Perth Musician and World War Two veteran George Franklin was the longest serving member of the City of Perth band, living to over 104. He started playing the cornet at the age of seven, before joining the City of Perth Band in 1934. Mr Franklin served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War Two, and after that, he joined a military band until he was retired. He died in 13 July 2026 aged 104.
1931
YOUTH TO THE FORE – Y.A.L. Band Contest
From comments he made subsequent to the contest it is apparent that Mr. G. Mellor, adjudicator of the Y.A.L. Band contest which was held last night, was well satisfied with the performances he had heard. He said that the standard of the playing was much improved on that of last year and he was much impressed with the band presentation. While some of the individual soloists were not quite up to the standard of last year, the younger players were a great improvement on previous years. Also in attendance at the contests were Mr. George Reid, first musical director, and Mr. Val Smith, second musical director. They too- expressed appreciation of the contest, and in course of a few remarks, observed that it brought back some happy rmemories of the day when they held positions with the band. The finals for the champion of the league solo for all finalists will be held on July 23, when the championship of the league will also be decided. The winner will be entitled to hold the cup presented by the officers of the league. The contest last night was conducted by Mr. Ron Rees, musical director of the Y.A.L. RESULTS. The results were: — Trumpeters’ Solo (‘Fanfare’): Norman Williams (35 points), 1. Drummers’ Solo (own choice) : Douglas King (40), 1. ‘B’ Grade Cornet Solo (‘Sweet Spirit Hear My Prayer’): Billy Weston (35), 1. ‘A’ Grade Cornet Solo (Raff’s ‘Cava-tin’) : Norman Law (30). 1. Champion Solo: (”’Neath .Austral Skies’): Charles Thompson (40). Tenor Horn Solo (‘Goodbye, Sweetheart’): Clarie Gray (3G), 1. Baritone Euphonium Solo (‘Melody in T’): Roy Facey (36), 1. Trombone Solo (‘Kathleen Mavourneen’) : Robert Lockwpod (33). 1. Bass Solo (‘Flower That Bloometh’) : Em Negus (33). 1. ? ‘B’ Grade Duet (‘Ever of Thee’): George Franklin and Billy Mangini (33). ‘A’ Grade Duet – ‘Robin Adair’) : Norman Law and Fred Brunsgard (33).
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Saturday 4 July 1931, page 3
1934
In 1934, George Franklin joined the City of Perth Band.
1935
Anzac Commemoration Broadcasts.This evening at 8 o’clock a special Anzac programme will be relayed by €WF from Anzac House, where the Perth’ Symphony Orchestra (under Mr. G. J. Reid) will be assisted by Isobel Reith (soprano), WiU Savage (baritone), and George Franklin (cornetist).
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Wednesday 24 April 1935, page 3
1939
6PR – 6TZ – Jack Harrison, Winner (final) Charlie Carter’s Juvenile Amateur Trials conducted by Stations 6AM-6PM. Jack will broadcast from stations 6PR-6TZ Sunday morning November 26 Radiola Rhythm Program. Don’t fail to hear this remarkable broadcast. Jack plays a Harmonica stocked by Nicholsons Ltd. Hear George Franklin, Solo Cornetist with Perth City Band in Special Broadcast from Stations 6PR-6TZ Sunday evening November 26, 9 o’clock. George plays a Boosey and Hawkes Bb cornet. Sole agent Nicholsons Ltd. The CHAMPIONS PREFER the N.V.A. (New Valve Action) CORNET. Illustrated catalogue: Boosey and Hawkes Cornets post free!
The Mirror Saturday Night November 25 1939
1940
When World War II broke out, George served five a half years service from 1940 aged 18 in the Royal Australian Air Force. George was pulled from air crew duties once he discovered he was colourblind. He was then sent to Noonkanbah Station in Western Australia’s north where he re-fuelled and re-armed US heavy bombers, which were fighting the Japanese, but was glad he did not “see any action” on the front line.
1946
After finishing his military service, Mr Franklin went on to join the Army Band, playing the trumpet. He said he has since played the Last Post at funerals for other veterans more times than he could remember.
