Bugle : Private W Crossan, 47 Battalion, AIF

Standard issue copper and brass military bugle which has subsequently been chrome plated, possibly in the 1950s. The bugle is impressed near the bell with the manufacturer's details 'HAWKES & SON (broad arrow) Denman Street Piccadilly Circus LONDON 1914'. The following has been hand engraved on the bugle by the original user '4477', and 'Bugler Crossman 47th Btn' within scrolls reading 'SEPT.15 TO JUNE 19 EGYPT FRANCE'.

This bugle was used by 4477 Bugler (Private) William Crossan during his service with 47 Battalion AIF. Crossan was born in Scotland in 1896 and enlisted in Brisbane on 6 September 1915. He served in Egypt and France before returning to Australia on 13 April 1919. He was discharged from the army in June 1919. Crossan served again during the Second World War, enlisting with the number QX7203 on 22 April 1940. He was commissioned and served with 2/1 Ordnance Ammunition Company. He was discharged, with the rank of captain, in August 1952. Crossan's bugle later passed to an army reserve unit in Maryborough and it was re-issued to Noel Edwin Ryan, who played it in commemorative ceremonies in the Bundaberg district until the end of the 1990s. Ryan was a Second World War veteran who had served as a gunner, with the service number QX25443, in 2/6 Field Artillery Regiment.