THE PIPES OF WAR
GLASGOW
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PIPER JAMES RICHARDSON, V.C., i6th CANADIAN SCOTTISH
At Regina Trench, Vimy Ridge
Front the Painting by J. Prinsep Beadle
The Pipes of War
A Record of the Achievements of Vipers
of Scottish and Overseas Regiments
duri?ig the War 19 14-18
BY
Brevet-Col. SIR BRUCE SETON, Bart., of Abercorn, C.B.
AND
Pipe-Major JOHN GRANT
WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY
NEIL MUNRO, BOYD CABLE, PHILIP GIBBS, and Others
V
GLASGOW
MACLEHOSE, JACKSON & CO.
PUBLISHERS TO THE UNIVERSITY
I92O
BERKELEY
MUSIC LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA
<fi
-
331
UST
XT /"HEREVER Scottish troops have fought the sound of the
pipes has been heard, speaking to us of our beloved
native land, bringing back to our memories the proud traditions
of our race, and stimulating our spirits to fresh efforts in the
cause of freedom. The cry of " The Lament " over our fallen
heroes has reminded us of the undying spirit of the Scottish race,
and of the sacredness of our cause.
The Pipers of Scotland may well be proud of the part they
have played in this war. In the heat of battle, by the lonely
grave, and during the long hours of waiting, they have called to
us to show ourselves worthy of the land to which we belong.
Many have fallen in the fight for liberty, but their memories
remain. Their fame will inspire others to learn the pipes, and
keep alive their music in the Land of the Gael.
~fa.
& UT-qts
PREFACE
This record of the achievements of pipers during the war of 1914-18 is not
intended to be an appeal to emotionalism. It aims at showing that, in spite
of the efforts of a very efficient enemy to prevent individual gallantry, in
spite of the physical conditions of the modern battlefield, the pipes of war,
the oldest instrument in the world, have played an even greater part in
the orchestra of battle in this than they have in past campaigns.
The piper, be he Highlander, or Lowlander, or Scot from Overseas,
has accomplished the impossible — not rarely and under favourable
conditions, but almost as a matter of routine ; and to him not Scot-
land only but the British Empire owes more than they have yet
appreciated.
In doing so he has sacrificed himself ; and Scotland — and the world-
must face the fact that a large proportion of the men who played the
instrument and kept alive the old traditions have completed their self-
imposed task. With 500 pipers killed and 600 wounded something must be
done to raise a new generation of players ; it is a matter of national import-
ance that this should be taken in hand at once, and that the sons of those
who have gone should follow in the footsteps of their fathers.
This is the best tribute that can be offered to them.
The Piobaireachd Society intend to institute a Memorial School of
piping for this purpose, and all profits from the sale of this book will be
handed over to their fund.
The compilation of the statistical portions of the work has involved
correspondence with commanding officers, pipe presidents and pipe majors
of many units in the Imperial armies ; to them, for their enthusiastic
viii PREFACE
assistance in obtaining information, is due the credit for the mass of detail
that has been made available.
To the other contributors — authors, artists and poets — is due in large
measure such success as may follow the publication of this work. They
have helped a cause worthy of their efforts.
It is earnestly to be hoped that Scotland will rise to the occasion. To
the compilers it has been a privilege to record the achievements of men —
many of them personal friends — who contributed so largely to the success
of their gallant regiments.
B. S.
J- G.
CONTENTS
PACE
Foreword by Field-Marshal Earl Haig of Bemersyde, K.T. - - v
Preface ----- vii
THE PIPES OF WAR. By Brevet Col. Sir Bruce Seton, Bart.,
of Abercorn, C.B.
Introduction - 3
A History of the Pipes ---------- 9
The Pipes in the War, 1914-1918
The Western Front -----------18
Gallipoli -_.__. 31
Salonika ----33
Mesopotamia ------------33
The Last Stage -----34
Pipers in the Ranks ----------35
Pipers on the March ------- . . - 37
Pipe Tunes ------- 42
Individual Achievements - - 46
Foreigners and the Pipes ---------63
The Pipes in Captivity ----------64
Military Pipe Bands and Reform --------66
Regimental Records
The Scots Guards 71
The Royal Scots 73
The Royal Scots Fusiliers 82
The King's Own Scottish Borderers 86
The Cameronians (The Scottish Rifles) - - - - - - - 91
The Royal Highlanders (The Black Watch) ------ gQ
The Highland Light Infantry --------- 105
The Seaforth Highlanders - - - - - - - - -114
The Gordon Highlanders - 124
The Cameron Highlanders - - - - - - - - -130
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 135
The London Scottish - - - - - - - - - -143
The Tyneside Scottish - - - - - - - - - -145
x CONTENTS
Regimental Records pagb
The Middlesex Regiment - - - - - - - - - -146
The Liverpool Scottish -- 147
The Royal Fusiliers - - - - - - - - - -147
The Argyllshire Mountain Battery 148
The Ross and Cromarty Battery - - - - - - - -148
Miscellaneous ---------.--148
The Pipe Band of the 52nd (Lowland) Division ----- 149
Prisoners of War Band ----- - - ... 150
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry ------ 150
The Royal Highlanders of Canada - - - - - - - -151
The 48th Highlanders of Canada - - - - - - - -152
The Canadian Scottish - - - - - - - - - -153
The Cameron Highlanders of Canada - - - - - - -154
The 21st Canadians ----------- 155
The 25th Canadians - - - - -155
The 29th Canadians - - - - -156
The 236th Canadians ---------- 157
The Canadian Pioneers - - - -158
The 2nd Auckland Regiment --------- 158
The 42nd Australians - - - - 159
The South African Scottish - - - - - - - - -159
Roll of Honour, 1914-1918 161
Canntaireachd. By Major J. P. Grant, M.C., Yr. of Rothiemurchus - 179
The Irish Pipes : their History, Development and Divergence from the
Simple Highland Type. By W. H. Grattan Flood, Mus.D., K.S.G. - 191
The Tuition of Young Regimental Pipers. By John Grant, Pipe Major 195
The Spirit of the Maccrimmons. By Fred. T. Macleod, F.S.A.(Scot.) - 201
A Gossip about the Gordon Highlanders. By J. M. Bulloch - 219
To the Lion Rampant. By Alice C. Macdonell of Keppoch - - - 228
The Music of Battle. By Philip Gibbs ------- 232
The Pipes in the Everyday Life of the War. By Arthur Fetterless - 239
The Oldest Air in the World. By Neil Munro 246
The Pipes : Onset. By Joseph Lee, Lieut. ------ 255
Flesh to the Eagles. By Boyd Cable 258
The Black Chanter. By Charles Laing Warr ----- 267
The Pipes. By Edmund Candler 286
ILLUSTRATIONS
Piper James Richardson, V.C., i6th Canadian Scottish, at Regina
Trench, Vimy Ridge Frontispiece
From the Painting by J. Prinsep Beadle.
Piper Daniel Laidlaw, V.C., 7TH King's Own Scottish Borderers,
at Loos - - Page 24
From the Drawing by Louis Weirter, R.B.A.
" The Comrades we Left in Gallipoli " - ,.32
From the Pipe Tune composed by Colonel H. A. C. Maclean of
Pennycross, C.M.G. Set by Mrs. A. C. Macdiarmid.
Piper Kenneth Mackay, Cameron Highlanders, at Quatre-Bras ,, 64
From the Painting by Lockhart Bogle, by kind permission of the
Officers of the 1st Cameron Highlanders.
Pipe-Major Howarth, D.C.M., 6th Gordon Highlanders, at Neuve
Chapelle -----...-- ,, 120
From the Painting by J. Prinsep Beadle.
Ben Buidhe, Argyllshire --------- ,, 136
From the Water-colour Drawing by George Houston, A.R.S.A.
Border of Celtic Design by Alexander Ritchie, Iona - - ,, 161
The Pibroch - ,, 208
From the Painting by Lockhart Bogle.
Duniquaich, Loch Fyne -- ,, 248
From the Water-colour Drawing by George Houston, A.R.S.A.
THE PIPES OF WAR
BY
BREVET-COL. SIR BRUCE SETON, BART.
OF ABERCORN, C.B.
INTRODUCTION
r ■ \HE history of the bagpipes as a military institution is a long and
■*• honourable one, inseparable from that of Scottish troops, Highland
and Lowland, wherever they have fought, for centuries past. The strains
of piob mhor have been heard all over those bloody European battlefields
on which Scottish soldiers of fortune died — too often for lost causes — from
the time when Buchan's force joined the Lilies of France in 1422, throughout
the Hundred Years' War, in the Low Countries, in Germany, in Austria ;
and they have handed on a tradition which has been lived up to in the
later days of the regular Scottish units of the British Army.
But memories are short ; and, in the army as elsewhere, the passion
for reform before the greatest war of all was threatening many old-established
institutions whose utility was not immediately apparent.
And so it came about that to many observers, indeed to a considerable
section of military opinion, it appeared likely that along with the kilt,
the use of tartan, bonnet, doublet and other special features of the dress
of Scottish regiments, the bagpipe must be regarded as a picturesque
anachronism destined to disappear as the conditions of war changed and
as the yearning of high military authorities for a deadly khaki uniformity
of clothing and equipment became more insistent.
" Why," it has often been said, " should Scottish units find it necessary,
either in peace or on active service to retain an obsolete musical instrument of
their own ? In days past, before the rifle had revolutionised tactics, when
shooting was erratic at 100 yards' range, there might have been something
to say for an instrument which experience showed to be capable of stimulating
men at the psychological moment when effort was failing ; but is it reasonable
4 THE PIPES OF WAR
to expect that the educated twentieth century soldier will prove to be
responsive to any such stimulus — even if it were possible, under modern
conditions of rifle and shell fire, to provide it ? "
The reply to such a line of argument is clear enough ; and its truth
has been demonstrated in every action in which Scottish troops have taken
part during the war.
The strength of an army depends, to an incalculable degree, on the
strength not only of individual regimental esprit de corps, but of the national
sentiment of its units. The retention of time-honoured territorial titles
in the New Armies, instead of a soulless numbering of units, was itself
due to a recognition by the authorities of the principle that the individual
soldier is a better fighting man when he feels that he has to live up to an
ancient and brilliant regimental record. The Rifleman, even in peace,
would never voluntarily be transferred to a " red " regiment, nor does
a ioth Hussar yearn for the cuirass of the Life Guardsman. When a man
joins a regiment, voluntarily or compulsorily, he adopts for the whole
period of his military service the customs, the prejudices, and the traditions
of his unit, and is himself moulded by them in a manner which is as
inexplicable as it is marked.
And if regimental esprit de corps and tradition are strong, national
and territorial sentiment are stronger. In the old army, as a result of the
system of recruitment, this factor was of less importance than in the,
comparatively speaking, unmixed units of the new army of to-day. All
our military history shows that the appeal to such national sentiment
is as certain in its effects as the appeal to regimental tradition ; and this
war has enormously accentuated its importance.
All observers agree — and military despatches confirm the view — that
the rivalry of national sentiment has proved invaluable ; units, whether
battalions or divisions, have literally competed for distinction for their
own nationality, and have succeeded in associating particular exploits
with themselves for ever. It may truly be said that behind the achievements
of the 9th, 15th, 51st and 52nd and Canadian Divisions the motive impulse
was national rather than merely regimental.
INTRODUCTION 5
In the keeping alive of this national sentiment in Scottish units, their
distinctive dress and, still more, the retention of the national instrument,
have played an important part ; and this applies with equal force to units
composed of Scotsmen who have left their native land permanently or
temporarily.
Throughout the war these units have more than maintained the great
traditions of their past history, carrying on the records of Scottish gallantry
which have been excelled by no troops in the world and equalled by few.
And so with the pipers.
How important a contributory cause they have been to the success
of their battalions is recognised by all alike, men and officers — and not
least by the Field Marshal Commanding in Chief. In spite of modern
conditions they have, in cases too numerous to record, played the part
which was normally theirs in the olden days of set battles.
To many of the men in the ranks the music of the pipes in peace time
may have had no special association other than with dances and gatherings ;
but whenever the piper assumed his historic role— so long dormant — of
fighting man, the inherited peculiarities of the Scottish soldier were aroused
and the music made an overpowering appeal to his national sentiment.
Inherited sympathy of this kind is no doubt inexplicable — but it exists.
It certainly cannot be ascribed to the Celtic strain in invididuals, for we
know that the bagpipe was in general use for centuries all over the Lowlands
— perhaps even before it displaced the bard and the harper and became
the war instrument of the Highlands. We cannot analyse what Neil Munro
describes as " the tune with the river in it, the fast river and the courageous,
that kens not stop nor tarry, that runs round rock and over fall with a
good humour, yet no mood for anything but the way before it " ; we only
know that it works on some individuals and some races as no other instru-
ment does, and we need not try to satisfy ourselves whether this is due
to the flat seventh in the scale, or the ever-sounding drones, or the inherited
memory it arouses.
The idea that the piper would be too conspicuous an object to be employed
in his proper capacity has proved to be partly true, as indicated by the
6 THE PIPES OF WAR
casualties among them when playing ; but the same argument might be
applied to any other soldier in the ranks. Shells show no discrimination
in their objective.
To a certain extent this objection is a sound one ; but it is all a matter
of relative values. Many commanding officers have expressed the opinion
that at times when, on account of the all-pervading noise of the
battlefield, not a note of his music could be heard by the men nearest
to him, it was the actual presence of the piper that supplied the stimulus
to the men ; in fact, it was the piper, not his instrument, that was
followed.
For obvious reasons pipers are harder to replace than the ordinary
soldier, and, in trench warfare especially, most regiments have tried to
keep them in relative security ; but in the records of units which follow it will
be seen that, when the trouble comes, the piper has always been to the
fore, and " the tune with the tartan of the clan in it " has been heard again
as it has for centuries past.
From the military point of view the bagpipe has the merit of accentuating
national sentiment at just those moments when the stimulus is most necessary,
of rousing the " mir cath," the frenzy of battle, and of rallying men when the
ideal is liable to be lost sight of in the presence of the nerve shattering
realities of action.
In all these ways the company pipers have justified their existence.
In the discharge of a duty which may be regarded as sentimental in the
highest sense of the term, they have, literally by hundreds, made the
supreme sacrifice ; wherever Scottish units have fought these men have
exposed themselves, unhesitatingly, recklessly, playing their companies
to the attack in conditions which, as regards intensity of personal risk,
have never previously been experienced. Many battalions have lost all
their pipers more than once, but, as long as reinforcements were available,
there has never been any difficulty in getting fresh men out of the ranks
or from home to take their place ; and the new men have followed the old,
just as heedless, as they played their comrades forward, knowing quite well
that for many of them the urlar of " Baile Inneraora " or " The March
INTRODUCTION 7
of the Cameron men " might suddenly change to the taorluath of " Ch
till mi tuille."
The Germans at least, though they may not recognise the tune when
they hear it in the streets of Cologne, appreciated the grim significance of
piob mhor when " / hear the pibroch sounding, sounding " followed the lifting
of the barrage.
The war also has afforded many instances of another function of the
pipes in action. Charging the enemy at a foot pace through deep mud
is after all but a " crowded hour of glorious life," which may or may not
be completely or even partially successful, and men may have to be rallied
when their nerves have given out under intolerable strain. Of this there
have been several instances.
It must not, of course, be imagined that regimental pipers, during
this or any other war, have been normally employed in playing their units
to the attack ; the whole condition of modern fighting makes this impossible
in the same way and for the same reason that it has made impossible specta-
cular charges by battalions in line.
It would be a more accurate presentment of the case to say that the
military piper, qua piper, normally exercises his functions behind the front
line, in billets and on the line of march ; and in this respect he resembles
other army musicians whose duty — according to old Army Regulations
of 300 years ago — is " to excite cheerfulness and alacrity in the souldier."
But, recognising all this, the peculiarity of the piper is that, in open
fighting, when his unit has been committed to the attack, he often assumes
the role which distinguishes him from all other musicians, and takes his
place at the head of his company.
Instances of this during the war are innumerable, and those which are
detailed below are but typical of what has occurred in every field of opera-
tions, and in most units which possessed pipers.
And if it is impossible to say too much of the regimental pipers of the
British Army, it is equally so in the case of those of Overseas units, notably
of the Canadians. From the point of view of the historian who wishes
to demonstrate what pipers have done during this war, no more remarkable
8 THE PIPES OF WAR
case could be selected than that of the 16th Canadian Scottish. The pipers
of this distinguished battalion won one V.C., one D.C.M., one Military
Medal and Bar, and eight plain Military Medals — a record which is unique.
