Canadian Bugle?

[MarkMcM]

Hello All,

This recently acquired bugle came by way of a large, old military collection in Canada. Standard Brit pattern, marked 'C MAHILLON & CO LONDON'. I understand this maker is known for Boer War contracts to the Canadian forces (which makes sense, given where it was found). Copper body has a gorgeous chocolate brown patina. No broad arrow, but I know that doesn't necessarily rule out military service. Thoughts??

[N.S. Regt.]

I have attached a few photos of a WW1 period bugle. This paticular one came home with 734266 Sgt. Harold Clinton MacKinnon who was a member of the 112th Battalion band. Harold served also with the 25th battalion which I also have his tunic medals badges ect. The bugle is like yours is devoid of a broad arrow but maker marked "Besson & Co. London" also same patina I did not have the heart to polish it as I think it will spoil the look of it.

Stephen

[MarkMcM]

Hi Stephen,

Thank you for posting this, as it is goes directly to the heart of the question. How might the lack of broad arrow proofing on things like these be explained? Lax application of the standard in the 'colonial' forces? Catch-as-catch-can supply chain? Or is it simply a case of the trooper bringing a private purchase item with him on campaign?

Your bugle is gorgeous, and with provenance no less! I take it the cord is original? By the way, completely agree about the patina - it would be a sin to remove it!

M~

[N.S. Regt.]

Hi Mark

The cord was with the bugle when I bought it the grouping to MacKinnon was sold at a estate sale and bought by three different people. I was able to buy most of the material except a needle work of the 25th badge. Interesting is with the collection was a old pair of crutches when I examined a photo of him from 1919 it showed him with the crutches and the tunic I now have. In a seperate photo of the 112th Battalion Band he is holding a trumpet so not sure if he also played the bugle for the battalion but it is part of the group. the tunic was very rough when I bought it but had it conserved and now looks very presentable. I am attaching some photos of the grouping to MacKinnon all material except the cap and the leather belt on the tunic are his.

Stephen

[MarkMcM]

Spectacular group, Stephen! All that and a Lewis Gunner too!

[N.S. Regt.]

Hi Mark

I feel it is important to keep these types of groups together some will buy the medals or the badges for example and sell the rest. But when you take any piece out of it you loose the history of the item. When I seen the crutches I thought at first they could have been added anytime but to have the photo of them being used after being wounded in the thigh helps tell that part of his story.

Just out of interest here is Harolds story in brief from his file and a little I have learned of his private life.

734266 Sgt. Harold Clinton MacKinnon
25th Battalion

Harold Clinton MacKinnion was born in Yarmouth Nova Scotia Dec. 14 1894 the oldest of three children of Arthur and Elizabeth MacKinnion. He worked with his Father on the steam ship Prince Arthur working as a purser. Prior to enlisting he had served in the 29th Battery C.F.A. and two years in the cadets. Harold enlisted in the 112th Battalion on Mar. 13 1916 and was a member of the band of that Battalion. He proceeded overseas with the 112th and arrived in England on July 31 1916 and was transfered to the 26th Reserve Battalion on Feb. 2 1917.
Harold was appointed L-Cpl. on Mar. 17 1917 but reverted back to Pte. on April 16 1917 to proceed overseas to the 25th Battalion arriving with the Battalion on May 6 1917. He served with the 25th untill Aug. 17 1917 when he was wounded during the Battle of Hill 70 suffering bullet wounds to the left leg and arm. He was sent Back to the U.K. to be treated for his wounds and was released and transfered to the 17th Reserve Battalion on Jan. 18 1918. Harold was then sent back to France to rejoin the 25th Battalion on April 7 1918 arriving with the Battalion on June 23 1918.
While serving with the 25th he was again appointed L-Cpl. and then promoted to Cpl. on Sept. 29 1918. Harold attended The Canadian Corps Gas School from Oct. 6 1918 till Oct. 13 1918 rejoining the 25th Battalion. During the attack on Elouges Nov. 8 1918 which is the last day the 25th Battalion was in action he was wounded for a second time. He was hit by a shell fragment in the right thigh which caused some loss of tissue and nerve damage which caused him a great deal of pain in his lower leg and foot. He was treated for the wound in the U.K. and was later returned to Canada on May 21 1919.
Harold was treated further at Camphill Hospital in Halifax Nova scotia for his wound and allowed to go home while not undergoing treatment. He was promoted to Sgt. in Dec. 1919 exact date unknown but his pay records showed a increase in the dailly rate starting in this month. He was later discharged on April 24 1920 in Halifax. After his discharge he went back to work with his Father as a purser on the S.S. Prince Arthur and later served on the S.S. Prince George both ships originally running from Yarmouth to Boston. Harold Clinton MacKinnion passed away here in Nova Scotia on May 26 1974.

I normally try and display a few groups each year for the public I have displayed this group a couple of times it normally gets some attention and Harolds story is told and not forgotten.

Stephen

[MarkMcM]

Stephen,

That's excellent. It's not hard to find single items and groups of varying sizes with associated research, but the breadth and scope of this group and the accompanying back-story is truly outstanding. Even more importantly, your efforts to track and re-acquire as much of the group as possible are to be commended!

M~