Jim Mason
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Sydney 1964 ( It is not just all music!)In October 1964 the Scottish Tattoo was transferred to Sydney, I took the combined bands of 3 Commando Brigade (Bandmaster Chippy Carpenter) and the band from HMS Terror from Singapore to Sydney for the event.
On one evening, just before we were due to enter the arena for our spot, I was confronted by a gentleman who saluted me smartly and declared " Sir, I am (Name and regimental number) Royal Marine, deserter from HMS Golden Hind , 1944, I wish to surrender"
I replied " I am just about to go into the arena. my advice would ne for you to b****r off and if you have been on the run for 20 years, - keep running!" However, when we came out of the arena, he was still there and insisted on being taken into custody. I explained the situation, that we were living in the Australian Navy Barracks at Watsons Bay, and I did not have any faciities to arrest him. I agreed to meet him and his wife for dinner that evening at the local hotel where they were staying, and he explained his situation.
He had deserted from the RN Barracks in Sydney in 1944, had married and raised two teenage children. He had recently been invited to become the head citizen of his local township, a sort of mayor, but felt that he could not take up the post until he sorted out his status as a citizen. he was actually an illegal immigrant. I agreed to send a signal to Admiralty, requesting advice and got a reply stating that an amnesty had been offered to all wartime deserters in the mid 50s hut this had to be applied for at the time. In the circumstances, I was authorised to officially grant him an amnesty (which was confirmed in writing later)
In the mid 70s I was able to take a couple of the Yacht band to spend a very enjoyable (if somewhat alcoholic) weekend on his farm, north of Sydney = another satisfied customer!!
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