensible idea.

'Action Stations' was due to be called this evening on the commencement of conflict, but the Captain deemed it unnecessary due to the fact that the ship itself wasn't in immediate danger, which is good news. We did, however, move up forward to a new location as preliminary attacks by UK and US forces took place ashore. Conflict began at 22:30hrs (GMT+3) tonight.

Friday 21st March

At 10:00 this morning we received our first casualties. They were Iraqi PW's (Prisoners Of War) who required expert medical treatment. After disembarking from the helicopter, they were searched by the Band and taken to the Resus Room within the PCRF. Mine watching by various members of the Band and nurses continued.

Reports over the ship's broadcast system spoke of what was happening ashore. During the afternoon, various procedures in the PCRF operating theatre had been performed on the casualties who had arrived and more casualties were arriving later. The band members were all praised for their professionalism during the handling procedures that occurred throughout the day.

Saturday 22nd March

This proved to be a relatively quiet day for the Band. One casualty arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning. The off watch personnel had time to attend the ship's gym and catch up with some well deserved sleep. However, reports had been received that two Sea King helicopters from Ark Royal had been reported as missing, with seven members of both British and American forces on them. CNN News also broadcast this evening, reporting that an ITN crew had been killed in their vehicles. Our thoughts are with their all families.

Sunday 23rd March

Church was the first thing that happened after the watch change on Sunday. The service had to be conducted in the Junior Rates' Galley, as there were patients inhabiting the HDU (High Dependency Unit). There were two services during the day so that each watch could attend. Music was provided by the Band as usual for the hymns with small combinations formed from each on-watch. During the morning brief it was reported that the other US hospital ships had received a small number of casualties. Argus at present has received casualties still in single figures, the majority of them being PWs. This is surely a good indication that the conflict is generally going well at this stage with regard to UK casualties. Whilst this Conflict is still in its early stages, morale in the Band remains high, as does the attitude and professionalism of all members of the Band onboard RFA Argus…….Stay tuned!

Musn Karl Elwell