Besson 'Prototype' Euphonium: Private C H Jones, 18 Battalion Band, AIF

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Accession Number REL/09016
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Brass, Rubber
Maker Besson
Place made United Kingdom: England, Greater London, London
Date made c 1892
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Brass, four-valve compensating euphonium in Bb, of soldered construction. The two outer (of three) top-action valves are loose and lack the ability to return, indicating missing or broken springs, while the single horizontal compensating valve is missing its fingerplate, internal piston valve, spring and end closing plate. The compensating valve is impressed with the 'Besson Brevetee' [star symbol] within an oval trademark; while valve one (closest to the bell) is similarly impressed, with the addition of the serial 37483. The words 'Medals of honour', within a scroll above the decorative initials 'FB', followed by 'F. BESSON "Prototype" 198 EUSTON RD LONDON [star symbol]' - are all impressed in a position on the upper horn above the mouthpiece. The heavy, unmarked mouthpiece is nickel plated and possibly not original. It bears evidence of having been secured with masking or electrical tape, now removed. The rim of the bell has suffered crush damage, and various tubes throughout the instrument bear dents from impact.

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History / Summary

Euphonium used and played by Claude Henry George Jones, a carpenter of Rozelle, NSW. Born at Mount Hope in 1894, Jones enlisted on 20 June 1915 at Liverpool and was assigned to 19 Battalion with service number 1947. He embarked for overseas service aboard the transport HMAT 'Runic' which left Sydney on 9 August.

He landed on Gallipoli in early September and was transferred to D Company, 18 Battalion, which had only itself landed on the peninsula on 20 August. The next day it was thrown into the attack on Hill 60 which lasted over a week and cost 18 Battalion 50 per cent casualties - Jones was pulled from 19 Battalion as a reinforcement. The battalion then spent the remainder in defence, including the manning of Courtney's Post and were finally evacuated by 20 December. Jones spent much of his time here as a stretcher bearer.

After further training in Egypt, 18 Battalion crossed to France on 18 March 1916. Jones's services record notes him as taking part 'in a raid on enemy trenches on night of 26-27 June 1916'.

After the war's end, Jones married May Gladys Alsop of Bristol on 12 February 1919 at St Paul's Church Bristol. He returned to Australia aboard the transport 'Main' at Sydney on 15 September 1919 'with wife' and was discharged from the AIF on 14 December. No details can be found of Jones's experience as a band member, but it was usual for battalion band members to be employed as stretcher bearers.