Compulsory military training was introduced by the Government Defence Act 1911, and continued until abolished in 1929. Males aged from 14 to 21 years had to undergo military training for a required number of hours each year including one week in camp in the final year. The Malvern area drill hall was in Maben Place. My training started in 1917 and finished in 1923 shortly after returning from the one week in camp at North Williamstown rifle range.
Shortly before our battalion went to camp it was decided to form a brass band for that occasion. Volunteers were requested to step forward. As I was not keen on military training I stepped forward thinking I can at least play the bass drum.
Bad luck! Someone else had that job. I was given the "B-flat" bass instrument. As some members were beginners, although having practices for several weeks before going to camp, our band was not good enough to play for reveille, another band had to perform that duty. Our band marched about a mile down the road away from camp to practice each day.
Having become proficient in at least one marching tune, we led the march from the camp to the railway station when the battalion entrained for home. On the night of our final parade I received ten shillings for being the most advanced beginner, but I think they took pity on me for having to carry the heaviest instrument. Most of my military training was done after I started working for the Victorian Railways in January 1918. Some parades were scheduled to take place during normal work hours. When that occurred employees had to be released for military training without loss of pay.
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