British soldiers keeping alive an 18th century military bugling tradition
British soldiers from 1 RIFLES out in Cyprus are keeping alive the 18th century tradition of bugling in addition to their regular military duties.
The days of using the brass instrument to communicate on the battlefield may be long gone, but troops from The Rifles have been taking part in a bugling competition.
1 RIFLES is a light infantry-roled battalion, and the soldiers in Cyprus are part of the Assault Pioneer Platoon, being responsible for engineering and demolition within the unit.
However, in The Rifles, some of the infanteers have secondary roles as buglers.
Soldiers from 1 RIFLES have been competing for the title of the Commanding Officer's Bugler.
The contenders were judged on their presentation, drill and bugling skills.
WO2 Daniel Lewis, Senior Bugle Major, The Rifles, told Forces News: "The first phase is making sure that their kit is as best as can be, making sure that everyone's wearing it correctly and that they have the ability to prep their kit on their own.
"The second phase of the drill is to make sure they’re smart, they're upright, they're leaning back and they have a little bit of swagger about them as riflemen.
"Lastly, that really nitty gritty part is the bugling phase - and that's where we're really listening to because they play what we call a warm-up call as such, which is scored, and that'll be a daily call.
"The second is The Last Post. Now as a bugler, that is always going to be played annually and unfortunately, more than often, there may be a funeral that you have to attend, so it's making sure that the guys can confidently play The Last Post so that when they’re called upon, they can do it.
"Lastly is the regimental march. Of course for any mess do or any parade that we do, we always march off the square to our regimental march, so making sure that the guys are confident playing that."
It was the first time in 20 years the competition was held in Cyprus, but nevertheless the judging was meticulous.
Major Steve Sharp, OC Fire Support Company, 1RIFLES, said: "I think bugling isn’t traditionally something which is that appealing to riflemen.
"However once they come to the platoon, they do the course – which is a six-month course up north – they become buglers.
"They really understand the benefits the bugle platoon brings – opportunities to go to Saudi Arabia, to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan to do defence engagement activity, but also enabling the whole host of activities on the island, the ceremonial side is so important."
The winner of the competition was Rifleman Drew Collings, CO'S Bugler, 1 RIFLES, who said: "Winning today was great, it's an honour to be the CO's Bugler, it’s not something we do every day.
"The stage I was most nervous was definitely the bugling part. Everyone's watching you, everyone can hear you, it’s definitely the most nerve-racking stage of the three."
Bugles remain a huge part of The Rifles' identity, whether in Cyprus, the UK or elsewhere overseas.
Join Our Newsletter
