Whistle Categories > Military Whistles
Where did military whistles originate?
Military whistles like naval whistles reach far back into history, perhaps of the earliest after hunting whistles. Many early Roman whistles are promulgated as legionnaires whistles. Where they stepped forward is with the English with boatswain whistles. However, Boatswain whistles have been separated off into their own category. Military whistles are defined somewhat by their shapes and stamps. For example, dates are usually associated with these whistles stamped directly on them. The English were front runners with this, circa late 1880s.
How are military whistles identified?
Several types of whistles were used by the military.
One type is set apart as military dress whistles consisting of a sheath attached to dress clothing, chain, and a removable whistle. Some had no shield of chain, just two posts and retainer nuts. These may later qualify as their own category.
Another way to quickly identify government issue is the dating stamped on to the whistle. This does not prove military use though. A railway for example may be a government railway wit a date stamped on it.
Additionally, to be included are tube shaped whistles with a very large finger ring attached on the side for horsemen.
Lastly there are military marks for the purpose of the whistle issue, yet have a different country of manufacturing. Charts need to be consulted for each country’s mark.
Why were they made?
The need like the navy feud with noise in the field, gave rise to be able to cut through the noise and communicate. The whistle was the perfect signaling device because of its insistent high pitch.
Then came the need for signaling for attack out of the trenches to coordinate the offense attacks. There would be some communication need above the horrendous noise levels at war.
World War two saw the drop off of quality brass escargots, small flight jacket whistles as well as tube shaped issues. Plastic would take over from there.
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