A BUGLE which has not been played since it was used to mark ceasefire in the trenches at the end of the First World War was placed next to a wreath at Humbie War Memorial on Sunday, 100 years to the day since the Armistice that ended the war.
The British Army bugle is owned by Donald Hardie, who came across it while visiting his wife’s uncle in Atlanta. Mr Hardie, who lives near Humbie, revealed that his wife’s uncle had been serving as a doctor on the frontline when the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918.
He told the Courier: “The bugler used it to mark the ceasefire and then threw it away because he wasn’t going to need it any more.”
The instrument went back to America with the young doctor, where it remained until the Hardies’ visit.
Mr Hardie said: “I asked him what he was doing with a British Army bugle and he said I was the only person who knew what it was and then gave it to me. He never played it and neither have I – it has not played a note since the ceasefire.”
The bugle was placed on a table in Humbie Parish Church during the remembrance service that followed the wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here