No man was put up for a decoration unless he had played his company over
the top at least twice, and no piper was ever ordered to play in action — it
was left to volunteers, who, it was found, had to resort to the drawing of
lots to obtain the coveted privilege of playing.
The colonel of the regiment — himself a V.C. — commenting on the
casualties says : "I believe the purpose of war is to win victories, and if
one can do this better by encouraging certain sentiments and traditions
why shouldn't it be done ? The heroic and dramatic effect of a piper
stoically playing his way across the ghastly modern battlefield, altogether
oblivious to danger, has an extraordinary effect on the spirit and enterprise of
his comrades. His example inspires all those about him."
And so it comes to this : the method of employment of the regimental
piper during this war has depended largely on opportunity — and still more
on the individuality of commanding officers. Men vary within very wide
limits in the price they are prepared to pay for attaining their object ;
and where one man will deliberately sacrifice a certain number of men to
get a position, another will as deliberately avoid the sacrifice, even if it
costs him his objective.
As far as pipers are concerned, the decision arrived at by commanding
officers of the two schools is equally indicative of the esteem in which they
hold them.
A HISTORY OF THE PIPES
AT what stages of his development primitive man discovered he could
obtain musical sounds by blowing on a hollow reed we cannot now
ascertain ; if we could do so we could at once determine when the pipe
came into existence. It is unprofitable to speculate on this point.
What we do know, however, is that men playing the pipe are portrayed
in sculptures the date of which is fixed by the best authorities as about
4000 B.C., and we conclude that in Chaldaea, Egypt, Assyria and Persia
at least, the pipe — but not necessarily the bagpipe — had become a recognised
musical instrument.
Actual specimens of the Egyptian pipe dating back to at least 1500 B.C.
are in existence, and we know that they had a reed giving a scale almost
identical with the chromatic scale ; they also had a drone. Such a pipe
had, clearly, advanced some way on the upward development to " ftiob
mhor."
Every stage in its evolution still persists in some country in the woild,
and by comparing these it is possible to trace the actual process. Thus,
besides the single pipe, which is world-wide in its distribution, we have
the Egyptian " arghool," which consists of a pipe " chanter " and drone
lying side by side ; and the later development, the " zummarah," has a bag.
In India the twentieth century snake charmer has an instrument in which
chanter and single drone lie side by side fixed into a small gourd with a
lump of wax. The chanter has a small reed very similar to our own chanter
reeds, and, although the scale differs, the sound produced is remarkably
Note. — The author takes this opportunity of acknowledging his indebtedness for much of the early-
history of the instrument to Manson's The Highland Bagpipe and Dr. Grattan Flood's The Story of the
Bagpipe, both monuments of research.
9
io THE PIPES OF WAR
similar. This instrument is essentially a single drone bagpipe, and is to be
found all over India, in Yunnan and other parts of China.
It would have been more than surprising if the pipe, in some form or
other, had not been used in ancient Greece and Rome. There are, in fact,
very many references to it in classical literature, and by ioo a.d. we know
that the " askaulos " had evolved into the bagpipe proper, and Chrysostomos
speaks of a man who could " play the pipe with his mouth on the bag placed
under his armpit."
Martial, Suetonius, Seneca, and other Latin writers refer to the " tibia
utricularis," and there is practically no doubt that it was used as a marching
instrument in the armies of Julius Caesar. A bronze showing a Roman
soldier in marching order playing the utriculus has been discovered in
England, and the writer Procopius refers to Roman pipe bands in this
country.
But when we come to the question of the introduction of the bagpipe
into the British Isles, and especially into Scotland, we are at once on highly
controversial ground.
It is obvious enough that the instrument is not peculiar to the Celtic
races ; that it has maintained its hold on them long after its disappearance
in other European nations is equally so. But who introduced it into these
favoured isles, whether the Cruithne or Prydani or Picts or the later " C "
Gaidheal branch of the Celtic stem — who shall say ?
Some authorities — students of the subject would be a safer term — are
prepared to assert that the bagpipe was introduced first into England,
thence to Lowland Scotland, and only long afterwards into the Highlands ;
and one recent writer in the Celtic Magazine says the evidence of its associa-
tion with the Scottish Gaels does not go back beyond the middle of the
sixteenth century !
The matter is one of academic interest, no doubt, but there is no likelihood
of its ever being settled.
Records did not exist in the ancient Highlands, and we have to turn
to early Irish literature for reference to the bagpipe. In the Brehon Laws
of the fifth century it is spoken of as the " cuisle " ; and, although Tara's halls
A HISTORY OF THE PIPES n
are usually associated with the harp, it is recorded that at the assemblies
which took place there in pre-Christian days it was the custom for the
pipes to play at the banquets.1
It is possible the bagpipe was brought over from the north of Ireland,
" Scotia " as it then was, on the invasion of the Highlands by Cairbre Riada,
who founded the kingdom of Dalriada in Argyle in a.d. 120 ; or in the
later great colonisation, about a.d. 506, under Lome and Angus, the sons
of Ere.
It certainly does not appear likely that the bagpipe came over from
" Scotia " in the first place, unless we are to accept the view that the Scottish
Celt came over by the same route ; unfortunately we have very little
accurate knowledge of the early history of the Highlands, and there are
no local written records extant to prove — as they do in the case of Ireland
— that the instrument existed in those early days. We do know that
the harper and the bard were national institutions of immense antiquity
in the Highlands, and that, as the bagpipe became an increasingly important
feature of everyday life, they were bitterly opposed to it.
Even Latin authors, who were familiar with the bagpipe as a marching
instrument in their own army, omit to refer to the existence of piob mhor
in the Highlands. The Greek writer Procopius, in 530 a.d., dismisses
the Highlands with the statement that " in the west the air is infectious
and mortal, the ground covered with serpents, and this dreary solitude
is the region of departed spirits." And so we are thrown back on tradition.
In the absence of records of the employment of the bagpipe in war
in the Highlands it is to Ireland, the so-called Lowlands of Scotland and to
England that we have to turn for information ; at the same time we must
bear in mind that evolution of the instrument itself had begun to operate,
and the English and Lowland pipes were different from the variety now
known as the " Highland," which has supplanted all others.
As regards Ireland it is known that the Irish troops who fought in
Gascony in 1286 had pipers with them, and a drawing of their instrument
appears in a manuscript of 1300 A.D. in the British Museum. There were
1 The Bagpipe. Grattan Flood.
i2 THE PIPES OF WAR
also Irish pipers at the battle of Falkirk in 1298, and they are again referred
to in contemporary accounts of the battle of Crecy.
The military piper therefore goes far back into history. But it was
as a social instrument that one finds most frequent reference to bagpipes
of some pattern or other in the Middle Ages. There was a pipe band at
the English Court in 1327, and an old inventory of 1419 shows that at the
Palace of St. James' were " foure baggpypes with pypes of ivorie . . . the
bagge covered with purple vellat."
But, whereas the English pipes went the same way as the Continental
varieties, it was otherwise in Scotland. Two institutions existed there
which fostered the tradition and saved piob mhor from the fate of disappear-
ance— the Burgh piper and the Clan piper ; and by 1450 a.d. these had
certainly become part of the national life.
In Edinburgh in 1487 a.d. there were three town pipers, who were paid
three pence daily ; one of their duties was " to accompany the toun's
drummer throw toun morning and evening." In 1505 a.d. the town records
of Dumbarton, Biggar, Wigton, Dumfries and Linlithgow refer to burgh
pipers.
In Aberdeen in 1630 a.d. exception appears to have been taken to the
custom of playing through the streets, as it is placed on record that this
was to be stopped, " it being anuncivill forme to be usit uithin sic a famous
burghe, and being oftene found fault uith als weill be sundrie niehbouris
as by strangeris." That the citizens of this " famous burghe " are peculiarly
susceptible to the criticisms of " strangeris " might never have been suspected
by superficial observers, and it is well that there is official testimony to
the fact.
The effect of their daily music on the inhabitants of Perth was different, —
or perhaps Perth was less amenable to the criticisms of " strangeris." In
any case it is recorded of a burgh piper, who used to rouse the citizens at
5 a.m., that his music was " inexpressibly soothing and delightful."
At Dundee the piper played through the town " every day in the morning
at four hours and every nicht at aucht horns," and was paid twelve pennies
yearly by each householder.
A HISTORY OF THE PIPES 13
The pipes, at least in the pre-Reformation days — were sometimes played
in church ; in course of time, however, piping on Sunday scandalised the
authorities, religious and civil, and, in the burgh records, we find repeated
instances of pipers being punished for this misdemeanour.
The burgh piper was a man of peace ; the clan piper was a man of war.
For many centuries he had to compete with the " clarsair/' or harper, and
the bard, and aroused feelings of acute hostility from the latter. In 1411 A.D.
one bard, MacMhurich of Clan Ranald, wrote a poem of a most uncompli-
mentary nature about the bagpipes.
The recitation of the bard before battle was probably last heard at
Harlaw in 1411, and the clan bards disappeared finally in 1726 ; the last
clan harper died in 1739, and the " croistara " — the fiery cross — was sent
round the clans for the last time in the '45. The last Scottish piper will
pass when the Scottish race itself passes — which will certainly be the last
of all.
The clan pipers were highly esteemed as musicians — from the musical
point of view they, no doubt, left us far behind. The courses of training,
lasting over years, at the old piping schools such as existed at Boreraig,
turned a man into a piper. As Neil Munro has it : " To the make of a
piper go seven years of his own learning and seven generations before ; at
the end of his seven years one born to it will stand at the start of knowledge,
and, leaning a fond ear to the drone, he may have parley with old folks
of old affairs."
One of the results of the Heritable Jurisdiction Act of 1747, which
so completely altered the conditions of life in the Highlands, was the
disappearance of the office of hereditary clan piper.
The tunes these men played were the old tunes we know so well ; and
so it has happened that in this war we find companies marching into and
through machine-gun and artillery barrage and into broken French villages
and through German trenches while the company piper plays the same
melodies that inspired their forebears to fight their neighbours lang syne —
melodies which have been heard, too, in the same part of the world in the
days when Scottish troops fought for the Lilies of France against all comers.
i4 THE PIPES OF WAR
The association of the bagpipe with military operations is probably
very ancient in Scotland. Perhaps the tradition that the Menzies pipers
played at Bannockburn rests on an insecure foundation, but if the Bruce
had no pipers, his son David most certainly had, as witness the Exchequer
Rolls. In 1549 a French writer states that " the wild Scots encouraged
themselves to arms by the sound of their bagpipes " ; and in 1598 Alexander
Hume of Logie wrote :
" Caus michtilie the warlic nottes brake
On Heiland pipes, Scottes and Hyberniche."
Incidentally, this reference to three different kinds of pipes is interesting.
The first authentic reference to pipers in the Forces of the Crown appears
to have been in 1627, when Alex. Macnaughton of Loch Fyne-side was
commissioned by King Charles I. to " levie and transport twa hundredthe
bowmen " for service in the French war. Writing in January 1628 to the
Earl of Morton, Macnaughton says :
" As for newis from our selfis, our baggpyperis and marlit plaidis
serwitt us in guid wise in the pursuit of ane man of war that hetlie
followed us."
The records show that this company had a harper, " Hanie M'Gra frae
Larg," and a piper, "Allester Caddell," who, in accordance with the custom
of the time, had his gillie to carry his pipes for him.
Regimental pipers undoubtedly existed in the numerous bodies of
Scottish troops which served at various times on the Continent. Thus,
in 1586, in the " State of War " of Captain Balfour's company in the Scots
Brigade in Holland, there were two drummers and a piper ; and in " the
worthy Scots regiment called Mackeye's " raised by Sir Donald Mackay
in 1626 there was an establishment of thirty-six pipers.
Pipers are also found on the rolls of the " regiment d'Hebron " — now
the Royal Scots — and to that very distinguished regiment we may safely
accord the further distinction of being the first " Regular " regiment of
the British Army to have pipes. The " North British Fusiliers," now
one of the battalions of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, also had pipes as far
back as 1678, and probably as early as 1642.
A HISTORY OF THE PIPES 15
Writing in 1641, Lord Lothian said :
" I cannot out of our armie furnish you with a sober fiddler. . . .
We are sadder and graver than ordinarie soldiers, only we are well
provided with pypers. I have one for every company in my regiment,
and I think they are as good as drummers."
The great Montrose had pipers in his armies, and tradition has it that,
in the action of Philiphaugh in 1645, a piper stood on a small eminence
and played the old Cavalier tune, " Whurry, Whigs, awa' man," until he was
shot by one of Leslie's men, and fell into the " Piper's Pule " in Ettrick river.
An exactly similar incident occurred in the case of one of the pipers
of Bonnie Dundee at Bothwell Brig in 1679.
At the Haughs o' Cromdale in 1690 a wounded piper climbed on to a
big rock and went on playing till he died, thus setting an example which
has been followed by his successors in many actions in this war. The
stone on which this unknown hero stood is known to this day locally as
" Clach a phiobair."
There are many such in France and elsewhere to-day.
In Wodrow's letters in 1716 there is a reference to the company pipers
of the " Argyle's Highlanders " : " They entered in three companies, and
every company had their distinct pipers, playing three distinct springs.
The first played " The Campbells are coming "... and when they entered
Dundee the people thought they had been some of Mar's men, till some
of the prisoners in the Tolbooth, understanding the first spring, swung the
words of it out of the windows, which mortified the Jacobites."
Again, in 1715, when Argyle's troops marched to Leith, it was stated
by Cockburn (Historical MSS. Commission) : " While our generals were
asleep the rebels marched to Seton House, leaving the piper in the citadel
to amuse."
The piper, by this time, had clearly become a recognised military
institution.
In the '45 the unfortunate Sir John Cope was undoubtedly aroused
by the music of piob mhor at Prestonpans, though it is doubtful whether
" Hey Johnnie Cope " was composed for the occasion.
16 THE PIPES OF WAR
Prince Charlie had thirty-two pipers of his own, besides those belonging
to the clans with him. One of these men, James Reid, was taken prisoner
in the operations of 1746. He pleaded that he had not carried arms, but
the Court decided that " no Highland regiment ever marched without a
piper : therefore his bag pipe, in the eye of the law, was an instrument
of war " — and they dealt with him accordingly.
This view was confirmed by the Disarming Act of 1747, which nearly
succeeded in attaining its object of abolishing the bagpipe, the kilt, the
tartan and national sentiment generally — only Regular regiments being
exempted from its operation.
Penal legislation against the bagpipe was no new thing. Cromwell
had tried it in Ireland, and, under William II., 600 Irish pipers and harpers
were persecuted with relentless rigour. And in Ireland it succeeded.
Saxon governments have always done the piper the honour of regarding
him as an exponent and supporter of national sentiment.
Even in Scotland the years between 1747 and 1782, when the iniquitous
Disarming Act was repealed, were very nearly fatal to the continued existence
of the bagpipe as a national institution ; and it was the Regular Army which
saved it — though no one could ever accuse the military authorities of
unduly favouring the instrument. Even General Officers have publicly
sneered at them — as when Wolfe at Quebec contemptuously refused to
allow the pipes of the Fraser Highlanders to play, or when Sir Eyre Coote
in 1778 described them as a " useless relic of the barbarous ages."
Both generals had to withdraw what they had said.
The opinion of the Court Martial which tried poor James Reid, that
his bagpipe " was, in the eye of the law, an instrument of war," was after
all as shrewd an expression of the truth as their sentence was harsh.
In later times the pipes in the army have received little official recognition.
In 1858, when the King's Own Scottish Borderers applied for their pipers
to be placed on the establishment, the Commander in Chief grudgingly
consented " as the permission for these men is lost in time," but on
condition that they were not to cost the public anything as regards their
clothing.
A HISTORY OF THE PIPES 17
Nor has the modern War Office shown more sympathy to an institution
whose value, even on theoretical grounds, should have been recognised.
The ancient and honourable title of Pipe Major has been abolished and
that of " sergeant piper " has been substituted. Pipers themselves, on
mobilisation, are returned to the ranks with the exception of six men. In
Lowland regiments, indeed, the piper, though tolerated, is not officially
recognised at all.
A bandsman may in due course become a first-class warrant officer —
in one or two units, indeed, he has attained commissioned rank ; but the
" sergeant piper " remains a sergeant, and can hope for nothing more.
