NAM.2000-02-20-1

Private museum publicity token, 1898 (c)-1908. Issued by Mr T G Middlebrook. It illustrates the bugle used by Trumpet Maj Henry Joy, 17th Light Dragons (Lancers), at Balaclava, Crimean War (1854-1856), 1854. The obverse bears the inscription, ‘FREE MUSEUM/ THE BUGLE THAT SOUNDED THE BALACLAVA CHARGE/ OCT 25TH 1854/ 17TH LANCERS’; reverse bears the union flag with an oak leaf entwined on the pole and the inscription, ‘WITH SEASONS GREETINGS FROM T: G: MIDDLEBROOK LARGEST EGG IN THE WORLD FREE MUSEUM’. Mr Middlebrook purchased the bugle in 1898 and it was sold again in 1908. The bugle was thought to be that which sounded the ‘Charge’ for the Light Brigade, however it is probable that the charge was not sounded, and although Hill did not take part in the action, it has been said that he may have sounded the ‘Advance’.

Balaklava, Battle of, 1854 (Crimean War, Charge of the Light Brigade, 1854 (Crimean War 1854-1856)