Historic Bugle To Sound At Isle Of Wight Remembrance Service

This weekend’s county Remembrance service in Newport will include a deeply symbolic and historic tribute, connecting today’s commemorations with the Island’s wartime past.

During the service, the Last Post will be played on a silver bugle once carried into battle by the Isle of Wight Rifles during the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.

The bugle, rich in history, was used by Bugler Major Reginald Frank Peachey, who served with the 1st Battalion Isle of Wight Rifles.

It was originally presented to the battalion by the officers and men of the 2nd Battalion before their departure from the Island.

Major Peachey carried the instrument into battle, where he was wounded while sounding the advance.

According to historical accounts, the silver bugle caught the sunlight and drew the attention of Turkish snipers.

Remarkably, Peachey survived his injuries and returned home to the Isle of Wight.

He went on to manage the Waverley Hotel in Carisbrooke, having been educated at Barton Boys School, and passed away in 1952.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Isle of Wight Rifles’ involvement in Gallipoli, making the tribute especially meaningful.

Following the Remembrance service, the historic bugle will go on public display at the Museum of Island History at Newport Guildhall from February, as part of a special exhibition marking the Gallipoli anniversary.

Before that, it will sound once more in St Thomas Square, Newport, during this Sunday’s county Remembrance event.