Contacts
Doug
Johnstone (1968-1985)
Doug Johnstone was bandmaster for 17 years, and was recalled from The District Police Training Centre to take the position shortly after the amalgamation of Hampshire Constabulary. He had learnt his craft in the Royal Marines, and on a posting to France during the war, had heard 'The Marseillaise' played the French way, with much elaboration. As bandmaster of the band of the Hampshire Constabulary, playing at the Cenotaph in Southampton for the Bruneval Commemorative Festivities, he incorporated these frills into the band's rendition. At the end of the ceremony, a French woman exclaimed 'Monsieur Chef D'Orchestra, the way you play 'The Marseillaise' makes me cry'. This was taken to mean that it reminded her of her former home. Doug was a French speaker and was the first to take the band abroad. Over the years, many reciprocal visits have been made and international relationships established. Doug passed away in 2000.
Doug Johnstone was bandmaster for 17 years, and was recalled from The District Police Training Centre to take the position shortly after the amalgamation of Hampshire Constabulary. He had learnt his craft in the Royal Marines, and on a posting to France during the war, had heard 'The Marseillaise' played the French way, with much elaboration. As bandmaster of the band of the Hampshire Constabulary, playing at the Cenotaph in Southampton for the Bruneval Commemorative Festivities, he incorporated these frills into the band's rendition. At the end of the ceremony, a French woman exclaimed 'Monsieur Chef D'Orchestra, the way you play 'The Marseillaise' makes me cry'. This was taken to mean that it reminded her of her former home. Doug was a French speaker and was the first to take the band abroad. Over the years, many reciprocal visits have been made and international relationships established. Doug passed away in 2000.