This, surely, is an injustice which is remediable at small cost to the nation.
The apathy of the War Office in regard to the training of pipers as pipers
is another matter which is in urgent need of reform Commanding officers
and pipe presidents are sometimes pipers themselves — though not always ;
it is absurd to leave to them the responsibility of training men in the art.
The time has come for a thorough reform of the whole system and method
of training of military pipe bands.
THE PIPES IN THE WAR, 1914-1918
THE WESTERN FRONT
DURING the autumn x and winter of 1914-15 pipers, for obvious
reasons, had few opportunities of attracting much attention, still
less of performing their highest duty, viz. playing their companies into
action. They were necessarily, on account of the extreme shortage of men,
for the most part employed in the ranks ; and in many of the old Regular
battalions pipe bands disappeared altogether.
For a time it seemed that the critics were right, and that in warfare
in the twentieth century there was no longer a place for a class of man
which was destined to disappear, as the bard and the harper had done in
days lang syne.
This view was widely held, and in some regiments was never modified.
But gradually, as attacks became more frequent and movements set
in, and as the British Army grew stronger in numbers, the position changed,
and the piper became more than an invaluable marching instrumentalist
or performer at ceilidhs in billets.
The first occasion on which pipers played, or tried to play, their companies
into action was at Cuinchy on 25th January 1915, when the 1st Black Watch
suffered such heavy casualties in advancing through deep mud up to their
knees.
It was at Neuve Chapelle in March 1915 that the company piper really
had his first chance of showing what he could do, as a piper, in action. On
1 Probably the first pipers to play on French soil were those of the 2nd Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders on their landing at Boulogne.
THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914-1918 19
this occasion the 20th Brigade had to carry the stronghold of Moulin du
Pi£tre, and lost very heavily ; the 2nd Gordons were in the main attack
and the 6th Gordons, a Territorial unit, in reserve. The 6th Gordons
were called upon to support their comrades of the old Regular Army, and
advanced, headed by their pipes and drums, with a rush which carried many
of them beyond their objective.
From that time onwards, right up to the end of the war, pipers have
repeatedly played their units into action, in spite of the unfavourably
conditions resulting from modern rifle and artillery fire and gas, and have
established the standard of gallantry in this respect which has been at
once the admiration of all observers and an incentive to their successors
to emulate them.
During the first weeks' heavy fighting, in April-May 1915, on the
left of the attenuated British line of the Ypres salient, the pipers of Canadian
battalions took a prominent part. In their advance on the St. Julien
wood the 16th Canadians were led by their company pipers, two of whom
were killed and two wounded while playing ; their places were at once
taken by others, who played the battalion through the German trenches
at the heels of the retiring enemy to the tune " We'll tak' the guid auld
way." In many subsequent actions these men distinguished themselves
in the same way.
After the failure of the first attack on the German line at Rue des Bois
on 9th May 1915, in the action of Richebourg-Festubert, the 1st Black
Watch were played to a fresh attack by their company pipers. " With
their characteristic fury they had vanished into the smoke, and the only
evidence that remained was the sound of the pipes." When they reached
the German trenches a piper, Andrew Wishart, stood on the parados playing
until he was wounded. Another piper, W. Stewart, was awarded the
D.C.M. on this occasion.
The same thing happened in the case of the 2nd Black Watch at Festubert,
the companies being led by their pipers. Of these men two, Pipers Gordon
and Crichton, were specially mentioned for their gallantry. The Seaforth
pipers, too, suffered heavily in this as in many later actions — " Caber Feidh "
20 THE PIPES OF WAR
has often been heard along that line which looked so weak, but was too
strong for the Germans.
In the action at Festubert on the 17th May the 4th Camerons got further
than any other battalion, and were played in by their pipe major, J. Ross,
and four pipers. These men got through untouched, though their pipes
were all injured.
Later again, on 16th June 1915, when the Hooge salient was straightened
by the 3rd Division, the attack was led by the 8th Brigade, and the enemy
front and support lines were taken. On this occasion Pipe Major Daniel
Campbell, although wounded, played his battalion, the 1st Royal Scots
Fusiliers, over the top.
Dawn was just breaking when the Pipe Major scrambled out on the
parapet and started playing. The men raced forward after him until
stopped by uncut wire. In the hand-to-hand fighting which ensued the
Pipe Major threw aside his pipes and, catching up a bayonet, joined in
the attack.
It was during the Ypres fighting, where gas was first used against us,
that an incident occurred of which the facts are as stated, but unfortunately
it has been found impossible to get the names of the men concerned.
" The men, looking into the storm of shells that swept their course
and at the awful cloud of death now almost on them, wavered, hung back
— only for a moment. And who will dare to blame them ?
" Two of the battalion pipers who were acting as stretcher bearers saw
the situation in a moment. Dropping their stretcher they made for their
dug-out and emerged a second later with their pipes. They sprang on
the parapet, tore off their respirators and charged fonvard. Fierce and
terrible the wild notes cleft the air . . . after fifteen yards the pibroch ceased ;
the two pipers, choked and suffocated with the gas fumes, staggered and
fell." 1
Although in these earlier actions pipers had done much to maintain
the traditions of the past they had never had the opportunities of distin-
guishing themselves that came to them during the great operations about
1 Echoes of Flanders. C. L. Wan.
THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914-1918 21
Loos in September 1915. The attack of two army corps, in which were
thirty Scottish battalions, along a seven-mile front, was a chance for these
men, and one of which they were not slow to avail themselves. Three
pipers at least earned the title of " The piper of Loos," and one of these,
Daniel Laidlaw, of the 7th King's Own Scottish Borderers, was awarded
the Victoria Cross ; but, in the general orgie of gallantry which characterised
those operations, individual pipers in very many cases won the highest
praise in their own units but escaped the official recognition they had
earned.
The attack by the 28th Brigade on the Hohenzollern Redoubt was
accompanied by fearful casualties ; with uncut wire in front, in an atmo-
sphere heavily laden with gas, exposed to machine-gun fire in front and
flank, the 6th K.O.S.B., 10th and nth H.L.I, and 9th Seaforths were deci-
mated. The K.O.S.B. were played over the top by their veteran Pipe Major,
Robert Mackenzie, an old soldier of forty-two years' service. He was
severely wounded and died the following day.
On the right of this Brigade the 26th had better luck, as the wire was found
to be more thoroughly cut. The 5th Camerons and 7th Seaforths led the
way followed by the 8th Gordons and 8th Black Watch, and reached Fosse 8,
where they hung on, though reduced to the strength of a single battalion.
" The heroism of the pipers was splendid. In spite of murderous fire
they continued playing. At one moment, when the fire of the machine guns
was so terrific that it looked as if the attack must break down, a Seaforth
piper dashed forward in front of the line and started ' Caber Feidh.' The
effect was instantaneous — the sorely pressed men braced themselves together
and charged forward. The Germans soon got to realise the value of the
pipes and tried to pick off the pipers."
In this one attack the 5th Camerons had three pipers killed and eight
wounded. Further south the pipers of the 2nd and 6th Gordons led their
companies in the costly attack on Hulluch and the Quarries. An officer
of the Devons, on their flank, writes :
" I shall never forget those pipes. . . . During the charge a Gordon piper
continued playing after he was down."
22 THE PIPES OF WAR
On the other side of the Hulluch road the 15th Division received its
baptism of fire, and lost 6000 men in the two days' fighting. One of the
battalions of the 46th Brigade, the 7th King's Own Scottish Borderers,
afforded an admirable example of the value of the pipes in rallying men
when the position is critical. The piper concerned, Daniel Laidlaw, was
awarded the Victoria Cross and the Croix de Guerre. The London Gazette
Notification, which does not err on the side of uncontrolled emotionalism,
describes the award as follows :
" For most conspicuous bravery. . . . During the worst of the bombard-
ment, when the attack was about to commence, Piper Laidlaw, seeing that
his company was somewhat shaken from the effects of gas, with absolute
coolness and disregard of danger, mounted the parapet, marched up and
down and played his company out of the trench. The effect of his splendid
example was immediate, and the company dashed out to the assault. Piper
Laidlaw continued playing his pipes until he was wounded."
The evidence of eye-witnesses shows that, at the time, a cloud of gas
was settling down on the trench and there was heavy machine-gun fire.
Laidlaw played " Blue Bonnets over the Border," and the effect on the
men was indescribable ; as they followed him over the top he changed
to " The Standard on the Braes of Mar." The old tune was surely never
played to better purpose ; and if Laidlaw's action stood alone, if he were
the only piper during the war who stimulated a company at the moment
when things were at their worst, surely that achievement amply supports
the view that, even in the warfare of to-day, piob mhor is an instrument of
war which can justify all claims made for it. As it is, Piper Laidlaw, " the
Piper of Loos," stands as type of a class of men who, throughout the war,
have lived up to the traditions of a great past.
Another piper of the same battalion, Douglas Taylor, being wounded
and unable to play, spent thirty-six hours bringing in gassed men without
relief, until he himself was dangerously wounded. Further on, the 44th
Brigade — the 8th Seaforths, 7th Camerons, 9th Black Watch and 10th
Gordons — made the historic charge which captured Loos and then went
on, until, for want of support, they could get no further and were compelled
THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914-1918 23
to retire. They rallied on Hill 70 round a tattered flag made out of a
Cameron kilt. The battalions of this brigade were played into and beyond
Loos ; and, when they were widely scattered and mixed up, pipers played to
rally the men of their own battalions. Among many others, Piper Charles
Cameron of the nth Argylls stood out in the open playing unconcernedly,
and was thereafter known in his battalion as " the Piper of Loos."
The shattered remnants of the 15th Division were withdrawn in the
evening from the blood-stained slopes of Hill 70, but the battalions were
played in by their own pipers. The 9th Black Watch numbered only 100
of all ranks and one piper ; the 7th Cameron pipers were practically annihi-
lated, the 8th Seaforths lost ten, and others suffered in similar degree
It is a far cry from Hill 70 to Scaur Donald, and they were only regi-
mental pipers, but to these brave men the words of the old song are surely
applicable.
" There let him rest in the lap of Scaur Donald,
The wind for his watcher, the mist for his shroud,
Where the green and the grey moss shall weave their wild tartan,
A covering meet for a chieftain so proud."
In the fighting subsidiary to the main action of Loos, at Mauquissart
and in the neighbourhood of Neuve Chapelle, the 2nd Black Watch pipers
distinguished themselves greatly. They played their companies into and
beyond the first line of German trenches. One of them, A. Macdonald,
stood playing on the German parapet while the position was being cleared,
and then on, through a hurricane of fire, over three lines of trenches, until
dangerously wounded. For this he was given the D.C.M.
Three others, J. Galloway, R. Johnstone and David Armit, did precisely
the same ; and yet another, David Simpson, behaved with such gallantry
that he also came to be known as " the Piper of Loos," the third of the
brave trio to earn that honourable title. He had already played over
three lines of German trenches, and was leading towards the fourth when
he was killed. Johnstone, on this occasion, played till he fell gassed.
Throughout the long succession of actions which punctuated the Somme
operations in 1916, the pipes continued to be much in evidence, and refer-
24 THE PIPES OF WAR
ences to them and to their effect upon the men during that bloody fighting
are frequent in the contemporary reports of observers, and in private letters
subsequently published. French reports also have placed on record their
admiration for the company pipers of Scottish regiments. " Some of the
finest work," writes one well-known French military writer, "was accom-
plished at the very outset by the Highlanders, who carried the trenches
in lightning fashion, urged on by the inspiriting music of their pipes."
The fighting at Loos had shown, on a comparatively small scale, that
the pipes, when freed from the restrictions placed upon their employment
by the exigencies of trench warfare, were still capable of fulfilling their
historic role in open fighting The gallantry of the pipers at Hulluch and
Hill 70 was worthy of the units they led, and established a record which
was hard to beat ; but for months on end their great achievements were
emulated by those of their successors in the new armies which had poured
into the field.
The opening attack on the 1st July affords numerous examples of pipers
playing their companies into action, and a few may be taken as representative
of the whole.
In the attack by the 32nd Division the 17th H.L.I, succeeded, with a loss
of over 500 men, in capturing and holding part of the Leipzig redoubt, though
unsupported for a considerable time. The Commanding Officer writes :
" I told the Pipe Major to play ; he at once responded, getting into a
small hollow, and playing and greatly heartening the men as they lay there
hanging on to the captured position. Pipe Major Gilbert showed a total
disregard of danger and played as if he were on a route march. For this
action he obtained the Military Medal."
In the advance on Mametz on the same day the 2nd Gordons were led
by their company pipers. An officer of an English battalion in the 20th
Brigade describes how " we heard their pipes play these fellows over. It
sounded grand against the noise of shells, machine guns and rifle fire. I
shall never forget them."
The same thing occurred later when the battalion attacked the orchards
of Ginchy. On both occasions the casualties were very heavy.
PIPER DANIEL LA1DLAW, V.C., ;1h KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS
At Loos
From the Drawing by Louis Weirter, R.B.A.
THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914-1918 25
At Fricourt Pipe Major David Anderson of the 15th Royal Scots stood
out in front of the battalion until he was wounded, and played across
shell-beaten ground under heavy fire. He was awarded the Croix de
Guerre.
The two battalions of Tyneside Scottish were similarly played to their
attack on La Boiselle and the ridge in front of it on the opening day of the
battle of the Somme. A correspondent who was present says :
" The Tynesiders were on our right, and, as they got the signal to advance,
I saw a piper — I think he was the Pipe Major — jump out of the trench and
march straight towards the German lines. The tremendous rattle of machine-
gun and rifle fire completely drowned the sound of his pipes, but he was
obviously playing as though he would burst the bag, and, faintly through
the roar of battle, we heard the mighty cheer his comrades gave as they
swarmed after him. How he escaped I can't understand, for the ground
was literally ploughed up by the hail of bullets ; but he bore a charmed
life, and the last glimpse I had of him as we, too, dashed out showed him
still marching erect, playing on regardless of the flying bullets and of the
men dropping all round him."
Of the two battalions 10 pipers were killed and 5 wounded, and Pipe
Major Wilson and Piper G. Taylor both got the Military Medal. Many
of these pipers, having played their companies up to the German trenches,
took an active part in the fighting as bombers.
Again, at Longueval on 14th July, regimental pipers were conspicuous.
As the 26th Brigade — 8th Black Watch, 10th Argylls, 9th Seaforths, and
5th Camerons — commenced their advance, they were exposed to frontal
and enfilading machine-gun fire, and shrapnel mowed them down ; but
their pipers led the way, and the men followed cheering and shouting.
" Where we were the brunt of the action fell on two New Army battalions
of historic Highland regiments. Their advance was one of the most magnifi-
cent sights I have ever seen. They left their trenches at dawn, and a torrent
of bullets met them. They answered immediately — with the shrill music
of the pipes, and, indifferent apparently to the chaos around them, pushed
steadily on towards their objective."
26 THE PIPES OF WAR
Describing the attack by the ioth Argylls, another observer writes :
" We came under a blistering hot fire, but the men never hesitated. In
the middle of it all the pipes struck up " The Campbells are coming/' and
that made victory a certainty for us. We felt that whatever obstacles
there barred our path they had to be overcome. . . . The last fight was
the worst of all. It was at the extreme end of the village, where the enemy
had possession of some ruined houses. They had a clear line of fire in all
directions, and we were met with a murderous hail of fire. For a moment
the men wavered. I doubted if they were equal to it. Then a piper sprang
forward, and the strains broke out once more. The attacking line steadied
and dashed at the last stronghold of the Huns. Their line snapped under
our onslaught."
On this occasion the Pipe Major, Aitken, a man of sixty, was awarded
the Distinguished Conduct Medal. One of the pipers referred to in the
above incident was James Dall, and his Commanding Officer considers
his action in playing the regimental march at this juncture was the means
of his company gaining their objective ; the other was D. Wilson, who
was also mentioned in despatches with Dall.
Of the attack by the gth Seaforths a wounded officer writes :
" We swept on until we finally carried the German trench with a rousing
cheer to the strain of the pipes. The heroism of the pipers was splendid.
In spite of murderous fire they kept playing on. At one moment, when the
fire was so terrific it looked as if the attack must break down, one of the
pipers dashed forward and started playing. The change could be felt at
once, the sorely pressed men gave a mighty cheer and dashed forward
with new zeal."
North of Longueval the ist Gordons made a furious attack, on the 18th
July, and on this occasion they were led by their pipers.
