THE LAST CHINA BAND

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Outdoor Marine Band Concert at the Peking (Beijing) Legation, Summer 1941

INTRODUCTION

There were few field bands just prior to World War II. The Marine Corps was then smaller than the New York Police Force. Marine Corps musicians were a highly specialized group. Many of the veteran musicians served with one another in most of the posts and stations where a band was authorized. New recruits soon learned about old timers no matter where they were stationed. It is amazing that the fate of our comrades of the Fourth Marines is still of interest to Marine musicians now as well as many other friends of our Corps. It has been almost sixty years since the band sounded its last note and went into history as a rifle platoon. Of the forty eight members who then made up the band for its concerts and for parades and ceremonies, only eight are living at the time of this edition. This is our story.

After the war Marine musicians returned to China in other bands. But, the account here is about those of us who left that exciting Asiatic duty station just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, and were also attacked the very same day. The musicians were the remaining members of two bands serving there at the beginning of the 40’s The Peking Legation Guard Band and The Fourth Marines Band. The two groups had been combined at Shanghai for a time before the order came to evacuate all forces from China. The Fourth Marines were taken to the Philippines, part to the Naval Station at Cavite and part, including the band, to Olongapo. Less than two weeks later at the advent of World War II, it was integrated into regiment’s Second Battalion as a platoon of infantry riflemen. Scattered throughout the Fourth were many Field Musics; buglers and drummers, that performed with the band parades and ceremonies. While not organic to the band, “musics” as they were called were historically distinctive, connected to the band and were considered part of it. A number of former bandsmen were still serving in other regimental components also but, like there are no ex-marines, there are no exbandsmen either. A special camaraderie still survives among all Marines who served for a time as musicians in the Corps.

When the Philippines were overrun in the first months of World War II, all the bandsmen save one, a lone bugler who was killed in battle, became prisoners of war of the Japanese and another battle, even more terrible began. It is in fond memory of them that this is written.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

DEDICATION

ROSTER OF THE FOURTH MARINES BAND / 1940-1941

Cpl. Claude Lester Brent - Clarinet

PFC Artie E. Sanville - Clarinet

PFC William. E. Harrison - Clarinet

FM Sgt. Wm. j. McClung III - NCO in C Bugle & Drum Corps

TSgt. Jackson P. Rauhof - Drum Major

MFSgt. Levis E. Giffin - Bandmaster

Sgt. Frederick L. Mayberry - Percussion / Instrument Repair

Cpl. George Francis - Trumpet

PFC Sp/4c Steven A. Jones - Trumpet

PFC Sp/5c John F. Sirota - Trumpet

Pvt. Sp/5c Robert S. Newsome - Trumpet

FM Robert E. Follendorf - Bugle / Drums

FM Martin D. Eichman - Bugle / Drums

PFC Sp/5c Floyd E. Grim - Percussion

FM Bernie D. Pitts - Bugle / Drums

Pvt. Sp/4c Hal T. Leber - Clarinet

FM I/c Frederick Stumpges - Bugle / Drums

PFC Sp/5c Leland H. Montgomey - Clarinet

FMC CpI. William H. Adams - Bugle / Drums

PFC Sp/5c John J. Lawson - Clarinet

FM Warren H. Mellies - Bugle / Scotch / Tenor Drums

Pvt. Sp/5c Donald L. Versaw - French Horn

Pvt. Sp/4c Arnold S. Baker - French Horn

PFC Anthony Stankitis - French Horn

FM 1/c Harry C. Dunlavy - Bugle / Scotch / Tenor Drums

Pvt. Sp/5c George McRae - Trumpet

Pvt. Pat Bennet - Trumpet

Pvt. Sp/5c Mercurio Coledanchise - Baritone Horn

FM Melvin Mikkelson - Bugle / Drums

FM 1/c Melvin J. Zhaler - Bugle

FM 1/c Rodger D. Baker - Bugle

FM. Wesley LeB. Usher - Bugle / Drums

PFC Sp/3c Gerald P. “Mickey” Finn - Percussion

PFC Sp/5c Donald F. Scott Percussion

Pvt. Sp/4c Victor 0. Lundgren Trombone

Additional duty as Chaplain’s Assistant / Leader of congregation Singing at Devine Services

