Tin whistle, formerly the property of Pte Clarence Percival Holness, 6th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), 1914 (c)

‘Kelly’ Holness had served in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, having joined in 1895, and had seen service during the South African War (1899-1902). Having completed his service he was on the Army Reserve and joined The Buffs for service during the First World War, aged 39.

Despite being awarded field punishments twice, and being court-martialed for drunkeness and absence without leave, he was often called to the officers’ mess to play the Regimental march on this tin whistle. He would be rewarded for half a tumbler of whisky each time he did this.

From the collection of the former Buffs Regimental Museum.