J Force 22nd Battalion Pipe Band

by George Fahey

In October 1945, men of the 13th, 14th and 15th reinforcements were drafted into the 9th Brigade at Florence in Italy to form an Occupation Force for Japan. One of the Battalions in this Brigade was the 22nd. The Battalion was not long formed before 12 sets of pipes together with 7 drums appeared (presumably the ones last used at Fabriano) and talk of another 22 Pipe Band spread around. The main instigator I believe was Captain TP McLean, as he seemed to be the Officer "pressurising" us to join a band, although I'm sure Sandy Thomas, OC of 22, had a lot to do with it also.

By 10th November 1945, 12 pipers and 7 drummers were rounded up from within the Brigade, 12 sets of pipes and 7 drums issued and there started a complete new 22nd Pipe Band. This Band under Hec Burberry of Christchurch as pipe major and led by Ken Petty of Feilding first paraded officially on Xmas Eve 1945.

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Original band outside 22 Bn HQ, May 46.

Until August 1946 this band led many units on marches and parades in Florence, Naples and later in Chofu in Japan. They gave items at Battalion dances and concerts in Italy, at concerts on board the Strathmore en route to Japan. In Japan, besides marches, parades, etc, it shared the "Changing of the Guard" at Brigade Headquarters on a weekly basis with the 9th Brigade Brass Band.

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First parade in Chofu, Apr 46.

The majority of this band returned to New Zealand in September 1946.

George Fahey
1999