About Doug Thoresen
My Story
Doug was born in Napier, New Zealand and was taught the bagpipes from the age of 9.
After successfully competing in a wide range of solo competitions in all grades eventually reaching “A” grade, Doug also became a member of a competition pipe band and Pipe Major at 16 years of age.
My Story Cont.
At 18 years of age, Doug was called up for military training, serving 3 years, remaining with a territorial unit.
On full time duty, Doug successfully completed the senior course at Edinburgh Castle qualifying him as a regular soldier in the 4th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, (4RAR).
My Story Cont.
As a result of successfully receiving a Churchill Fellowship Award Doug was able to achieve a higher degree of certification.
In his final 6 years of Military Service and as a member of the Australian Army Band Corps, Doug was Commissioned to the Defence Force School of Music where he was awarded an
Order of Australia, (OAM) for his military contribution.
My Story Cont.
Having retired from the Army, Doug successfully served 12 years with the Queensland Police Pipe Band.
Doug was a major influence and contributor to the establishment of the Pipes & Drums, National Servicemen’s Memorial Band as well as the Ormiston Heritage Pipes and Drums and the University of Queensland Emmanuel Pipes & Drums.