“So, I wouldn’t mind a pound for every time I’ve played the Last Post somewhere,” he said.
Mr Franklin said it was difficult to say goodbye to so many comrades, as the number of living veterans declines rapidly. “You see it in a different light when you’re in the band … when you’re playing the dead march to bury a guy,” he said. “You’re playing the Last Post when he’s in there [the coffin], you’ve got to forget about it.”
PHOTO Aged 18, Mr Franklin joined the Royal Australian Air Force during World War Two. (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)
It was then that he joined the City of Perth Band, where was only months away from becoming the new Guinness World Record holder for the title of the world’s oldest band conductor.
https://www.cityofperthband.org.au/about-us/band-history
1949
In 1949 the main dance music influences at the time were Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. Old time dancing was interspersed with the new swing and jazz movement and the big names performing around town were Harry Bluck, Colin Hicks, Ron Jenkins and Jack Harrison. Jack augmented his swing band according to the requirements of functions, sometimes up to ten players, such as the April 22nd 1949 University of Western Australia Graduation Ball at Winthrop Hall. Players were issued with a cheque on 5th May 1949 and were paid 3 pound 2 and 6 for the gig. Players paid were: Norm Wrightson (saxophone), George Kirkby, Jack Pope (trumpet), George Franklin (trumpet), Charles Thompson (trumpet), Bill Hendrie (guitar), Roy Coates, Ray Harrison (drums), Jill Harrison (piano) and Jack Harrison (band leader, sax, clarinet) was the tenth band member.
GRADUATION BALL – 8.30pm – 2am – April 22 1949 Winthrop Hall, University
In Aid of World Student relief. ADMISSION Double Ticket 24/7 (inc tax.)
Jack Harrison’s Ten Piece Orchestra – bookings at Nicholsons
AROUND PERTH – WITH HARRY BLUCK
Ball Season Starts Rolling in Perth – Heavy Bookings as Biz Booms
The annual outcrop of balls generally makes its presence felt about this time of the year and already some of the earliest have taken place. This season promises to be a busier one than previously and some large-sized bands should be seen on the various stands. Already, youthful Jack Harrison has made a good start by fronting a 10 piece outfit at the University Graduation Ball, and from all accounts the ultimate sound of the band justified the Harrison judgement in selecting good players as his support. It’s in The Family! Jack Harrison’s Trio, winners of Perth’s “Popular Dance Band Contest” for 1948. This talented threesome have remarkable polish, considering their extreme youthfulness, and have certainly made their presence felt in the comparatively short time for which they have been associated with the dance band business. From L to R: Jack Harrison (saxes), Ray Harrison (drums), jill Harrison (piano). Jack and jill are both aged 16 and Ray is 18. Since this photo was taken, Jack Harrison has blossomed out with a 10 piece band, with which he played at the Perth University Graduation Ball. (Photo by Arthur Fielding Ruskin). Music Maker and Dance Band News May 1949
JACK HARRISON’S CHEQUE BOOK:
5 MAY 1949
JACK Cheque to: Norm Wrightson Grad Ball £3/2/6
George Kirkby Grad Ball £3/2/6
Jack Pope Grad Ball £3/2/6
George Franklin Grad Ball £3/2/6
Charles Thompson Grad Ball £3/2/6
Bill Hendrie Grad Ball £3/2/6
Roy Coates Grad Ball £3/2/6
Ray Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
Jill Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
Bands “JOHN” writes: I am 18 and I would very much like to play a trumpet. Could you tell me of any band I could join and learn to play? The obvious reply to your question is the Y.A.L. band, but I understand there are no instruments to spare in that band just now. There is the North Perth Police Boys’ Club band, the R.S.L. junior band, the Perth City band, and the Nedlands military band, just to mention a few of them. For the North Perth Band and the Perth City Band, you could make inquiries by visiting the band room on the corner of Fitzgerald-st., and Stuart-st., during practices on Thursday evenings or Sunday morning. For the Nedlands military band, you should inquire from Mr. F. Kendall, care of the Nedlands Road Board. Mr. Charles Court, 125 St. George’s-ter., Perth, will give details of the R.S.L. band. Inquiries for the Y.A.L. band should be made to the bandmaster, Mr. George Franklin, at Y.A.L. headquarters, Murray-st. — MARY FERBER.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Thursday 12 May 1949, page 16
George travelled to Eastern States and met a soprano singer…
1950 DIARY OF JACK HARRISON – SYDNEY
Thu 26th Jan 1950 (arrive Sydney)
Got up at 6.15am because we wanted to see the boat coming in. It was in the heads. It was quite a good sight but it was quite foggy and you could not see very far away. The best part was going under the bridge. Got into Sydney at 7.45am and got a taxi to the YMCA. Wandered around town a bit with Mr Whitelock, Mr Anthill and the Chappells. Had lunch at the YMCA and messed around in the afternoon. Had early tea and went out to Kurt Jacob’s place but he was not home. Waited for about an hour then gave up and went to the Trocadero where there was a swing concert. It was very good. The band was Frank Coughlan’s. Went up and spoke to Jim Riley (ex Perth boy) and told him the WA news. At half time I saw George Franklin and sat with him the rest of the concert. Got to bed at 11pm.
