Though we may not know its’ title, many of us would recognize “The Last Post” if we heard it from just the first few notes. It is the unmistakable bugle call played during Remembrance Day ceremonies and military funerals; a musical elegy that immediately evokes sorrow and resolution. An impressive feat considering it consists of a mere five notes and relies on a single instrument to convey its’ intention.
When “The Last Post” was first published in the 1790’s it was one of several bugle calls sounded daily in British Army camps. Different calls signalled specific activities such as waking up, turning in for the evening, meal times, and so on. [1] Essentially, the trumpet call or bugle call was used to help soldiers keep track of time throughout the day. The call that signalled the end of the final sentry-post inspection, indicating that the camp was secure for the evening is the song we now call “The Last Post.”
The song was originally called “Setting the Watch but was renamed “The Last Post” in 1873, around the time it began to take on its’ more sombre meaning.[2]
Several developments acted as mechanisms to drive massive changes to warfare during the 19th Century. The Industrial Revolution made it possible to manufacture weapons faster and cheaper than ever before. Improvements to existing weapons, along with the invention of dynamite and machine guns made it much easier to defend and hold a position while rendering frontal attacks all but useless. This meant that to win a war, armies needed more and more troupes.
Meanwhile the British Empire continued to grow, eventually doubling the size of its’ armed forces. By this time, global transportation had greatly improved, and larger numbers of troupes could be sent further and faster. A by-product of these changes meant that military bandsmen, who were often civilians, would not accompany their regiment overseas. Thus, the regimental bugler was called upon to provide music for the fallen soldiers at their funerals or as they were being sent home.
The first known time this occurred was in Quebec during a burial of a member of the 71st Regiment Light Infantry in 1853. Presumably, “The Last Post” was chosen to signify the end of life just as it had once signified the end of the day, a call for security and rest. The practice became more and more common as time passed, and by the time WWI was underway, it was a ceremonial tradition[3]. By virtue of the sheer number of lives lost in that war, and the ensuing funerals, that simple, yet evocative five note song left its’ mark on the civilian population.
For most of us, it acts as a signal for us to take a moment and reflect on things that we most likely take for granted. It is an invitation to remember the past and to honour those that served their country and to pay tribute to their sacrifice.
All from five notes, one instrument, and an unknown composer.
[1] Turner, Alwyn W. “The Story of the Last Post.” BBC., www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34768398
[2] Parker, Peter. “After the War.” The Daily Telegraph., ww1.canada.com/after-the-war/the-last-post-has-come-to-symbolise-a-moving-remembrance-for-the-military-and-civilians-alike
[3] Deachman, Bruce. “Originally a Call…” Ottawa Citizen., www.ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/originally-a-call-simply-to-announce-the-end-of-the-day-the-last-post-has-become-a-powerful-and-ubiquitous-song-of-remembrance