An Australian Bandsman's Crest ... a travesty ?

The distinctive "American Crest" was unique in having a likeness of its national emblem, the eagle, upon it. Non-English speaking nations sometimes had the "S" for Salvation appearing in their own equivalent alphabet letter. The alterations to the Crest as used by United States of America's Territories was caused by USA copyright restrictions preventing its use the Army there until some 25-30 years ago, when it was reinstated in its original, meaningful pattern. The Crest is an important symbol of our Salvationist beliefs. The sun bursting around the edge represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit; the Cross of Jesus stands at the centre of our faith, the "S" stands for Salvation; the swords represent the fight against sin and social injustice, The 7 Shots stand for the truths of the Gospel; and the Crown speaks of God's reward for his faithful people. When the Americans 'temporarily' did away with the Crown (didn't they permanently get rid of the "crown" on a grander scale once before?) it was of legal necessity rather than ideals of Republicanism.

A so-called "Australian" Crest appeared on the scene over 40 years ago, when the Melbourne Staff Band was about to partake of its first international band trip, to New Zealand in 1959. A Staff Bandsman (anonymous) decided to have two of these crests manufactured by a local manufacturing jeweler (also anonymous by request, but a Salvationist). One of the Bandsmen is the "stirrer" who wanted to confuse our dear friends across the Tasman, suggesting one-up-man-ship. So, it was not for legal, antimonarchist, or national reasons, but for pure Australian larrikinism.

Reprinted from The Australian Southern Territory Archives and Museum Newsletter, March 2006.