Wed 1st Feb 1950
After I did some mouthorgan practice, had a spell and did some clari. Went and booked TAA to get home (19 pounds) and drew money out of the bank. Went to 2UE and met Mr Dawe who told us to come and see the Palmolive show [variety and quiz shows for the Colgate-Palmolive Radio Unit.] in rehearsal on Friday. After lunch went for a walk and met George Franklin. At 3pm we went to the Celebrity to find that the auditions were yesterday. Went around a few picture shows. Caught the train at 5pm to Bankstown and met Colin and then had tea. Colin showed us pictures and on the way home we called into Colin’s shop at the Course. Got to bed 11pm.
1955 – Jazz Jamboree
No. 9 – “Hot and Cool” – KEITH WHITTLE’S DIXIELANDERS WITH JOHNNY REGAN’S MODERNIQUES.
Personnel: George Franklin (Trumpet)
1965
George was the Corporal 1st cornet leader of a very good group of four outstanding cornet soloists in the Western Command Band when Bob Keatch was posted to Perth.
1974 – Conductor Perth City Band
Mr Franklin was the conductor of the City of Perth brass band from 1974
In 1978, City of Perth Band were state A Grade champions.
PHOTO:
Mr Franklin was the conductor of the City of Perth brass band from 1974. (ABC News: Lauren Smith)
2013 – aged 103
Band Leader George Franklin
Fremantle’s famous old barber shop, Norm Wrightson’s Hairway, is celebrating its 80th year and marking the occasion with a variety packed concert called ‘Salute to Fremantle’. The Magic Dream Big Band were one of the main acts performing in the Fremantle Town Hall.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_corston/10513007923
George Franklin is a World War II veteran. (ABC News: Chloe Henville)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-11/veterans-mark-rememberance-day-as-numbers-dwindle/105997254
2026 – aged 104
Legendary Perth big band conductor George Franklin passes away
RIP George Franklin – 104 year old legendary Perth Big Band conductor decided it was finally time to hang up his baton. A great trumpeter in his day. Retired Perth cornet player and brass repairer, Max Douglas told me once “I never heard him miss”.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/perthbigbands/posts/3172814449593169/
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1025055272853262
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1199218768257717
Vale – George Franklin by Bob Keatch
Greetings OLD CONTEMPTIBLES.
Some sad news. George Franklin passed away last week. He was surrounded by family and at peace. A fall recently saw him in hospital with broken bones and some complications. A sad end after a brilliant life very well lived. George was well regarded, much admired and deeply loved far and wide. George was the Corporal 1st cornet leader of a very good group of four outstanding cornet soloists in the Western Command Band when I was posted here in 1965. Lots of excellent memories over the years including my time as his big band Drummer in more recent times.
Funeral arrangements:
2 pm Wednesday 29th July 2026
Norfolk Chapel. KARRAKATTA.