" They were out of sight over the parapet, but we could hear at intervals
their shouts of ' Scotland for ever ! ' and the faint strains of the pipes. Then
we saw them reappear, and then came prisoners."
Similar accounts were given of the 6th and 7th Gordons. In the 6th
Gordons Piper Charles Thomson had his arm blown off while playing. " The
THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914-1918 27
gallantry of these men who wear the tartans of the old Scottish clans would
seem wonderful if it were not habitual with them. Their first dash for
Longueval was one of the finest exploits of the war. They were led forward
by the pipers, who went with them, not only towards the German lines,
but across them and into the thick of the battle. ... In that September
fighting the pipe major of a Gordon battalion played his men forward and
then was struck below the knee ; but he would not be touched by a doctor
until the others had been tended. He was a giant of a man and so heavy
that no stretcher could hold him, so they put him in a tarpaulin and carried
him back. Then he had his leg amputated and died." 1
On the 3rd September the 4th Black Watch were played into action
and had to capture a village. According to an eye-witness :
" It was magnificent to see these men charge up the narrow street leading
to the second barricade. Amid the ruined houses on each side the enemy
were posted. At the moment when it was hottest the strains of the pipes
were heard. The men answered with a cheer and swept steadily on over
the barricade and through the ruins ; and the village was ours."
Of a Seaforth battalion a similar story is told :
" The men simply raced into the storm of bullets ... at last it became
too terrible for any human being to stand against it. The attacking lines
melted away, the men seeking what cover could be found. ... It was
here that the pipers of the Seaforths had their chance. They took it.
As the men advanced again to the attack they were cheered on by the
strains of the pipes, which could just be heard. The men dashed through,
clearing out the enemy as they went."
During the attack on Beaumont Hamel in October, as in the earlier
fighting at Thiepval, the pipers of the 15th H.L.I, lost very heavily when
leading their companies.
Such instances of the bravery of pipers and of the stimulus afforded
by the pipes to men in action became matters of almost every-day occurrence,
and, though everyone recognised the tremendous losses that were the
result of their exposure, there were occasions when those losses were more
1 Philip Gibbs.
28 THE PIPES OF WAR
than compensated for at the time by the results obtained. Everywhere,
at Contalmaison, Martinpuich, Pozi£res, Delville Wood, wherever Scottish
troops were employed, their pipers played their historic role, and, to quote
Philip Gibbs, " over the open battlefields came the music of the Scottish
pipes, shrill above the noise of gunfire."
Nor were the pipers of purely Scottish regiments left to establish these
records of bravery unchallenged. They had keen rivals in battalions of
overseas Scots, notably the South African Scottish and the Canadians.
During the fighting for Delville Wood in July the South Africans were
torn to pieces by shell fire. The remains of the battalion hung on for
days, losing all their officers but the colonel. When relief came their
pipers headed the blackened and weary warriors out of the wood of
death.
Similarly, the 16th Canadian Scottish pipers maintained the fine reputation
they had earned on the Ypres salient. When the battalion moved up
to the attack on the Regina trench on 8th October, there was keen com-
petition among the pipers as to who should be allowed to play them over.
" Four pipers, Richardson, Park, M'Kellar and Paul marched ahead of the
battalion with the Commanding Officer for a distance of half a mile under
intense machine-gun fire and escaped scatheless. They could be heard
clearly as they played ' We'll take the good old way,' and, as they passed,
wounded men lying in shell holes raised themselves on their elbows and
cheered them. When they got near the German line the battalion encountered
uncut wire which, being unusually heavy, took some time to cut. While
this was going on Piper Richardson played up and down outside the wire
for twenty minutes in the face of almost certain death. . . . Shortly after-
wards a company sergeant major was wounded, and Richardson volunteered
to take him out. After he had gone he remembered he had left his pipes
behind. He left the sergeant major in safety in a shell hole and returned.
He was never heard of again."
This brave man was awarded a posthumous V.C., the second piper to
obtain this coveted distinction. Piper Paul was subsequently given the
Military Medal.
THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914-1918 29
At the capture of the Vimy Ridge on 9th April, 1917, by the Canadians,
the pipers of some of their battalions took a prominent part. On this
occasion the 16th Canadian Scottish repeated what they had done in previous
engagements, their companies being led by pipers. The pipers concerned
were Pipe Major Groat and Pipers M'Gillivray, M'Nab, M'Allister, M'Kellar
and Paul, and they advanced a distance of over a mile under heavy fire
without any casualties. The Pipe Major was awarded the Military Medal.
Similarly the 25th Canadians had their pipers out in this action, and
Piper Walter Telfer, who went on playing after being severely wounded,
was given the Military Medal ; Piper Brand got the same decoration.
Later on, in the fighting round Arras, a battalion of the Camerons was
played to the attack :
" When the order came our men went over with right good will. It
was a thrilling moment, especially when the pipes struck up the Camerons'
march. I believe it was that music, at that particular moment, which made
it possible for us to go through the ordeal that followed."
Once again " The March of the Cameron Men " was the undoing of
an enemy which had to stand up against the Camerons ; and in one part
of the line, when the attack was most furiously resisted, the company piper
changed his tune to the old " Piobaireachd Dhomnuil Duibh " —
" Fast they came, fast they come,
See how they gather !
Wide waves the eagle's plume
Blended with heather."
An account of the few minutes before " zero " by a piper of this battalion
appeared in the Scottish Field (" Pipes of the Misty Moorland," John
M'Gibbon), and affords a good example of the steadying effect of the pipes
in a period of great strain on morale :
" I looked down at the company and I could see they were shaken . . .
I slung my rifle over my back and took up the pipes ; that cheered them.
I played through two or three tunes and then birled up ' Tullochgorum.'
They fairly hooched it and stamped time with their feet. It was close
on ' zero "... when I changed to ' The March of The Cameron Men.' Our
30 THE PIPES OF WAR
guns burst out with drum fire behind us . . . and the men jumped the parapet
like deer and raced over the broken ground at the double. I kept up ' The
Cameron Men.' ... I reached the parapet of the first enemy trench; when
I ' stopped one ' with my leg, and down I went in a heap. ' '
The pipes were again to the front in the fighting for Hill 70 on the Lens-
Loos line in August, 1917. It was surely appropriate enough that, in the
advance over the very country in which so many Scottish regiments had
fought, with only temporary success, two years before, the pipes should again
be at the head of the units which recaptured those blood-soaked positions.
An officer, describing the advance of the 13th Royal Highlanders of
Canada, says :
" Our advance was resumed and we swarmed over the top at three
different points. Away to the left, which was the objective of our advance,
the strains of the pipes could be heard, and across the hills, where so many
Scottish lads had fallen two years ago, there burst a loud triumphant cheer
as the Canadian Highlanders pressed on to complete their work."
And so it happened that the gallant lads of the 15th Division were
avenged.
Opportunities for pipers continued during the later fighting in 1917-18.
Records of individual companies and platoons show that on several occasions
the pipes encouraged the men to further effort. In one case near Albert,
a company of the Black Watch was temporarily cut off from its supports
after getting into a German trench and suffered heavily ; the men were
crushed by superior numbers, and the prospect was black until the piper,
who was present as a stretcher bearer, started playing. This had a great effect
on the company, which held on to the position until reinforcements arrived.
In the fighting about Albert in August, 1918, several instances occurred
of pipers playing their companies to the attack.
On the whole, however, at this stage in the war, it was being found
increasingly difficult to renew the depleted ranks of the pipe bands, and most
regiments were simply driven to keeping their pipers out of action as far
as possible, except on special occasions. But there were still enough left of
them to lead their units ever further eastward as the tide of war rolled back.
THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914-1918 31
Incidents frequently occurred showing that their experience of four
years' fighting had not damped the ardour of pipers in action.
On one occasion a 16th Canadian piper went into action playing on
top of a tank, and was killed. At Amiens, the pipers of the 16th and
48th Highlanders of Canada played the battalions to the attack in
August, 1918.
As the German defeat became increasingly apparent and the British
forces drove the enemy before them, pipers again got an opportunity of
leading their companies to the attack. During the fighting about Albert-
Arras in August, 1918, Scottish troops were heavily engaged. Lieut.
Edouard Ross, of the French interpreter staff, describes an attack by a
battalion of the Black Watch in which a detachment with a piper got into
the German trenches ; they were all wounded, and their position was
dangerous, but the piper started playing, and the sound rapidly brought
reinforcements, who captured the position.
GALLIPOLI
In Gallipoli, as on the Western front, pipers added lustre to their reputa-
tion ; and incidents which occurred to some of them showed that they were
stout fighting men even after their pipes were put out of action.
The nature of the terrain generally precluded the more spectacular duty
of playing their units to the attack, and the heavy casualties in the force
and the constant demand for men resulted in their being frequently
employed in the ranks ; nevertheless, several cases did occur of company
pipers acting as such.
On 12th July, 1916, when the 6th H.L.I, captured three lines of Turkish
trenches, Pipers W. Mackenzie and M'Niven played at the head of their
companies ; M'Niven was killed, and Mackenzie, putting down his pipes,
took part in the fighting with a Turkish shovel and did great execution.
On the same day the pipers of the 7th H.L.I, led their battalion into
action, and only one of them was wounded. Of these men one, Piper
Kenneth MacLennan, was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Conduct
32 THE PIPES OF WAR
Medal " for playing his pipes during the attack and advancing with the
line after his pipes had been shattered by shrapnel, and heartening the
wounded under fire." Another, Piper Cameron, played his company over
three lines of trenches, with a revolver hanging on his wrist, and earned
a mention in despatches ; and Piper Macfarlane played through two bayonet
charges until two of his drones were blown off by shell fragments.
Writing of the fighting on 12th July, a wounded officer writes :
" The sound of the pipes undoubtedly stirred them on, a piper belonging
to each of the two battalions, 5th Argylls and 7th H.L.I., having mounted
the parapets of their own trenches, and there in full danger played their
comrades on to victory."
In the attack on Achi Baba there was no opportunity for pipers as
such, though Pipe Major Andrew Buchan played the 4th Royal Scots " over
the top," and, as an officer writes : " fearless of all danger went along the
line and did much to hearten the men." Buchan was killed.
Of the pipers of the 5th Royal Scots none survived the early days of the
fighting on the Peninsula. An officer of the regiment wrote that they
" gloriously upheld the traditions established long ago." In the Achi Baba
fighting four were killed and four wounded.
Casualties in action and by disease took heavy toll of the pipers of all
these battalions, and after a few months on the Peninsula the pipe bands
temporarily ceased to exist.
Even before the withdrawal of the force from Gallipoli it was found
that so many casualties had occurred among the pipers of the battalions
engaged that the bands were well on the way to extinction. Consequently,
under the able management of Colonel Maclean of Pennycross a divisional
band numbering twelve pipers and six drummers — all that remained —
was organised out of the wreck of the pipe bands of the 52nd Division.
That band, though never sent into action, individually or collectively
played frequently under shell fire ; and " Hey Johnnie Cope " could be
heard quite distinctly every morning in the firing line up to within a few
days of the evacuation.
The divisional band served on the Desert front in Egypt, and then
THE COMRADES WE LEFT IN GALLIPOLI.
Set by Mw.A.0. MAC'DIARNGD
From the Pipe Tune Composed by
Col. H. AC. MACLEAN 0.510 of Pennycoss.
"So. Dimpfe
I
GALLIPOLI 33
accompanied the Division right into Palestine, playing the leading battalion,
the 4th K.O.S.B.'s, over the frontier to " Blue Bonnets over the Border."
Later on, more pipers and more Scottish units appeared ; and so we
find the 2nd London Scottish being played into Jerusalem, and "Dumbarton's
Drums " sounding at the head of the Royal Scots as they took over the
guard on the Holy Sepulchre — as is the right of "Pontius Pilate's Bodyguard."
SALONIKA
Opportunities for the employment of pipers as such were comparative!}'
rare in the course of the Salonika operations, for obvious reasons. At
Karadzakot Zir, however, the 1st Royal Scots pipers played their companies
to the attack on the village, and the CO. reported that, in his opinion,
" It was largely due to the presence of the pipers with the leading wave
that the enemy evacuated their trenches and retired in disorder."
MESOPOTAMIA
Playing the pipes in the Golden East is a far greater effort than it is
at home, and every piper who has soldiered there knows how the heat
and the dryness of the atmosphere affect his bag and reeds. But the cult
of piob mhor thrives east of Suez, and at least as much enthusiasm is shown
by regiments stationed in India as in a home station.
And when Scottish troops were called upon to take their part in the
Mesopotamia operations, we find the pipes as prominent a feature in the
fighting as they were on the Western front. At Sheikh Saad on 7th January,
1916, the 1st Seaforths — the " Reismeid Caber Feidh " — were played to the
attack across absolutely open ground by their Pipe Major Neil M'Kechnie
and other pipers. An officer who was present describes the incident as
follows :
" As we advanced over the dead flat open desert the Turks suddenly
opened a very heavy fire from well concealed trenches at a range of from
600 to 800 yards. The battalion immediately advanced by rushes towards
34 THE PIPES OF WAR
the enemy's position in spite of very heavy initial losses. Foremost among
the men was our acting Pipe Major, M'Kechnie, who immediately struck
up the regimental charge or ' onset,' ' Cabar Feidh.'
" His fine example as well as his music had a remarkable effect on the
men at such a critical moment. He was shortly afterwards wounded, and
had to drop behind as the lines went on."
In the same action the 2nd Black Watch were played in by their pipers
just as they had been on many previous occasions in France. In the act
of playing Corpl. Piper MacNee was mortally wounded. This brave man
had been wounded before at Mauquissart and awarded the Distinguished
Conduct Medal. The Pipe Major, John Keith, was awarded the D.C.M.
for " gallant and distinguished service throughout the operations."
THE LAST STAGE
For four years and a half the pipes of war played their part in the greatest
war in history ; in the front, under conditions in which they could never
have been expected to exist at all, they have led men to victory, have rallied
them when victory eluded their grasp, and have marched them back un-
dismayed by the tortures of battle ; behind the lines they have headed
the long columns of Scottish troops on their way up to the furnace in which
the fate of nations was cast.
But, everywhere, they expressed the ideal of the race and led men to
follow causes, even causes which appeared lost ones, through to the end.
When silence fell on the nth November, 1918, along the blasted line
where rival civilisations had so long struggled for mastery, the rdle of the
pipes changed, and it was no longer the " onset " that the piper was impelled
to play. The consummation of long effort had been attained — and what
instrument more entitled to bear witness to the fact than the one which
had sounded over the blood-stained slag-heaps of Loos, the shell-swept
heights of Vimy ?
As the British First Army entered Valenciennes, the pipers of a historic
Scottish division played through the " place " opposite the Hotel de Ville,
PIPERS IN THE RANKS 35
and must have awakened in the old gabled houses memories of the centuries
old alliance between the Lilies of France and the Thistle.
Further east, along the roads that led to Cologne, the pipes played
unceasingly, as befitted the occasion, impressing on the population that
this was indeed the coming of " Scotland the Brave."
And so, over the great Rhine bridge, the pipes of the gth and Canadian
Divisions led the way, and Germany learnt at last that when piob mhor
sounds " Gabhaidh sin an rathad mor " 1 it generally attains its objective.
PIPERS IN THE RANKS
The piper is, first and last, a fighting man ; and when a regiment is
mobilised it at once loses most of its pipers. Whatever the strength of
the band may have been in peace time, only the " sergeant piper " — a hideous
official term for the pipe major — and five " full " pipers are normally retained
as such. The remainder, while acting as pipers when opportunity offers —
and designated accordingly — serve in the ranks.
During this war, and notably during the early years of it, it was often
found necessary to make use of full and acting pipers in some purely military
capacity, i.e. either in the ranks, or as Lewis gunners, bombers, orderlies,
runners or stretcher bearers. This fact accounts for many of the honours
awarded to pipers, and, at the same time, for the heavy casualties among
them.
It is quite impossible to do justice to individuals or units in regard
to the part they played in performing such duties ; for those who obtained
official recognition, in some form or other, hundreds have merely had the
satisfaction of playing the game, in accordance with the rules laid down
by all ranks of the British army. The few examples given in this place
are typical of the whole.
At Festubert in June, 1915, the pipers of the 6th Seaforths worked
continuously day and night, and brought 170 casualties from the front
line to the dressing station ; at Loos the 9th Black Watch lost nearly all
1 "We will take the high road,"
36 THE PIPES OF WAR
their pipers when similarly engaged, and at the two actions of Loos and
Neuve Chapelle the 6th Gordons had two killed and ten wounded.
