His company would go on to supply police forces and railways. His 1884 football referee whistle would replace the handkerchief they previously relied on. Then came the World Wars.

During World War I (1914-1918), British soldiers required signals that could cut through the loudest noise, especially in the trenches. Shouted orders were often lost amidst the gunfire and explosions. The sharp sound of the whistle however, sliced through the noise with incredible clarity. Looking into its function highlights how an ordinary brass instrument became key for communication in combat and, ultimately, for the survival of countless troops. 

This 1917 Acme Thunderer Artillery Officer’s whistle is an escargot-type pea whistle. Blowing air into the mouthpiece of a pea whistle causes the pea to vibrate against the whistle’s body. Just like this one, the ‘pea’ was generally made of cork.

This wartime whistle is more than just a piece of history. It endured mud, fear and turmoil – if only it could share its story.

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