MOGG’S Military Band, Weston-super-Mare
1887-1953
Mogg’s Military Band was founded by Harry MOGG who conducted it until his death in 1929.
Harry MOGG was a clarinet player who for several years had been bandmaster of the Rifle
Volunteer Corp. Harry MOGG taught many an aspiring bandsman to play and insisted that all
the members were taught to read music and not to play by ear.
The Band continued as an important part of Weston’s musical
history and was a popular attraction as it entertained residents
and holidaymakers until it was disbanded in 1953. Many
members of the band were related to Harry MOGG - his
brothers, sons and in-laws took part. It was a prizewinner at
several national Band Competitions before the First World War
culminating in becoming the Best British Band in Crystal
Palace in 1912.
A young bandsman, Charles BAKER, who joined the band in
1900, played the cornet solo during the band’s prize-winning
concert at the Crystal Palace and he later became the conductor
himself for many years. His son is our very own member, Stan
BAKER, who acts as librarian and coordinates our Cemetery
research.
The following are local names that have been obtained from photographs of the band for the years
in question:
1912
C Baker
T Morris
C Urch
D Collard
W Jennings
E Nicholls
B Wilkins
G Popham
F Mogg
G Locke
H Mogg
C Rossiter
G Bray
J Mogg Ryall
B Woolmington
J Baker
H Dark
F Williams
? Westcott
H Butt
G Blake
G Jones
H Capell
Fred Mogg
E Wollen Gould
W Brown
H Norville Hawkins
T Thorne
G Owens
C Jones
C Cann
C Gibbs
R Southers
S Taylor
1937
L Sealey
C Urch
T Thould
G Bray
H Swift
E Goddard
W Lewis
C Venn
A Wilkins
J Haines
C Childs
J Baler
R Bateman
G Mogg
W Maggs
C Slocombe
C Owens
D Mogg
A Harris
R Clout
If you know any further information about Moggs Military Prize Band, Pat Hase would like to hear
from you!