Again, the 2nd Royal Scots pipers lost heavily on the Somme, and
were on one occasion highly commended for bringing water up to some
newly captured trenches under heavy fire.
The comments of General Sir William Birdwood in a despatch to the
Australian Government, though intended to apply to Australian stretcher
bearers, are very applicable to pipers acting in this capacity, whether
individually or collectively :
" Where all have done so well it is very hard to differentiate, but as
a class the stretcher bearers have been beyond praise. Never for a second
have they flinched from going forward time after time, absolutely regardless
of the fire brought against them ; and I so deeply regret that they should
have suffered in consequence."
Another and most hazardous class of duty, which was largely performed
by pipers in some battalions, was that of " runners " or despatch carriers ;
this often involved crossing heavily shelled country, and has resulted in
many casualties. Notable cases have occurred of men carrying despatches
through intense barrages, and some have received rewards ; the majority
of such cases, however, have necessarily been unnoticed.
Some men appear to have specialised in this duty, e.g. Pipe Major Mathe-
son, ist Seaforths, who got the D.C.M. " for gallant conduct on many
occasions in conveying messages under heavy fire," and Lance-Corpl. Piper
Dyce, 13th Royal Highlanders of Canada, who on one occasion carried
a most urgent despatch through artillery barrage when badly wounded.
In other cases pipers, individually and collectively, have done admirable
service in bringing up ammunition.
Many instances of acts of heroism by individual men are detailed below.
PIPERS ON THE MARCH 37
PIPERS ON THE MARCH
Playing the pipes in action, though essentially the most important,
is, for obvious reasons, only one of the duties of the soldier piper. Every
unit of an army is not always in close touch with the enemy, and every
battalion puts in a good many miles of marching in a year in conditions
which are rarely ideal and very often acutely miserable. It is here that
the pipes have rendered such conspicuous service as the marching instrument
par excellence ; and the cult of the bagpipe has spread to units and nationa-
lities which, before the war, would never have thought it possible that
the company piper would become one of their most cherished institutions.
That Irish regiments should again adopt the national instrument that
had played their ancestors on to the battlefields of France in 1286 is so
natural as to need no comment ; but when we find English and Australian
units, battalions of the United States army, and ships of His Majesty's
Navy, to say nothing of field ambulances and transport units, adopting
the bagpipe, no further evidence is required to substantiate its claim to
be a highly important feature of modern military organisation.
It is indeed to a recognition, in the very early days of the war, of the
great value of the pipes in " exciting alacrity and cheerfulness in the soldier"
that is due the fact that so many units have deliberately tried to keep
their pipers out of harm's way, and have only allowed them, under protest,
to accompany their companies into action, and then only in limited numbers.
Commanding officers have appreciated that, as a stimulus to tired men,
to men marching weary miles to take up a position, to men returning worn
out from a spell of duty, the music of the pipes has proved invaluable.
Instances of this stimulating effect are too numerous to mention, but
a few, taken from contemporary accounts of the war, may be regarded
as typical.
The following incident in the retirement from Mons has frequently
occurred elsewhere. " I shall never forget how one General saw a batch
of Gordons and K.O.S.B. stragglers trudging listlessly along the road. He
halted them. Some more came up, until there was about a company in
38 THE PIPES OF WAR
all, with one piper. He made them form fours, put the piper at the head
of them, ' Now lads, follow the piper and remember Scotland,' and they
all started off as pleased as Punch, with the tired piper playing like a hero." 1
The Rev. Dr. Maclean, C.M.G., describes a case of the effect of the pipes
on tired men :
" It was a sweltering hot day, and the road was deep with dust. The
long snaky khaki column came marching steadily down the hill, silent
under the weight of their accoutrements with the grinding heat of an April
sun. ... As the Scots came by he gave the sign to the piper. He stepped
forward and struck up one of the great battle marches of our race. The
scene that followed baffled description. A roar of cheering burst from
the ranks."
Another instance,2 by one who was himself in the ranks, may be regarded
as typical. The regiment concerned was the Glasgow Highlanders, but
the description is applicable to every Scottish regiment in the Army List :
" Kilometre after kilometre we marched, through the hottest hours
of the middle day, and our feet and backs ached under the weight of all
we carried, our faces were dabbled and streaked with dust and perspiration,
and in our mouths was only dust to chew
" Walking had become a purely mechanical exercise, our limbs controlled,
as it seemed, by some power outwith us ; our brains were numb and dazed
with fatigue and the maddening persisting pain that was our every step.
Blindly, dumbly, helplessly we staggered on . . . in infinite weariness we
dragged ourselves to the beginning of the street, and then —
" Then the pipes suddenly set the heavens and the earth dancing to
the strains of 'Highland Laddie.' the regimental march of the Glasgows.
And at the skirl of the pipes, and before the eyes of those critical spectators,
every man braced himself, his step assumed as much of jauntiness as he
could put into it, and he had a laugh and a jesting answer ready on his
lips for every outsider who spoke to him. ... It was something more
potent than wine that put the boldness into their step, it was the sense
1 Th e Adventures of a Despatch Rider. Major W. H. Watson.
-More Adventures in Kilt and Khaki. Thomas Lvon.
PIPERS ON THE MARCH 39
of the tradition and honour of their regiment : the feeling that on no account
must they present other than a brave front to the world, that the one
unpardonable offence would be to let the battalion down."
Examples could be multiplied indefinitely, but the best tribute to the
value of the pipes as a marching instrument and in keeping the men cheery
is, after all, the fact that regiment after regiment felt constrained to keep
them out of action entirely — whether as pipers pure and simple or in other
military capacities.
Statements to this effect have been received from nearly all the regiments
whose views have been asked, commanding officers being almost unanimous
in their opinion that, only where it is imperatively necessary, should a
pipe band be exposed to the chances of annihilation inseparable from modern
shell fire.
And in just the same manner as the pipes have helped battalions along
the " via dolorosa " into action so they have, time and again, played them
back to rest and comparative security. In some cases they had shared in
the action itself, in others they waited until their services were required.
Many commanding officers and observers have referred to this as one of
the most important of their duties. In describing the return of a battalion,
or what remained of it, from Longueval, Philip Gibbs writes :
" There was a thick summer haze about, and on the ridges the black
vapours of shell bursts. ... It was out of this that the Highlanders came
marching. They brought the music with them and the pipes of war playing
a Scottish love song, ' I lo'e na a laddie but ane.' Their kilts were caked
with mud, they were very tired, but they held their heads up, and the
pipers who had been with them played bravely . . . and the Scottish love
song rang out across the fields.
An officer of an Argyll battalion, writing of the days of trench fighting,
says : " They have done much to hearten us on long marches. They came out
of Bethune after Loos and played what was left of us back to billets."
Another, in the Royal Scots, referring to the return of the battalion from
Kemmel, says : "I shall never forget the effect on the men ; as they struck
up they fairly shouted themselves hoarse with delight."
4o THE PIPES OF WAR
" Wonderful pipes ! The men get tired and would fall out, but the
pipes make a unity of them. Invisible tendons and muscles seem to connect
the legs of all files, and all move as one, mechanically, rhythmically, certainly.
The strong are reduced to the step, the weak are braced up to it. All bear
the strain and share the strain. So we go on, and the miracle is in the
power of the music." 1
A final quotation — one of a very great number received — reflects the
opinion of all ranks :
" I have often seen a company just out of the trenches straggling along
the road too wear}' to think of keeping in formation, let alone in step. On
the first sound of the pipes these same men would double up to their place
and march along with the best of them."
The ubiquity of the pipes on the Western front has been remarked
by all observers. " The music of the pipes is now as much a part of the
great orchestra of this war as the incessant rumbling of distant guns, as
the swirl of traffic along the transport lines, as the singing of birds above
No Man's Land. . . . And where there are pipes there are Scotsmen —
Scots everywhere from the sea to St. Ouentin, in old French market towns,
and in Flemish villages . . . and in camps behind the fighting line not beyond
the reach of long range shells, and up in the trenches where death is very
near to them. ... As long as history lasts the spirit of France will salute
the memory of these kilted boys and of all the Lowland Scots who have
gone into the furnace fires of this war to the music of the pipes, and have
fallen in heaps upon her fields. A thousand years hence, when the wind
blows softly across the ground where they fought, old Scottish tunes will
sound faintly in the ears of men who remember the past, and all this country
will be haunted with the ghosts of Scotland's gallant sons." 2
Nor has it been on the Western front alone that the value of the pipes
has made itself appreciated. In every other theatre of war as well has
" the tune with the tartan of the clan in it " been heard at the head of
columns toiling through the dust and heat, or through pitiless rain. In
Egypt and Gallipoli and the Holy Land, in Mesopotamia and the Balkans,
1 Stephen Graham. — The Times, 1 6th January, 1919. - Philip Gibbs.
PIPERS ON THE MARCH 41
the pipes have been the prelude to great happenings. " Bundle and Go "
in the early dawn of an Eastern day, " Soldier lie down " at night — these
have been the preliminaries which led up naturally to " Cabar Feidh " in
a hail of machine gun fire, or " Horo mo nighean donn bhoidheach " in the
streets of captured Bagdad.
" Many a soldier sadly misses his pipe, which of course may not be lit
on a night march ; but to me a greater loss is the silence of those other
pipes, for the sound of the bagpipes will stir up a thousand memories in
a Highland regiment, and nothing helps a column of weary foot soldiers so
well as pipe music, backed by the beat of a drum." 1
When the British army advanced into German territory the pipers
had an opportunity to play with an abandon that had never been felt
before.
" Next day, with the skies still streaming, we made the longest continuous
march, some 36 kilometres, and by that effort got well into Germany. The
roads improved as we got farther on, but the tramp through the forest of
Zitter was long, marshy, and melancholy. Our company was first after the
pipers, and had the full benefit of the music all the way. And we wandered
inward ; inward, with our seeking and haunting Gaelic melodies, into the
depths of the hanging, silent wood. It was strange how aloof nature seemed
to these melodies. In Scotland, or even in France, all the hills and the
woods would have helped the music. But in this German land all were cold
toward us, and those endless pine trees seemed to be holding hands with
fingers spread before the eyes to show their shame and humiliation. There
was a curious sense that the road on which we trod was not our road, and that
earth and her fruits on either hand were hostile.
"And how tired the men became, with half of them through the soles
of their boots and with racking damp in their shoulders and backs from their
rain-sodden packs. But we listened still whilst voluminous waves of melody
wandered homeless over German wastes and returned to us,
I heard the pibroch sounding, sounding,
O'er the wide meadows and lands from afar.
1 " The battle beyond Baghdad. — 'A Highland Officer.'" — Blackwood's Magazine.
42 THE PIPES OF WAR
or to the stirring strains of the ' March of the Battle of Harlaw,' or to the
crooning, hoping, sobbing of ' Lord Lovat's Lament,' and so went on from
hour to hour through the emptiness of Southern Germany. When we thought
we had just about reached our camping ground for the night, we came to a
guide post which showed it still to be seven kilometres on. But that was
at the top of a long hill, and the road ran gently down through woods the
whole way. The colonel sent a message to play ' Men of Portree.' The
rain had stopped, and an evening sky unveiled a more cheerful light. So,
with an easy inconsequent air, we cast off care and tripped away down to
the substantial and prosperous bit of Rhineland called Hellenthal, well on
our way to Cologne." 1
The interminable marches are over and their goal has been attained ;
and the instrument which has a tune for every human emotion can now
play " The Desperate Battle " in German towns with a safety which has
been long unknown. To many a man, however, as he fingers his chanter,
the feeling will come, as he thinks of the good men and true who never
reached the nth November, 1918, that the tune that is most appropriate
is " Lochaber no more."
PIPE TUNES
Pipe tunes — as every piper knows — have local associations, associations
with particular incidents, particular emotions ; and in military piping
this is never overlooked. In war everything has changed — everything
but the elemental courage and passions of the men who are engaged in it ;
and, as piob mhor is essentially the instrument on which those elemental
passions can be best expressed, it is not uninteresting to observe how
individual pipers have resorted to particular tunes, to suit particular
occasions. In many, perhaps in most, cases there were traditional or regi-
mental reasons for playing one tune rather than another, and such tunes
were often in the highest degree appropriate ; but in other cases the
individuality of the performer determined the choice.
Of a selection based on tradition the best authenticated instance is
that of the Gordon piper who played Cogadh na Sith, " War or peace,"
1 Stephen Graham. — " A Private in the Guards."
PIPE TUNES 43
during the Somme lighting. The tune itself, a piobaireachd composed
by the great M'Crimmon some 400 years ago, was played by the Gordons
at Waterloo and by a Cameron piper, Kenneth M'Kay, at Quatre Bras.
" 1 About the middle of June a draft of about a hundred and twenty men
arrived in camp for the Gordons — the finest draft the commanding officer
declared he had ever seen. On the 18th, they were ordered to the front.
I found they had a piper with them, and immediately laid hold on him
to play the men down to the station. I brought him up to my tent and
provided him with a set of pipes which I had reserved for my own particular
work. ... I found something more interesting than that. His great-
grandfather had been a piper in the regiment in the days of the Napoleonic
war, and at the Battle of Waterloo he stood within the square and played
the ancient Highland challenge-march ' Cogadh na Sith,' as the French
cuirassiers hurled themselves upon the immovable ranks in vain.
" ' John,' I said, ' this is the anniversary of Waterloo, and you will lead
the men out to that very tune which your great-grandfather played on
that great day.' I told the colonel, and his eyes gleamed as he said to me,
' Ah ! padre, we'll do better than that. You will tell the men about it,
and I will call them to attention, and your piper will play his tune in memory
of the men of Waterloo.'
" And so it was done, and a thrilling incident it was as the men stood
rigid and silent in full marching order, and the piper strode proudly along
the ranks, sounding the wild, defiant challenge that stirred the regiment
a hundred years before."
Regimental tunes appeal enormously to the men who hear and know
them ; it was probably as much the sound of " Blue Bonnets over the
Border " as the sight of Piper Laidlaw piping along the parapet that made
the men, shaken with shell fire and gas, go straight forward ; and red hackles
have followed " Highland Laddie " in circumstances when another tune might
have failed to exert the same extraordinary influence. But, having played
his regulation onset, the piper has an opportunity of suiting his own taste
and selecting a tune appropriate musically and emotionally, as well as
in name, to the occasion.
xWith the Gordons at Y/>res.—Kev. A. M. Maclean, C.M.G.
44 THE PIPES OF WAR
On many occasions when the choice of a tune has not been restricted
by regimental custom or tradition, individual perfoimers have made selec-
tions which indicated the remarkable mentality of the British soldier.
At Loos, where Pipers Simpson and M'Donald of the 2nd Black Watch
played their company over the top and through the attack, the tune they
commenced with was " Happy we've been a' thegither," — only later changing
into the ceremonial onset " Highland Laddie." To men in a trench who have
suffered untold nerve strain waiting for Zero and who happen — as do most
men in Highland regiments — to know one tune from another, no more
appropriate combination of " onsets " could have been selected.
At Beaumont Hamel, when the 17th H.L.I, took the German trenches
and had an opportunity of bombing out the occupants, Pipe Major Gilbert
played another popular and very suitable tune, " The muckin' o' Geordie's
Byre," and greatly encouraged the men in their task. This same tune
has done duty on many similar occasions.
It was to " We'll tak the guid auld way " that the 16th Canadians attacked
at Vimy, and many Cameron pipers have played the " Piobaireachd Dhomh-
nuill Duibh "in similar circumstances.
Another very favourite tune was " The Macgregor's Gathering " which
was played with great effect in the capture of many villages during the
Somme fighting.
A curious coincidence was the selection by the pipers of the 1st H.L.I.
of " I'll gang nae mair tae yon toun " as they marched out of Marseilles
on 1st November, 1914, on their way to the front. During the first six
months they lost seven pipers killed, eight wounded and two taken prisoner,
and the band ceased to exist.
" Baile Inneraora," — otherwise " The Campbells are Coming " — was
the tune to which the first Highland regiment of the Expeditionary Force,
the 2nd Argylls, landed in France ; from that time onward it has immorta-
lised on every front, if that were necessary, the town of which Burns wrote :
" There's naething here but Highland pride
And Highland scab and hunger.
If Providence has sent me here,
'Twas surely in his anger."
