Laurence Henry Hicks

He migrated to Australia in 1952 after having served in World War II with both the British Army's Black Watch and the Fourth Canadian Armoured Division's military bands.

On 1 January 1963, he was appointed to The Order of the British Empire – Officer (Military) with the citation, "For service as Director of Music with the RAAF".

[2] The following year he attended Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall learning the clarinet and cello.

[2] In mid-June 1944, the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps Band performed at Normandy, Hicks recalled "we were mobbed by the troops particularly after we played the 'Colonel Bogey March' which everyone enjoyed".

[4] In April 1952 he was appointed the inaugural Director of Music for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and re-established the Central Band.