AT a military funeral the 'Last Post' is played. The haunting sound often brings a lump to the throat and tears in our eyes. But, people may like to know how the music came into being. The account delivered here could be of special interest as perhaps never before. It's a War History story and more for our present age.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union  Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia .The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.  Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.

Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.  In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.

His request was only partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.

The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, those in charge did say they could give him only one musician.

The captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.

This wish was granted and the haunting melody, we now know as 'The Last Post' was born.

Today, in 2010, we remember those lost and harmed while serving their country, we also remember those who have served and returned home; and our thoughts go to those presently serving in the Armed Forces.

 Donald Bibey

Okemoor Park

Okehampton