PIPE TUNES 45
The Argylls long ago took Burns' song and treated it with the contempt
it deserves when they adopted " Baile Inneraora " as their " onset." It
was played at the taking of Longueval, in the attack at Loos, and
at the subsequent rally after that glorious disaster, and in many other
actions.
During the fighting on the Somme for the heaps of ruins which had once
been a French village, an incident occurred which takes us back to the
legend connected with the pibroch " A Cholla, mo run." Long ages ago,
when the Campbells heard they were going to be attacked by Coll Kiteach
at Dunivaig, they set an ambush and captured the advance guard. All
were hanged except the piper, who was given permission to play a lament
over his comrades. The piper at once started the warning, which was
heard and understood by his comrades,
" Coll of my love avoid the strait, avoid the strait, avoid the strait,
Coll of my love, go by the Mull, gain the landing place."
The poor piper was instantly stabbed by the infuriated Campbells.
It is a far cry from those days, when men could converse to each other
in pibroch, to 1916 ; but another tune — not " A Cholla, mo run " — was
played by another piper in a French village when his party was cut off.
Two officers, a sergeant, and a piper of an Argyll battalion, got separated
from the main body, and found themselves unable to get away when the
village was again attacked by our men. The small party at once started
bombing the enemy from the rear, but the piper, appreciating the un-
pleasant possibility of their own presence not being recognised, struck up
the regimental onset. This alarmed the Germans, who thought they were
being attacked from a fresh quarter, and materially contributed to the
success of the operation.
46 THE PIPES OF WAR
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS.
" Agus bha iad am measg uam fear treuna 'n an luchd-cuideachaidh 's a' chogadh."
To attempt to compile a complete record of the achievements of individual
pipers or of the pipe bands of units is an impossible task ; it would involve
a review of the whole course of the war. A long time must elapse before
the histories of battalions are completed, and even then we shall probably
never know fully the extent to which their pipers have contributed to the
attainment of success.
Throughout the war correspondence has been carried on with individuals
who, in spite of their appalling environment, have found time to supply
information. They at least have the satisfaction of knowing that to them
is largely due the fact that brave acts have been saved from oblivion.
Such a review as follows is but a fragmentary one, based on information
obtained from officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the battalions concerned —
but almost never from individual pipers. Among these men there appears
to have been a conspiracy of silence, and attempts to obtain fuller information
as to the reason for the granting of awards or the names of pipers whose
identity disappeared under the blue pencil of the Censor have proved in
very many instances unavailing.
The omission from these pages of mention of achievements of pipers
of many battalions must be regarded as indicating lack of space to record
them, or of failure to obtain the desired information.
The original Expeditionary Force landed in France with seven Scottish
battalions possessing pipe bands ; when the armistice was signed the
number of such units exceeded a hundred. Although on mobilisation
the number of " full " pipers in a battalion is only six it must be remembered
that there are always " acting pipers " serving in the companies who are
available — until that source of supply is exhausted — to take the place of
casualties ; and it is safe to reckon that the ioo battalions have had more
than 2500 pipers at various times.
The numbers that served in various units during the campaign varied
enormously ; in some, which freely utilised their pipers in the front line — in
the ranks, as bearers, and as pipers in action — as many as seventy or eighty
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS 47
have been borne on the strength at different times ; in others, which kept
these men invariably behind the front line, the casualties were negligible
and comparatively few were used up.
This difference in method of employment largely explains the variations
in the casualty lists and honours of different units ; and, in some cases, it
has been found impossible to obtain anything like complete information.
8543 Piper James Mackenzie, 1st Scots Guards.
During the desperate fighting about Ypres in October, 1914, Piper Mackenzie
greatly distinguished himself bringing up ammunition to the firing line. He was killed
while doing so. Awarded a mention in despatches.
8081 Piper Charles Scott Maguire, 2nd Scots Guards.
On the 27th October, 1914, near Ypres, an advanced trench was blown to pieces
by shell fire, most of its occupants being killed or wounded. Hearing calls for help.
Piper Maguire went forward from the support trench to report. He crawled 15 yards
on hands and knees to the wrecked trench and found several men had been buried
by the explosion. Although without any protection from enemy fire he dug out a
man and found he was dead ; he continued his task and got out another, placing
him for safety under cover of the dead body. He then crawled back to his trench.
The N.C.O. in charge had been killed meantime, and no official report of his conduct
was possible. Maguire himself was wounded shortly after, his back being broken ; he
died of paralysis some seven months later.
1 1002 Piper J. McMillan, 1st Royal Scots.
Was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry as a battalion scout.
10123 Corpl. E. Collins, ~|
vis
10754 Rper J- Clancy, I gt x Scots
10639 ,, J. Smart,
10032 ,, P. Mallin, J
During the operations on the Salonika front the battalion had to capture Karadzakot
Zir. The men had to advance over open country to the attack. These pipers played
over three successive charges to the enemy's position, and the commanding officer
considered their gallantry on this occasion was to a large extent instrumental in bringing
about the success of the attack. In spite of their exposed position they all got through
without being touched.
1 1065 Piper H. M'Leod, 2nd Royal Scots.
Was repeatedly mentioned in despatches for gallantry in attending wounded under
fire, and was recommended for the D.C.M.
1235 Piper W. Sinclair, 5th Royal Scots.
Shortly after the original landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula, a critical retirement
took place. Piper Sinclair, on his own initiative, gathered together a handful ol
48 THE PIPES OF WAR
stragglers, and, taking up a favourable position, covered successfully the withdrawal
of the battalion. He was killed.
Pipe Major John Buchan, 4th Royal Scots.
Just before the attack on Achi Baba on 28th June, 1915, Pipe Major Buchan played
along the line as the battalion went over ; he was killed.
7271 Pipe Major J. M'Dougall, 8th Royal Scots.
Was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal " for gallant conduct under very
trying circumstances " as a stretcher bearer at Festubert in May, 1915.
Corpl. Alexander Forsyth, 9th Royal Scots.
At Arras in April, 1917, this man, who was a highly skilled bomber, volunteered
to bomb the Germans out of a position in which they were covered by machine guns.
He crawled up and succeeded in his object, but was killed. He was given the Distin-
guished Conduct Medal.
13283 Pipe Major A. Colgan, 12th Royal Scots.
In the Loos attack the pipe major played the battalion over the top and was
wounded. Subsequently, in the great German offensive in 1918, when pipers had to
serve in the ranks, he got the Military Medal " for good leadership and courage."
Pipe Major John Mouat, 13th Royal Scots.
During the final advance in 1918 the pipers were employed as bearers, and suffered
heavy casualties. Pipe Major Mouat received a mention in despatches.
Pipe Major Murdoch Macdonald, 13th Royal Scots.
A heavy shell burst among a company and buried a number of men. Pipe Major
Macdonald went out alone, under very heavy shell fire and brought in six wounded men
unaided.
Pipe Major David Anderson, 15th Royal Scots.
In the opening attack on the Somme front on 1st July, 1916, the battalion was
played forward by the pipe major, to the old regimental tune " Dumbarton's drums."
He was hit shortly after going over the top, but continued playing ; he was again
wounded after crossing the third line of trenches and fell to the ground. He tried
to go on playing while sitting on the ground, but his pipes were shattered by a shell
bursting near him. He managed to get up and was at once attacked by a German,
but succeeded in knocking him out with his fists, and then continued fighting with
a rifle until overcome by his wounds.
Pipe Major Anderson was given the one Croix de Guerre allotted to his Division
for the most conspicuous act of bravery. The pipes he was playing on this occasion
were of historical interest as they had been taken to the Antarctic by a member of
Scott's expedition, and had been played also in the Arctic expedition of 1907.
Another interesting feature of Anderson's achievement was that several Germans
surrendered to him as he played on the parapet of one of their trenches.
Pipe Major David Campbell, 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Although he had been wounded in the arm on the previous day Pipe Major Campbell
played his battalion to the attack on the German position at Hooge on June 16, 1915.
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS 49
He played on right up to the German wire entanglements when, throwing his pipes
aside, he caught up the bayonet of a comrade who had just been shot by a German
officer and at once attacked the latter. He captured the officer.
9884 Piper Higginson, ist K.O.S.B.
The initial engagement of the battalion was the landing on Gallipoli. During the
first few days the pipers were fighting in the ranks, and the gallant exploit of Piper
Higginson is eloquent indication of the fact that they played the part of the fighting
man right well. All the officers and N.C.O.'s of his Company having been killed or
wounded during the heavy fighting of 26th April, 1915, Piper Higginson rallied the
remainder, and organised and led a bayonet charge with such dash and bravery that
the Turks were swept back from a line they had captured earlier in the day. Just
as success was attained Piper Higginson was mortally wounded, and died some hours
later. Had he survived he was to have been recommended for the D.C.M.
1315 Piper Maitland, )
8248 Pipe Major W. Mackenzie,/ lst KOSB-
During most of their stay on the Gallipoli peninsula the pipers had to bring up
ammunition, rations, stores, etc., a job which was at all times most trying and often
extremely hazardous. For conspicuous bravery in charge of these carrying parties
the Pipe Major and Piper Maitland were awarded the Military Medal.
556 Piper A. Erskine, 5th K.O.S.B.
Was mentioned in despatches for gallantry as a stretcher bearer in Gallipoli.
14851 Pipe Major Robert Mackenzie, 6th K.O.S.B.
At the battle of Loos 25th September, 1915, when the battalion went forward to
the attack in which it was decimated, the first over the top was the Pipe Major, who
started playing at once. He was wounded and fell after a comparatively short distance,
but managed to crawl back. His leg had to be amputated, and he died of shock
shortly afterwards. Mackenzie was a man of nearly sixty years of age, and had forty-
two years' Army service. He was awarded a mention in despatches. Before the
action he had been detailed, on account of his age, to be postman, but insisted on going
into action.
15851 Piper Daniel Laidlaw, V.C., 7th K.O.S.B.
Just before the attack on Hill 70 and Loos on 25th September, 191 5, the battalion,
which was under heavy shell fire, was exposed to a cloud of poison gas. Many of
the men succumbed to this gas, and the remainder were shaken by what they were
going through. The commanding officer, seeing Laidlaw standing waiting with his
pipes for the order to advance, called to him, " Pipe them together, Laidlaw, for God's
sake, pipe them together," and he immediately climbed out on to the parapet, and
marched up and down, regardless of danger, playing " Blue Bonnets over the Border."
The effect on the men was magical ; at the same moment the order came to advance,
and the officer shouted " Come on, the Borderers, who'll be the first to reach the
German trenches ? " The survivors of the company swarmed up and over to the
assault following the piper. The men were falling all round him, but Laidlaw continued
to advance until he got near the German line, when he was wounded and the officer,
P
5o THE PIPES OF WAR
who was alongside of him, was killed. As he lay on the ground he tried to go on
playing, and then managed to get up and hobble after the battalion.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross " for most conspicuous gallantry," and the
French Croix de Guerre.
The sobriquet " Piper of Loos " was commonly applied to Piper Laidlaw ; though,
in fairness to two other men, it must be admitted that he only shared that distinction
with them.
Pipe Major Douglas Taylor, 7th K.O.S.B.
During the attack on Loos when Piper Laidlaw got the V.C., the other pipers
were chiefly employed in bringing in the casualties. There were large numbers of
men lying about who had been gassed. Pipe Major Taylor, though himself wounded
in the hand, continued bringing in these men for thirty-six hours, until he was himself
shot down with a bullet in the heart. He recovered ultimately — one of the surgical
miracles of the war.
Pipe Major W. Robertson, 2nd Scottish Rifles.
Was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field.
Pipe Major Neil Macleod, 8th Scottish Rifles.
Greatly distinguished himself in the Dardanelles fighting in attending on the
wounded. He was killed in the attack on 12th July, 191 5.
4063I Corpl WHITELAW.j Scott.sh
17806 Piper MGurk, J v
17806 Piper
In a daylight raid at Arras in February, 1917, these two men played their companies
over, standing on the parapet, and then followed them up to the German position.
Pipe Major J. M'Coll, 10th Scottish Rifles.
Was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during the Somme fighting.
1 4631 Piper Alexander Stevenson, nth Scottish Rifles.
On 20th April, 1917, Piper Stevenson observed a comrade, who had been out
on a night patrol, lying wounded in No Man's Land, and calling for help. He at once
went over the parapet in broad daylight and brought liim in, although the Germans
brought a machine gun to bear on him as soon as he exposed himself. While assisting
the medical officer to dress the wounded man he was killed. His name was mentioned
in despatches for gallantry. He had previously done excellent work carrying messages
in action.
Piper Andrew Wishart. jigt Hack Watch
9430 Piper W. Stuart, I
After the failure of the first attack on Richebourg, 9th May, 1915 — the attacking
battalions simply melting away under a sheet of lead — a second attack on the position
was ordered for midday ; the leading battalions on this occasion being the 1st Black
Watch and 1st Camerons. The men went over the top with a tremendous dash,
and each company was led by its pipers. Two at least actually reached the German
trenches and continued playing — 9430 W. Stuart, and Andrew Wishart of the Black
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS 51
Watch. They were under very heavy fire, and both got wounded. Wishart fell
into a shell hole and lay there for four days before he succeeded in crawling back to
our trenches. When he fell there were loud shouts " The piper's down," and the men
made frantic efforts to get into the enemy's trenches ; but the machine gun fire was
too heavy, and they had to withdraw. Piper Stuart was awarded the D.C.M.
Piper George Galloway, 7th Black Watch.
On one occasion Piper Galloway rescued five men who had been buried by a shell
explosion. Subsequently, when employed as a runner, he was called on to deliver
an important message under very heavy fire. This he accomplished in almost impos-
sible conditions, and was given the Military Medal.
L/Corpl. G. Swan, 7th Black Watch.
Served in the ranks during the Somme fighting. lie was killed in action, and was
awarded the Military Medal.
1919 Piper Alexander Pratt, 2nd Black Watch.
Pipers throughout the war have been employed in a great variety of ways besides
piping. Piper Pratt was reported in Mesopotamian Force Despatches as "one of the
bravest and most intelligent bomb sergeants in the regiment ; on three occasions
he has proved his high capacity for leadership in the attack. He has been twice
wounded. His power of training grenadiers and his influence over his men are quite
exceptional." He was promoted in the field to Sergeant and awarded a D.C.M.
941 Piper Peter MacNee, 2nd Black Watch.
Also distinguished himself greatly as a bomber. He won the D.C.M. at Neuve
Chapelle. In France he was twice wounded, but went to Mesopotamia with the
battalion. In the fighting at Sheikh Saad in January, 1916, he was mortally wounded.
1839 Piper Alexander Macdonald,'
736 Piper David Simpson,
365 Piper R. Johnstone, !-2nd Black Watch.
699 Piper David Armit,
187 Piper J. Galloway,
In the attack by the 2nd Black Watch at Mauquissart, 25th September, 1915, the
pipers took a prominent part, playing their companies up to and through the German
first and second lines. After three fines had been captured the order to attack the
fourth was given. 736 Piper David Simpson at once dashed forward playing, followed
by his company ; he was killed just as they reached the objective. His bravery
earned him the title, for long after, of " The Piper of Loos." He was recommended
for the Victoria Cross. Further on, 1839 Piper Alexander Macdonald alternately
played from one trench to the next and assisted in bombing the enemy out of their
dugouts. In the third trench he marched, playing " Macgregor's Gathering," down
the trench at the head of the bombers, and then climbed on to the parapet and continued
playing. He was ultimately wounded and lost his leg. For his gallantry he was
given the D.C.M., but did not long survive to enjoy the honour as he died soon after
his discharge. At the same time 365 Piper R. Johnstone went on playing until he
52 THE PIPES OF WAR
fell gassed. As pipers fell out wounded others took their places, and the battalion
was played continuously into and through the action. It appears to have been a
tradition among the pipers of this battalion that they were always to play whenever
an opportunity occurred. Pipers David Armit and J. Galloway also played right up
to and through the German support trenches.
1 198 Pipe Major D. M'Leod, 4th Black Watch.
Piper M'Leod played his company into action at Loos.
During this action the commanding officer was mortally wounded ; he was brought
in, under intense fire, by Pipe Major — then Corpl. Piper — M'Leod, who received the
Military Medal for his gallantly. He subsequently got a bar to the Medal for repeated
acts of gallantry during the great advance of 1915.
410 Pipe Major Alexander Low, 4th Black Watch,
Received the Military Medal for devoted attendance to the wounded at Neuve
Chapelle.
