Warrant Officer Robert Gillies, BEM
Warrant Officer Rober Gillies enlisted with the Central Band in 1966 as a cornetist and was appointed to the Drum major position in the rank of Corporal in 1973.
Under his direction the Central Band has become recognised as the prominent ceremonial unit in Wellington and has mounted public displays in many parts of the country and overseas. A particular highlight was in 2000 at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo held in Wellington where W/O Gillies was appointed Command Drum Major of the New Zealand Defence Force tri-service bands. In addition to his role as Drum Major, W/O Gillies is also Principal Cornet and Deputy Bandmaster of the Central Band. He was awarded the BEM in the 1991 Queen's Birthday Honours.