The man on the right is Lt. Dann, who appears in a number of Des’s works with his characteristic red moustache and unique hat. It appears from our research that he was the camp policeman.
Lt Dann was born in South London on 10th June 1913, and served with the 118th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.He died in 1993 just before his 80th birthday
Source: The Bettany Family wish to thank Sabrina Smith (nee Dann), Lt Dann’s grand daughter for supplying the above information.
‘Bugle calls typically indicated the change in daily routines of camp. Every duty around camp had its own bugle call, and since cavalry had horses to look after, they heard twice as many signals as regular infantry. “Boots & Saddles” was the most imperative of these signals and could be sounded without warning at any time of day or night, signaling the men to equip themselves and their mounts immediately. Bugle calls also relayed commanders’ orders on the battlefield, signaling the troops to Go Forward, To the Left, To the Right, About, Rally on the Chief, Trot, Gallop, Rise up, Lay down, Commence Firing, Cease Firing, Disperse, and other specific actions.’
Perhaps the two officials are looking with surprise and wonder that this soldier sees it important to hand over a bugle, as there would be no need for it as POW’s they saw no action and their lives were ordered by the Japanese? Perhaps it’s depicting time had no meaning, similar to the next images entitled ‘CLOCKS’ or an earlier image entitled ‘WAITING’?
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugle_call