Our history
Our focus
We have always focused on meeting the needs of those experiencing hardship and injustice.
One significant aspect of our history is the loss of seven bandsmen during World War 2. The men joined up together at the start of the war, to serve as stretcher bearers and musicians. They were assigned to the 2/22 Batallion and posted to Rabaul, in New Guinea. They soon experienced the horrors of war, witnessing injury and death as a result of the conflict.
Early in 1942
They were taken prisoner by the Japanese, and placed on board the prisoner ship, the Montevideo Maru.
On 1 July 1942, American forces torpedoed the ship, resulting in the loss of 1503 lives.
The Bandmaster, Arthur Gullidge, was a renowned composer, and his music is still played by Salvation Army bands around the world today.
Arthur was 33 years old when he was promoted to Glory. He was survived by his wife, Mavis and his young daughter, Judith.