Pvt. Sp/5c James W. Higley Sousaphone

PFC Sp/4c John Snyder Trombone / Library

PFC Sp/4c Hubert H. Johnson Baritone Horn

PFC Sp/5c Sydney A. McMullen Trombone

Pvt. Sp/5c Charles F. King Sousaphone

The Fourth Marines Band leads the troops from the First Battalion down East Nanking Road leaving the International Settlement where Marines had been stationed since 1937. Drum Major, TSgt. Jackson P. Rauhof is seen in front of the band with his mace. At the extreme left MTSgt. Levis E. Giffin, the Bandmaster, marches in a lone column. Others in the front rank are: George Walker, Sousaphone; Sydney McMullen, Monford Charleton; Cedric Stephens playing Trombones. Charles King with Sousaphone is at far right. In the second rank: John Sirota, Trumpet; John Bingham and Donald Versaw (barely visible behind Stephens), French Horns. Third rank: Kenneth Marshall, Clarinet; Pat Bennett, Francis Hooker, Trumpets. This was the last marching event performed by the band as it made its way to the city’s famous waterfront, The Bund, with the troops to board U.S. President Lines ships anchored in the river just off shore.

The Fourth Marines leave the International Settlement of China’s famed “Paris of the Orient” as relationships with the Japanese Forces surrounding the city are in jeopardy and the threat of war increases. Marines had been there protecting the lives and property for many years. The famous 4th Marines were a part of these forces since 1937. In this view Colonel Samuel Howard and his staff lead the way through down the colorful street called Nanking Road followed by troops of the First Battalion. An open Rolls-Royce in rear of the staff of nine officers and men of Headquarters Fourth Marines has entered the line of march to photograph the band led by Drum Major Jackson P. Rauhof and Master Technical Sergeant Levis E. Giffin, the bandmaster. The Second Battalion had departed the previous day during a rainstorm and waited aboard ships anchored in Shanghai’s river harbor of the Whangpoo. The entire organization then departed in the late afternoon destined for the Philippines.

The last echelons of Fourth Marines arrive at the world renowned waterfront street called THE BUND. The distinctive Western style bank and office buildings form a classic backdrop for the departure from the headquarters led by Colonel Samuel B. Howard. The Fourth Marines Commander and his staff are shown as they emerge from crowded street canyons of the great city. In the far background at the foot of the Bank of Taiwan, Drum Major Rauhof can be seen executing a “Band, Column Left!” command. To the extreme right a Shanghai Metropolitan Police Mobile Command Post vehicle is on site to help with crowd control.

Birds eye view of quay(s) on the banks of the Whangpoo River, the port of Shanghai during the farewell of the Fourth Marines as it prepares to leave the International Settlement. Throngs of people are seen gathered among the limousines of the world’s diplomatic, consular force and business firms watching troops of the First Battalion arrive led by the Fourth Marines band (note: Sousaphone base horns just to left of picture center). Plainly seen in the line of march carrying a large banner are elements of Shanghai’s Volunteer Defense Force wearing kilts and playing bag pipes. Shortly after this resounding, amazing and confusing send off, the Marines departed for the Philippines ending their duty in Shanghai after many years.

Troops of the First Battalion, Fourth Marines march down Nanking Road, on their way to the quays of the Whangpoo River preparatory to embarking on U. S. President Line ships for the Philippine Islands. The Marines share the crowded streets with examples of every mode of transportation available. The troops are carrying “Heavy Marching Order” packs topped with neatly blocked campaign hats, armed with Springfield 1903 rifles at the left shoulder. Beneath each hat is the standard issue foul weather gear called a “pancho” and entrenching tool. At the head of this column pictured, the Fourth Marines Band can be seen breaking out into brighter sunlight. This proved to be a false foreboding as this historic field band would cease to be one in only ten more days.

A lone Chinese sampan escorts a ship tender, the Merry Moller carrying troops of the Fourth Marines from banks of the Whangpoo River to American President Liner, SS President Harrison, anchored in deeper water. Among the troops were all of the First Battalion and the staff of regimental headquarters. The Fourth Marines Band is easily located on the top deck.

Peking (Beijing) and Shanghai China / 1940 - 1941

Killed in Action

Sim Ashburn Popejoy FM 1 c
Bugle/Drums / May 1942 / Corregidor P.I.

Claude L. Brent Cpl
Clarinet / October 1944 / Arisan Maru

John W.Bingham Sgt
French Horn / October 1944 / Arisan Maru

Levis E. Giffin MTSgt
Bandmaster / December 1944 / Brazil Maru

William F. Fryer PFC
Clarinet/Sax / December 1944 (Palawan Massacre) / Palawan P.I.