1568 Piper Alexander Howie, 5th Black Watch.
At Neuve Chapelle Piper Howie greatly distinguished himself in bringing in
casualties. He was killed while performing this duty. Mentioned in despatches.
Piper R. Pirnie, ~|
Piper A. Forbes, I fith Black Watch
Piper A. Tainsh,
Piper R. MapletonJ
These men played the battalion in to the attack on High Wood, 14th July, 1916.
Though much exposed they escaped unwounded.
Piper Ferguson, 6th Black Watch.
At Laventie this man marched from one end of the line to the other playing "Johnny
Cope," which aroused the enemy, who, expecting an immediate attack, at once started
a barrage. No attack was ever intended.
2126 Piper Alasdair M'Donald, 6th Black Watch.
Near Laventie in July, 1916, a small patrol of four men operating in No Man's Land
ran into some Germans, with the result that two of them were badly wounded and
could not get back to our lines. Volunteers were asked for, and M'Donald and another
man went out. They met a German patrol and dipersed it, but this at once brought
hostile machine gun fire on to them. They had to hunt about for a considerable
time in high grass full of barbed wire before finding the wounded men, and, in bringing
them back, had to make use of part of a German communication trench. Piper M'Donald
was mentioned in despatches.
290056 Pipe Major Thomas Macdonald, \
292440 L/Corpl. G Swan, I ^^ Wafch
200509 Piper A. Mands,
Piper George Galloway,
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS 53
All these men received the Military Medal for gallantry in carrying despatches
during the Somme actions. On several occasions they performed quite invaluable
service in this way.
7671 Piper Alexander Henderson, ist Cameron Highlanders.
On October 22nd, 1914, Piper Henderson went out to an officer of the battalion
who was lying wounded in a very exposed position, and applied fir6t field dressings.
He then helped this officer back to our position under heavy machine gun fire and
then returned to his duty in the ranks. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct
Medal.
Sergt. Johnson, 2nd Cameron Highlanders.
Received the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry on the night of nth March,
1917, when on a reconnoitring patrol on the Struma. He killed the enemy's sentry
before he had time to wam his group, thus enabling the party to account successfully
for five out of seven of the enemy. Also for continuous good work as sergeant in charge
of regimental scouts.
As scout sergeant he subsequently still further distinguished himself, and by his
initiative and daring in incessant patrol work, materially assisted in gaining complete
ascendancy over all the ground between our own and the Bulgar trenches. " His display
of daring, initiative and courage has been a splendid example to all the men under him."
56 Pipe Major John Ross, 4th Cameron Highlanders.
Played the battalion to the attack at Festubert on 17th May, 1915, along with the
other pipers of the battalion.
17128 Piper J. Scobie, Cameron Highlanders.
Obtained the M.M., D.C.M. for gallantry in action.
9158 Acting Pipe Major J. MacLellan, ist Seaforth Highlanders.
During the advance in Mesopotamia ammunition happened to run short at a point
only 50 yards removed from the Turk trenches. MacLellan at once volunteered to
fetch some, and was killed as he was bringing it up.
8391 Pipe Major D. Mathieson, ist Seaforth Highlanders.
Was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal " for gallant conduct on many
occasions in conveying messages under heavy fire, and also for gallantry in attending
on the wounded on an exposed part of the line."
9446 Pipe Major Neil M'Kechnie, ist Seaforth Highlander.
During the engagement at Sheikh Saad on 7th January, 191 6, the battalion had
to advance for a long distance over perfectly flat country under very heavy fire.
Casualties among our men were very numerous. The pipe major and Pipers Colin
M'Kay and Alex. M'Kay at once started playing " Caber Feidh," and continued to
do so for some time. M'Kechnie and Alex. M'Kay were both wounded.
At Neuve Chapelle M'Kechnie had distinguished himself as a bomber, and was
mentioned in despatches and awarded the Russian Order of St. George.
766 Pipe Major Mackenzie, ist Seaforth Highlanders.
Was mentioned in despatches for gallantry in Palestine.
54 THE PIPES OF WAR
412 Piper William Barry, 1st Seaforth Highlanders.
Went out into No Man's Land under heavy machine gun fire to the assistance of
a wounded comrade who was lying unable to move, and whose clothing had caught
fire. Piper Barry was recommended for the D.C.M. ; he was mentioned in despatches.
529 Piper Colin M'Kay, 1st Seaforth Highlanders.
During the advance at Sheikh Saad some of the pipers had to bring up ammunition.
The Turkish barrage was generally late and missed the advancing battalion, but came
down behind it ; this resulted in severe casualties among ammunition parties. Piper
M'Kay was specially promoted on the field for gallantry in performing duty as an
ammunition carrier.
201307 Piper P. Stewart, 4th Seaforth Highlanders.
A company on the Ypres sector in September, 1917, had to advance a distance of
nearly two miles over flooded ground badly cut up by our artillery. The men were
very heavily laden with extra ammunition, bombs, etc. ; Piper Stewart played them
along until he fell and damaged his pipes. When they reached their position volunteers
were called for to go out and try to establish communication with the brigade on
the left, whose position was not known. Piper Stewart went out and performed this
task, but was badly wounded in the arm. He had previously done excellent work
in collecting casualties and putting them in an abandoned gun emplacement. He was
awarded the Military Medal.
599 Piper Donald M'Kay, 5th Seaforth Highlanders.
Was killed at Beaumont Hamel when carrying despatches. His CO. said of him,
" It was by devotion such as his that victory was bestowed on us that day."
21629 Piper D. Fraser, } Highlanders.
4661 Piper B. Hamilton, I ' °
In the attack at Loos, when the battalion was played in by their pipers, most of
these men were killed or wounded. At one time the position became very serious and
the advance was checked. Pipers Fraser and Hamilton at once got up into the open
and started playing " Caber Feidh " ; the effect was very marked as their companies
dashed forward after them. They were both killed.
8535 Piper D. Davidson, 7th Seaforth Highlanders.
This man, when serving in the ranks, showed such gallantry and initiative that
he received both the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.
81 12 Pipe Major Alexander Mackenzie, 8th Seaforth Highlanders.
At Loos, when the battalion was played into action, there were very heavy losses
among the pipers. Pipe Major Mackenzie distinguished himself greatly, and was given
the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
81 19 Pipe Major G. Gordon, 9th Seaforth Highlanders.
Played the battalion into action at Longueval on 14th July, 191 6, and was awarded
the Belgian Croix de Guerre.
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS 55
5745 Piper Charles M'Lellan, gth Seaforth Highlanders.
At the battle of Loos he was acting as orderly to his captain ; as they got over
the parapet the officer was hit, and died a few minutes afterwards. Piper M'Lellan
then reported himself to another officer who sent him back, under heavy fire, for
reinforcements. Having done this several times, he went to look for his captain and
brought in his body. He was awarded the Military Medal.
10744 Corporal A. Godsman, ist Highland Light Infantry.
During the action at Neuve Chapelle he repeatedly brought up ammunition to
the firing line under the heaviest fire, until he was wounded. He was awarded the
Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Russian Order of St. George.
1 1480 Piper John Brodie, 2nd Highland Light Infantry.
This man was one of the party with the late Col. W. L. Brodie when that officer won
the V.C.
240881 Piper William Mackenzie, 6th Highland Light Infantry.
In the action of 12th July, 1915, in which the battalion captured three lines of
Turkish trenches in Gallipoli, Piper Mackenzie went into action armed with a revolver
and a shovel, displaying great gallantry and doing great execution with both these
weapons until he was wounded.
191 4 Piper Kenneth MacLennan, 7th Highland Light Infantry.
Was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal " for playing the pipes during the
attack (on the Turkish trenches, 12th July, 1915) and advancing with the line after
his pipes had been shattered by shrapnel, and heartening the wounded under fire "
(London Gazette). After his pipes had been broken he continued to play on his chanter
for some time. He then made several journeys across the open to fetch water for
the wounded under heavy fire ; and also brought up boxes of ammunition.
1 90 1 Piper D. Cameron, 7th Highland Light Infantry.
In the attack on the Turkish trenches on 12th July, 1915, Piper Cameron played
his company right up to the captured trenches and was awarded a special mention in
Divisional Orders (52nd Division). On this occasion, while playing, he had a revolver
hanging from his wrist, and on reaching the trenches started using it with good effect.
Piper Donald Macfarlane, 7th Highland Light Infantry.
In the same action in Gallipoli on 12th July, 191 5, Piper Macfarlane played his
company through a bayonet charge and continued doing so until a shell burst shattered
his pipe drones. He then devoted himself to giving water to the wounded.
Corpl. Piper Allan M'Nicol, 12th Highland Light Infantry.
During the fighting at Loos and Hill 70 Corpl. M'Nicol was employed carrying an
artillery observation flag, and signalling successive positions to our guns as they were
captured. For his gallantry in action he was awarded the Military Medal.
15006 Pipe Major William M'Comb, 16th Highland Light Infantry.
On 14th February, 191 6, the Pipe Major, though stunned and sick from a blow
56 THE PIPES OF WAR
by a branch of a tree which had been hit by a shell, went forward and dug out several
men who had been buried. There was heavy shell fire at the time. He was given the
Military Medal.
12095 Piper (Pipe Major) Thomas Richardson, 16th Highland Light Infantry.
Was awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct at Roupy in the night of
2nd April, 191 7, when the company in support was heaWly shelled and casualties were
heavy. " Pipe Major Richardson organised carrying parties and showed an utter
disregard of danger under the continuous fire of heavy guns."
Pipe Major B. M'Donald, Highland Light Infantry.
An ammunition dump having caught fire he went in under heavy machine gun
and shell fire and succeeded in dragging out boxes of bombs and throwing them into a
shell crater full of water. By this means he stopped the conflagration. At the time
he had just been given a commission, and he received for this action the Military Cross.
16094 Pipe Major Young Gilbert, 17th Highland Light Infantry.
On the 1st July, 1916, the battalion crawled up to within 100 yards of the Leipzig
redoubt and rushed the latter when the barrage lifted, and held on. The position was
a very perilous one, and the CO. called on the Pipe Major to play to the men. This
he at once did and continued doing so, with the most stimulating effect on the
battalion. For this action he was awarded the Military Medal.
5495 Piper James Ritchie, 2nd Gordon Highlanders.
On the 14th July, 1916, the battalion had to attempt the capture of the road from
High Wood to Longueval. Advancing beyond the first objective they advanced
further and tried to dig in, but came under deadly fire from flank and rear. Of the
two leading platoons only one wounded officer and five men ever got back. Piper
Ritchie volunteered to carry a message to regimental headquarters and bring up
reinforcements. He did this twice. He was awarded the Military Medal.
6349 Pipe Major Charles Anderson, 2nd Gordon Highlanders.
Was awarded the Military Medal. His CO. writes : " Has done splendid work
throughout ; his cheerfulness and gallantry have been at all times most marked, and
he was a splendid example to all until he was severely wounded at Hulluch on 25th
September, 1915."
6863 Piper R. Stewart, 2nd Gordon Highlanders.
From the commencement of the war Piper Stewart's gallantry was repeatedly
brought to notice and especially during the fighting in October and November, 1914,
and at Ypres. He was specially promoted to Sergeant and awarded the D.C.M. and
the Russian Order of St. George for bringing up ammunition under particularly trying
circumstances at Ypres. He was killed at Loos.
Pipe Major (Sergt. Major) Angus Maclean, 2nd Gordon Highlanders.
Rejoined his old battalion on the outbreak of war and was transferred from the
pipes to a company as sergeant major. He was awarded the Military Medal for " con-
spicuous courage and ability in organising work under very dangerous conditions."
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS 57
The 2nd Gordon Highlanders in Italy.
In the summer of 191 8 the pipers, during the offensive, were attached for duty
to the 23rd Field Ambulance. All the wounded had to be carried across a deep and
very rapid burn, which was difficult to get across for a single man. These pipers,
however, with four men to a stretcher and four more to steady them, and without their
kilts and hose, succeeded in getting large numbers of casualties over. They stood in
the water for many hours. Subsequently they went out to look for wounded and
brought in many more. " But for the work of the pipers and drummers it would have
been impossible to evacuate the wounded that night."
Piper George Paterson, 4th Gordon Highlanders.
In the fighting outside Cambrai in November, 191 7, Piper Paterson played the
battalion into action and charged in three successive waves ; he also played it into Can-
tanig under heavy fire. Here he was wounded. He was awarded the Military Medal.
Piper William Webster, 4th Gordon Highlanders.
In the face of heavy fire during the retirement in March, 191 8, repeatedly brought
up ammunition to men in the front line. Was awarded the Military Medal.
Piper P. Bowie, ~\
Piper P. Paterson, I , „
_.* _ _ >4th Gordon Highlanders.
Piper R. Prentice, H °
Piper G. Davidson, I
In the Ypres fighting on 31st July, 1917, Piper Bowie rallied the men at a time
when things were looking very bad. He was awarded the Military Medal. At the
Marne, too, he and Pipers P. Paterson, R. Prentice, and G. Davidson played their
companies into action " and the example set by them roused the troops to further
efforts to force the enemy from a difficult position and enabled them to gain a great
victory."
1985 Piper Charles Thomson, 5th Gordon Highlanders.
At Festubert Piper Thomson showed great courage as an observer, and repeatedly
crossed a heavily shelled zone, which was also under fire by snipers, carrying messages
to battalion headquarters.
Piper H. Lunam, 5th Gordon Highlanders.
In the action at High Wood on 18th July, 1916, Piper Lunam " very heroically
played his company into action in face of heavy machine gun fire and a heavy enemy
barrage. He got no official recognition, but the thanks and respect of his comrades
who followed him."
10115 Pipe Major J. Howarth, 6th Gordon Highlanders.
During the fighting at Loos Pipe Major Howarth was acting as orderly to the
commanding officer, and, in the course of the advance, was wounded in the feet. A
shell had burst and knocked over a dozen of our men and he at once went off to give
first aid. On the way he saw Captain — ■ — of the 2nd Gordons lying wounded. As,
on account of his own wound, he was unable to carry the wounded officer in, he took
off his own puttees, wound them round his knees as a protection, took Captain on
his back and crawled back on hands and knees to our own line.
58 THE PIPES OF WAR
Pipe Major Howarth had already received the D.C.M. for his gallantry in tending
the wounded at Neuve Chapelle. For his action on this occasion he was awarded a
bar to the medal.
10700 Piper W. Bannerman, 6th Gordon Highlanders.
In the fighting at Givenchy on 2nd June, 191 5, some of the pipers were employed
in the ranks. Piper Bannerman was mentioned in despatches for great gallantry in
leading a bayonet charge.
Piper (Sergt.) Peter Dean, 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
When serving in the ranks as a machine gun sergeant he worked his gun alone in
an exposed position when the rest of the gun team had all been killed or wounded. He
was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
3162 Piper William Carlyle, 6th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
After a bayonet charge at Festubert on 16th June, 1915, the battalion was lying
on the ground under heavy fire. Near the enemy's line was a wounded man. Piper
Carlyle crept out on hands and knees to try and bring him in ; just as he reached the
man and had started to lift him, he was killed. Piper Carlyle was mentioned in
despatches.
Piper John Walls, 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Was awarded the Military Medal for devotion to duty as battalion runner through
the barrages on 23/24^1 July, 1915.
Pipe Major J. Wilson, 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
On the 8th April, 1916, a German raiding party of considerable strength entered
our trenches in the Labyrinth after the explosion of several mines which inflicted heavy
casualties. Pipe Major Wilson at once organised a counter attack and drove out the
enemy. He received a Divisional certificate of gallant conduct.
266 Piper George Shearer, 9th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
When employed as a bearer on 24th May, 1915, brought in a wounded man out of
No Man's Land under particularly difficult circumstances, and was awarded the D.C.M.
4627 Pipe Major Thomas Aitken, 10th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
During the fighting at Longueval in July, 1916, although a man of sixty years of
age, Pipe Major Aitken, at his own request, acted as orderly to the commanding officer
for the whole day ; he was ultimately wounded. He was awarded the Distinguished
Conduct Medal " for conspicuous gallantry on this and many other occasions."
