Rudolph Peter O'Donnell

Rudolph Peter 0’Donnell was the son of a bandmaster in the South Wales Borderers and the second of three brothers, all of whom were to gain musical distinction. He received his musical education at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall and as a young band sergeant was posted to Egypt where he directed the personal orchestra of Lord Kitchener. He later served as a bandmaster with the 21st Lancers in India, before returning to England and transferring to the Royal Marines. He served on the Royal Yacht ‘Victoria and Albert’ and at the special request of His Majesty King George V, he and his brothers were commissioned, all three becoming Divisional Directors of Music in the Royal Marines. Later, the brothers attended the same investiture to receive the MVO. In 1931 the Captain of Marines became a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force and so became the only Director of Music ever to have been in charge of a band in all three Services. In 1936 0’Donnell was promoted to Squadron Leader.