We have pictures of WW1. We have written history of WW1. We even have recorded video and some recorded audio of WW1. But what if you could re-create an exact sound of the Great War from something that can sit innocently in your pocket?
This is a trench whistle. It was carried by "officer" ranked soldiers in the trenches. When an officer would blow this whistle – usually at a planned battle time – all the soldiers would be expected to quickly go “over-the-top” of the trench where suddenly they would be fired upon by enemy forces in no-man’s land. Almost instantly, 1 out of every 3 soldiers would be killed within 5 seconds of going over the top of the trench. But you had no choice. If you refuse to go, you would be shot for abandoning your duty and betraying your army. If you were a soldier hearing your commanding officer blowing this whistle, there’s a good chance this was the last sound you heard as you died in no-man’s land. Of all World War One artefacts and militaria, this trench whistle will immediately snap you back to 1917 and stimulate your senses with the eerie sound of the start of battle!
After over a century, this item is still in perfect working condition. (Beware, many similar eBay listings are either fake reproductions or no longer in 'working' condition.
This is a British World War I 1917 Officer's Trench Whistle (Birmingham, England) made by De Courcy in 1917 It is approximately 82 mm in length and shows signs of "battle-worn". Alfred De Courcy founded his company in 1888. He is of Irish descent and a talented engineer and innovative designer who patented several whitsles. J. Hudson & Co bought his business in 1927.
Don't just own a piece of history! Put it to your mouth, blow, and hear the SOUNDS of history too. The only thing better is an actual time machine. :)