The forum of the Royal Navy Volunteer Bands

yakety-daughter · On audition Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 2

Hello

I've recently began to do alot of reseach into my dad's days in the Marines. But it is proving quiet diffucult to ask my mum much, because she still gets very upset when talking about dad.

I was looking through dad's service records and the last entry before he was pensioned out was as a VBI, this was at the beginning of 1981. Could you please tell me what a VBI is. I've guessed it's to do with a volunteer band.

Thanks in advance

Bobw · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 4:12 pm Post subject:

Hi
A VBI is a Volunteer Band Instructor, basically the band-master/musical director of a volunteer band at a Royal Navy establishment or on board one of the aircraft carriers. They are Royal Marine Band Colour Sergeants or Band Sergeants given the acting rank of Colour Sergeant whilst in that post (ie. they return to being a Band Sergeant when they go back to one of the Royal Marines Bands.). Usually they do about two years as a VBI.
A Royal Navy Volunteer Band is made up of music enthusiasts from the Royal Navy, other services both British and foreign, civilians who work on or near a Royal Navy establishment, retired servicemen or dependants (family members) of sailors. They will play for local parades and other military events, give the odd concert, etc. Although primarily a 'military' band they will also play jazz, classical, swing, etc.
If you know which band your dad was VBI of you may be able to contact the present VBI and he may have some photos or other information. Unfortunately several bands will have gone since 1981, eg. Daedalus and Dryad.
I suggest (if you haven't already done so) joining the Royal Marines Band Forum (the link is near the top left corner of this page), as many of your dad's ex-colleagues will be members there and should be able to give you some help. They also have lots of pictures from the 70s and 80s.
Regards
Bob

yakety-daughter · On audition Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 2

Thanks Bobw... I will join the other forum!

My dad last posting before he was pensioned out was HMS Daedalus, he was promoted to Colour Sergeant a good few years before. I think they needed to place him somewhere before being pensioned, because he only stayed there (according to his service records) for 5 months.

I remember Daedalus very well, I must have spent sometime there during my childhood, I can remember very good fish and chips on Lee-on-Solent seafront!

Thanks again