34th Infantry Division Band

The 34th Infantry Division Band based in Rosemount, Minnesota is part of the Army National Guard. During World War Two, as part of 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, the band arrived in Northern Ireland.

The 1st Infantry Band of the Minnesota National Guard dates back to 30th April 1900. They served in Mexican Campaigns and in World War One. In 1917, redesignation to 135th Infantry Regiment Band took place. In the interwar years, there were several organisational changes. But, in 1941 when the United States Army joined World War Two, the band was still part of 135th Infantry Regiment.

In anticipation of involvement in the Second World War, the Army mobilised 135th Infantry Regiment Band on 10th February 1941. They spent several months training at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. After this, they took on a Coastal Defence role in New Orleans following the attack on Pearl Harbour.

Arrival in Ulster

Relieved on their Coastal Defence duties on 1st January 1942, the band awaited deployment at Fort Dix, New Jersey. On 30th April 1942, they departed New York Harbour on RMS Aquitania. On the night of 11th May 1942, the ship docked in Belfast, Co. Antrim. Members of 34th Infantry Division Band disembarked in Derry/Londonderry on 13th May 1942. While in Ulster, the band’s base was at Camp Cromore, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry. Despite the rigours of training, they found time to entertain troops and locals. In fact, 34th Infantry Division Band was the first American Military Band to perform in Europe in World War Two.

Throughout the various stations, the Regimental Band was a consistent uplift to morale. Out of the Band was formed the “Ambassadors of Swing”, a fourteen-piece orchestra, which gained popularity in the whole of North Ireland. In recognition of their outstanding success, they were selected to officially open the new Red Cross building in Belfast, during which they played an Allied Forces program over the British Broadcasting Corporation and also a National Broadcasting Company program directly to the United States. A secondary dance band was formed, known as “The Revilliers”, to accommodate the many calls the “Ambassadors of Swing” could not oblige.

On 11th December 1942, the unit departed from Northern Ireland, sailing to Liverpool, England. From there, they boarded HMS Ornontes on 23rd December 1942 bound for North Africa and Operation Torch.