Man trumpets a different tune .. (From Warrington Guardian)

Man trumpets a different tune ..

A man has dismissed claims that one of Knutsford's most famous men sounded the Charge of the Light Brigade.

Paul Nertney sent a letter to a national newspaper last week, saying he believed his great, great grandfather Martin Lanfried was given the task - not Trumpet Major Smith.

The Bedfordshire resident said he had evidence to show that his relative had sounded the Charge, which signalled the beginning of the infamous military blunder at Balaclava that sent hundreds of soldiers into the Valley of Death.

He said his great, great grandfather's gravestone at Hove Cemetery even has an inscription acknowledging his role.

But every year visitors arrive in Knutsford to visit the grave of Trumpet Major Smith in St John's churchyard, believing he sounded the Charge.

"Since Knutsford believes it is the home of Trumpet Major Smith and people come to gaze at his gravestone this would be a blow to our pride if it were true," said Knutsford resident Bob Jeffery.

Interest has grown in Trumpet Major Smith recently because this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Charge of the Light Brigade.

After returning to Knutsford, he was steward of the then gentleman's club in Tatton Street.

He died at 57. An inquest decided he had committed suicide by deliberately overdosing on laudanum.