Jesse E. Grenz PFC
Trumpet / October 1944 / Arisan Maru

John F. Sirota PFC
Trumpet / October 1944 / Arisan Maru

Harry B. LaPointe Jr. PFC
Trumpet / October 1944 / Arisan Maru

George E. Walker PFC
Bass / December 1944 (Palawan Massacre) / Palawan P.I.

Died in POW Camps

Leon Konesky TSgt
AsstBMaster / June 1942 / Cabanatuan P.I.

Donald Scott PFC
Bass / June 1942 / Billibid P.I.

Charles F. King PFC
Bass / August 1945 / Japan

The Survivors

Jackson P. Rauhof TSgt / Drum-Major

Mercurio Coledanchise PFC / Baritone Horn

Sherwood LaRoche PFC / Percussion

John P. Latham PFC / Piccolo/flute

Alfred August PFC / Bass Horn

Pat F. Bennet PFC / Trumpet

George Francis Cpl / Trumpet

George McRae PFC / Trumpet

Robert Newsome PFC / Trumpet

Francis Hooker Cpl / Trumpet

Kenneth Marshall Cpl / Clarinet / Saxophone

Leland Montgomery PFC / Clarinet

Louis N. Curtis PFC / Clarinet

Hal T. Leber PFC / Clarinet

Franklin Boyer Cpl / Clarinet

Monford P. Charleton PFC / Trombone

S. W. Stephens PFC / Trombone

Sidney A. McMullen Cpl / Trombone

Harry Goldstien PFC / Trombone 

John W. Brannan PFC / Trombone

Donald L. Versaw PFC / French horn

Anthony Stankitis PFC / French Horn

Norman 0. Shire PFC / French horn

William McClung FMSgt / Bugle/drums
(Killed in Action / Korea / November 1950)

Frederick Stumpges FM 1 c / Bugle/drums
(POW Korea / November 1950 - August 1953)

Martin V. Eichman FMcpl / Bugle/drums

Harry C. Dunlavy FMsgt / Bugle/drums

William H. Adams FN I c / Bugle/drms

John K. Corley FMcpI / Bugle/drms

Carl F. Girardot FM I c / Bugle/drums

Melvin Mickelson FM 1 c / Bugle/drms

Bobby Jones FM I c / Bugle/drms

Delmar V. Meyers FM 1 c / Bugle/drums

Charles Patterson FMcpl / Bugle/drums

Bernino B. Pitts FM 1 c / Bugle/drums

Melvin J. Zahier FM I c / Bugle/drums

DONALD L. VERSAW, born June 23, 1921 in Bloomington, Nebraska. Joined the U.S. Marine Corps on Armistice Day, 1939 in Chicago. Following recruit training and a short term with the Marine Corps Operating Base Band, San Diego, CA, he was sent to Shanghai, China for duty with the 4th Marines Band. After the regiment was evacuated to the Philippines and at the outset of World War II, he became an infantryman in E Co. Second Battalion, Fourth Regiment. When Corregidor was surrendered to the Japanese in May 1942, he spent the next 40 months as a POW in the PI’s and in Japan.

During captivity he was held on Luzon Island mostly at a work camp near Clark Air Base for more than two years. In July 1944 he was moved to Japan in one of the notorious Hell Ships (unmarked freighter/troop ships) - and put into forced labor in Nitetsu-Futase Tonko Kaisha (coal mine company) on the Japanese island of Kyushu. This company paid enlisted men 5 sen per day for their labor. A sen is one one hundredth of a yen and one yen was then equal to ten American cents - which equates to 20 days of labor in the mines for 10 American cents. Deductions were made at the rate of 50% deposited in Japanese Postal Savings Plan.

Following repatriation, he remained in the Corps and married Amelda Gilmore, a union that lasted more than 52 years ending in her death in October of 1999. They had two daughters, Judith and Denise. In 1950 he served in Korea with the 1st Marine Division in a Photo unit. After retirement in 1959 he worked in the aerospace Industry for 13 years on the Saturn and Apollo programs. He completed 10 years of Civil service divided between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Air Force; he retired in 1984 with a total of 31 years federal service. He is a Life member of American Ex-POWs and served two years as a chapter commander. He is currently serving as a Treasurer. He is a life member of the American Defenders Bataan and Corregidor, the Disabled American Veterans. He is a member of the American Legion Post 142 Bloomington, Nebraska, the China Marine Association and Marine Corps Musicians Association.