The Blue Diamonds Singing Duo: National Service In Holland

The late Ruud de Wolff and Riem de Wolff. 

From Maluku, Ambon, Indonesia.

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Sadly Ruud and Riem have passed away. but they are back again on this blog. One of my favourite duet and even better than The Everly Brothers, the two boys known as The Blue Diamonds, can be heard marching along with these songs. And in uniform too, with the Choir of the Technical Troop, Grave and Orchestra of Conductor Jack Bulterman.

Image above - Songs on the vinyl include:

Old Soldiers Never Die, Pack Up Your Troubles, It's A Long Long Way To Tipperary, John Brown's Body, She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain, Marching Along Together (Fontana: 266 358 TF).

For publicity too, like Elvis, they had their hair cut.

[Image: Alamy]

They were then in the army when these songs were recorded and, like Elvis Presley in GI Blues and our own National Service [NS] boys, had to serve their country, Holland. "They had a ball with their companions at arms, as their singing, backed by a choir of their friends, is a selection of marching songs and melodies popular with soldiers. You will recognise them all [vinyl record sleeve notes]."

You will too, especially our Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and most uniformed personnel, professional or otherwise. You sure you have this vinyl? Quite rare I think. But these are really nice, old sing-a-longs. 

Any Blue Diamond fans still out there?

Collecting their military attire 

and to serve the country.

[Image: Alamy]

Images from Alamy

Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

Back to basics and in-camp training.

[Image: Alamy]

This post from, 26th January 2010, has been revived and refined.

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Blue Diamonds: 'Old Soldiers Never Die'

YouTube Video from nederarchief.