6191 Piper J. Dall, ■)
2616 Piper D. Wilson,/ Ioth At^11 and Sutherland Highlanders.
When the battalion attacked Longueval it was met by heavy machine gun fire,
which caused very severe casualties. Part of the enemy wire had been left uncut by our
bombardment, and this caused momentary confusion in the ranks, as it was very
dark. The advance was held up by some ruined dwellings in the streets of the village
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS 59
which had been turned into machine gun nests. Pipers Dall and Wilson at once started
playing, and in spite of the noise of shell fire all round them, they succeeded in rallying
the men, and in leading an attack which proved to be irresistible. Piper Dall was
wounded. Piper Wilson was awarded a mention in despatches.
569 Piper G. Gamack, ioth Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Received the Military Medal for great gallantry in evacuating casualties during
the storming of the St. Quentin Canal, Sept., 1918.
Pipe Major Donald Macfarlane, nth Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
In the action of Loos the Pipe Major was employed as a despatch runner carrying
messages back from Hill 70. He continued doing this though severely wounded in the
arm. He was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Piper Charles Hoey,"\
Piper J. Barnett, j-nth Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Piper T. Wallace, J
In the attack at Loos these men all played their companies into action. Piper
Barnett was killed while doing so.
Piper Charles Cameron, nth Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
When the battalion attacked Hill 70 on 25th September, 1915, the pipers led their
companies and suffered heavy casualties. The 15th Division hung on to the slope of the
hill until next day, but ultimately had to fall back, being heavily counter-attacked.
The men of different units got mixed up in the hand to hand fighting which ensued, and
it was necessary to rally them in their own units. Piper Cameron stood under heavy
fire playing, and rallied the men of the nth. His bravery resulted in his being known
in the division as " The Piper of Loos."
598 Corpl. Piper R. Stevenson, 12th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Many of the pipers of this battalion were employed as scouts, and Corpl. Stevenson
rendered particularly good service in this capacity, especially in August, 1918,
when, in spite of heavy enemy fire, he went forward and carried out a successful
reconnaissance of the wire on the enemy's trenches. For this he got the Military
Medal.
139 Corpl. Piper H. G. Latham, 1st London Scottish.
On account of heavy losses at Messines the pipers of this battalion during the early
part of the war were employed in the ranks. Corpl. Latham was a crack shot and had
got into the final stage of the King's Hundred at the Bisley Camp in 1914. He was
accordingly employed as a sniper with much success. He took a prominent part in the
bayonet attack at Messines. He was killed at Zillebeke 16th November, 1914. Was
awaided a mention in despatches.
Piper Sydney Wilson, Liverpool Scottish.
This man served in the ranks. He was awarded the certificate for gallantry on three
separate occasions.
6o THE PIPES OF WAR
290 Pipe Major John Wilson,"! , _ . , „ ... ,
3 „.r ' J ^ J-ist fyneside Scottish.
1525 Piper George Taylor, J '
Both these men received the Mihtary Medal for bravery in playing their battalion
into action at La Boiselle on 1st July, 1916. The whole of the pipers of this and the
2nd Battalion took part in this, one of the most spectacular attacks on the Somme ;
and their behaviour was an inspiration to the men. They were exposed to very heavy
fire and to every sort of obstacle on the ground, but went on playing after ten pipers
had been killed and five wounded. 1525 Piper James Phillips of the 2nd Battalion,
after having his pipes shattered, started bombing the German trenches. He was
mentioned in despatches.
Sergt. John Macdonald, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
At Hooge on 8th May, 1915, after a front trench had been obliterated by shell fire,
Sergt. Macdonald dug out two wounded men who had been buried, and carried one
on his back and assisted the other to a place of safety under very heavy shell and rifle
fire. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. In Sept., 1916, he died of
wounds.
2401 1 Lance Corpl. J. Dvce, 13th Royal Highlanders of Canada.
During the Ypres fighting in April, 191 5, Corporal Dyce was employed as a despatch
runner and had to cross ground heavily bombarded by the enemy. While doing so
he was shot through the chest, and became unconscious ; on coming to, knowing the
importance of the despatch he was carrying, he started crawling in to deliver it at
battalion headquarters, collapsing when he arrived there. He was mentioned in
despatches.
29327 Pipe Major James Groat, 16th Canadian Scottish.
In the attack on the Vimy Ridge Pipe Major Groat and the pipers of the battalion
played them to the attack, Groat accompanying the commanding officer. They had
to advance over a mile under terrific fire. On this occasion he received the Military
Medal.
Subsequently, in the attack on Hill 70 on 15th August, 1918, he again led the
battalion and was awarded a bar to the Medal ; and on 2nd September, 1918, at Arras,
he got the Distinguished Conduct Medal for a similar action. He had played the
battalion through five successful attacks when he was finally wounded.
28930 Piper James Richardson, V.C., 16th Canadian Scottish.
At Festubert in May, 1915, he showed the greatest gallantry in carrying despatches,
and also saved a wounded comrade's life. In the attack on the Regina trench on
8th October, 191 6, he played his company to the attack. When they got near the
enemy's position very heavy wire entanglements were encountered, which took a
considerable time to cut through ; while this was being carried out Piper Richardson
marched up and down outside the wire playing, while the men were falling all round
him. When the wire had been cut he continued at the head of his company, and
played the " Reel of Tulloch " on the German parapet, followed by the " Deil in the
Kitchen " as the battalion started bombing the dugouts. At this moment the Company
1 6th Canadian Scottish.
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS 61
Sergeant Major was dangerously wounded and Richardson volunteered to take him
out. He successfully accomplished this and then said he must go back to fetch his
pipes which he had left behind in the captured trench. He never returned and must
have been killed. The Commanding Officer i writes of him : " I really think his V.C.
performance was one of the great deeds of the war. The conditions were those of
indescribable peril and terror. The lad's whole soul was bound up in the glory of
piping, and he was only taken into action after imploring his colonel with tears
in his eyes. Altogether a most wonderful example of high souled courage and
enthusiasm."
A year after Piper Richardson's death he was awarded a posthumous Victoria
Cross.
28557 Piper Alexander M'Gillivray,'
29048 Piper Allan Cameron M'Nab,
429603 Piper George Paul,
466703 Piper John M'Allister,
603174 Piper Gordon Cruickshank,
467573 Piper Alexander Robertson,
737176 Piper John M'Lean,
633179 Piper Archibald M'Dowell.
The whole of these men received the Military Medal for playing their companies
into action on different occasions. No man was ever recommended for reward unless
he had played into action on three different occasions, and every man had to volunteer
for the duty. As a matter of fact so keen was the competition that lots had to be
drawn to decide who should play.
429603 Piper George Paul, 16th Canadian Scottish.
After winning the Military Medal for his gallantry in playing his company to the
attack on Hill 70 on 15th August, 191 8, Piper Paul went into action at Amiens playing
on top of the tank " Dominion." While doing so he was killed. His action on this
occasion roused the wildest enthusiasm among his comrades and contributed greatly
to the success of the operation.
59224 Corpl. William Currie, 21st Canadians.
On several occasions Corpl. Currie showed extraordinary gallantry in bringing
in wounded men from positions in which any attempt at rescue appeared hopeless, on
account of the heavy fire brought to bear on any one trying to approach. The last man
rescued by Corpl. Currie had been shot by a sniper and was lying in a trench only a foot
deep. Currie succeeded in getting him away although he was badly wounded in the
process. He was several times complimented officially and was finally specially
promoted and awarded the Military Medal. He subsequently got a Commission and
won the Military Cross for gallantry.
60115 Piper Hugh Mackenzie, 21st Canadians.
At Hill 70 volunteers were called for to bring in a man who was lying wounded in
'Lieut. -Col. Cyrus Peck, V.C, D.S.O.
62 THE PIPES OF WAR
No Man's Land. Mackenzie was one of three who volunteered to get him ; two of
these men were killed. Mackenzie was given the Military Medal.
Piper W. Brand, "I ,, _ ,.
_. „. _ }--25tn Canadians.
Piper Walter Telfer, J J
In the attack on the Vimy Ridge gth April, 191 7, these two pipers played their
companies into action. Telfer was so badly wounded that his leg had subsequently
to be amputated, but continued playing, until he fell. Both of them were awarded
the Military Medal.
1246 Piper John Macdonald, 1st Canadian Machine Gun Corps.
During an action the attack was held up and most of the teams of the machine
guns were killed. Piper Macdonald succeeded in pushing forward to the objective
with a gun and held on until dark. He was the last to leave, carrying the gun on his
shoulders. For this he was promoted Quartermaster Sergeant, and was awarded
the Military Medal.
Pipe Major Alexander Grieve, \
Piper J. Waterhouse, V South African Scottish.
Piper A. Gray, J
When the Germans advanced on the Cambrai front in March, 1918, the pipers were
frequently called upon to serve in the ranks in various capacities. At Houdincourt they
were suddenly required to reinforce a position and piled their pipes on the ground.
A shell burst destroyed the whole of the pipes. For gallantry when acting as despatch
runners Pipe Major Grieve got the D.C.M. and Pipers Waterhouse and Gray the Military
Medal.
Pipe Major J. Robertson, 2nd Auckland Regiment.
The pipers served in the ranks. Pipe Major Robertson received the D.C.M. for
conspicuous gallantry at Bapaume.
Piper A. Aitken, 1 , . ...
_,r _ „ >42nd Australians.
Piper R. Gillespie, J *
These men were employed as scouts and both received the Military Medal for
valuable observation work prior to the action at Messines in June, 1917.
FOREIGNERS AND THE PIPES 63
FOREIGNERS AND THE PIPES
Brought in contact as Scottish troops have been with those of our Allies
it is not surprising that military pipers have attracted the attention of
observers and writers who, before the war, knew nothing of their existence.
From the early days of the war the pipes, the tartan and the kilt aroused
the liveliest interest in France ; and perhaps the sincerest tribute to them
is the fact that, in their caricatures of the nations, the Germans usually
depicted the British soldier as a particularly unattractive Highlander.
At first the French writers were mildly sarcastic about the players of the
" cornemuse," and regarded them as an amiable weakness of the comrades
of the " auld alliance " ; but gradually they discovered that pipes and
tartan were the outward and visible signs of a spirit which won their whole-
hearted admiration, and then their attitude changed.
Describing an attack by the 51st Division a French observer wrote :
" Resolutely they crossed what seemed to be impossible ground . . . they
charged to the shrill sounds of the bagpipes . . . they charged like heroes
of Walter Scott — leurs bonnets a rubans et leur jupes de danseuses."
Though the Breton bignon, the cornemuse, the German dudelsackpfeife
are no longer — if they ever were — instruments of war, the instinctive admira-
tion for the pipes remains in the most unexpected quarters ; and in France,
Flanders, Italy, the Balkans, and even the occupied portions of Germany >
" piob mhor " has aroused race memories long dormant. One effect of
this is the demand which has recently arisen in Italy for pipes from this
country ; another is the fact that the French Government have added a
painting of a piper by a French artist to the official collection of war pictures.
American observers were often very ignorant of the mysteries of the
bagpipe. A writer in the Boston Evening Transcript, after eulogising the
piper as a military institution, informs his readers that in the hands of a
really skilled performer the strains of the pipes can be heard for a distance
of six miles against the wind or ten miles if the conditions are favourable.
The writer may have been of M'Crimmon descent, but his enthusiasm
exceeded his powers of observation.
64 THE PIPES OF WAR
One thing is quite certain, viz., whatever their inmost feelings regarding
the musical qualities of the pipes, foreigners generally appreciate their
military value in war and share the opinion of the court-martial in 1746 that
they must be regarded as an " instrument of war."
The Germans certainly were not slow in forming an estimate of the
military value of the piper. From a very early stage in the war they learned
to associate the instrument with a type of troops for whose mentality,
as exhibited in the attack, they had more respect than sympathy, and
the piper at once became a marked man whenever he went over the top.
The casualties among pipers while playing would of themselves suggest
that this was the case ; but the statements of officer prisoners show that
orders were given to pick off pipers for precisely the same reason as officers
commanding platoons or companies.
THE PIPES IN CAPTIVITY
Even pipers fall into the hands of the enemy occasionally, but they
were never allowed to take their instruments with them into captivity.
Gradually, as " comforts," pipes were sent out to individual officers and
men ; and the following letter from an officer of the Gordon Highlanders
who was at Friedberg Camp, indicates how popular pipe music became
among his fellow-prisoners of the Allied armies.
" Friedberg, 11/1/1917.
Though only a young player I play here every day and do not find
people too hostile to me. The Russians, French and even the Germans
greet me with great interest and seem to find pleasure in listening to me —
though as I said I am no great player ; the most unsympathetic are always
to be found among the ranks of the " Sassenach." I learnt to play in 1911,
on joining my Regiment, under George MacLennan, who was Pipe-Major
at that time. While on leave in Edinburgh I used to have lessons with
his father — J no. MacLennan. Up till now I have only attempted " The
Glen is mine " and " Struan Robertson " in Piobaireachd, but having
been thoroughly taught by the MacLennans I naturally follow their way
PIPER KENNETH MACKAY, CAMERON HIGHLANDERS
At Quatre-Bras
From the Painting by Lochhart Bogle, by kind permission of the Officers
of the 1st Cameron Highlanders
THE PIPES IN CAPTIVITY 65
of thinking. Yesterday I played to a Russian who is a very good player of
the piano. He was delighted with the Pipes and I could not play too
many tunes for him. Strathspeys and Reels are greatly appreciated by all
our Russian friends. Last St. Andrew's Day we organized an Exhibition
of dancing which was a complete success. As the Scottish Colony here
is so small we asked the Russians to come and help us. This they did
right well with dances and songs, the music being provided, in both cases,
by " Balalaika," or Russian national instrument. For our part we danced
two foursome Reels (dancing two different sets of steps), a Sword Dance
and a Highland Schottische. In the latter dance we each took a Russian
as a partner, they having been trained up for the event. We sang " Bonnie
Dundee," " Lassies of Scotland," " MacPherson," and finished up with
" Auld Lang Syne." For the Reels my Russian friend provided the music
on the piano. Our costume was of course improvised. Kilt, shoes and
hose we had, we wore white shirts with lace cuffs, a strip of tartan fastened
with a brooch at the shoulder to do duty as a plaid and a black velvet band
with a lace ruffle, falling down in front, round our necks. Our sporans,
with the exception of one which was made out of a local rabbit, all came
from home. I had several pretty compliments paid to me by the Russians
and French, both on our costume and dancing. Five of us took part
altogether. I wonder if it would be too much to ask you to send me instruc-
tions for dancing the " Lochaber Broadswords " and the " SeannTriubhas,"
in case we have the misfortune to pass another St. Andrew's Day here in
Germany. If we do we shall give another Exhibition and I would like
to be able to vary it. I only know 12 Strathspey steps and 8 Reel steps.
Since I have been a prisoner I have taught over 30 people to dance the
Reel — including two Frenchmen and one Russian, and at present I have
five pupils on the chanter. We are 16 Scots here, so can you say we are
losing our national distinctions ? I have only told you this because I
thought it would interest you."
In Holland, in the internment camps, an organised pipe band was
instituted by the writer of the above letter, and consisted of thirteen pipers
of whom two were pipe majors.
66 THE PIPES OF WAR
MILITARY PIPE BANDS, AND REFORM
In preparing this record of the pipe bands of our Armies during the
war the opportunity has been taken of consulting pipe presidents and pipe
majors as to the present condition of military piping and the manner in
which obvious defects might be remedied. Like other experts they exhibit
divergences of opinion, sometimes as regards the nature of the defects,
sometimes as to the best method of remedying them. In certain matters,
however, there is absolute unanimity, and these are deserving of attention
by the military authorities.
" Sergeant piper." — Throughout the Army there is, and has always
been, a strong objection to the title of " sergeant piper," which in official
parlance is employed instead of " pipe major." No one ever calls a pipe
major a sergeant piper, except in returns ; and withdrawal of this modern
and indefensible title could result in nothing but good. As there is no
financial aspect involved in the change, it would be a graceful and inexpensive
concession to a body of men to whom the Army and the nation owe much.
Rank of the Pipe Major. — On another point there is absolute unanimity
of opinion, viz., the rank of the pipe major. As responsible for a band
possibly numbering twenty or more pipers, the pipe major ought to have the
same rank as a bandmaster. To limit the career of a piper to the possibility
of becoming a pipe major with the rank of sergeant is to prevent good
men accepting the position ; and many a man, seeing he can hope for no
advancement, leaves the pipes and returns to the ranks, thus getting a
chance of rising to warrant rank.
This question of rank has a most important bearing on the interests
of piping generally, and is therefore a national one. As instructor to
his men the pipe major should be a first-class performer himself, and
this — although the public appear to be unaware of the fact — involves
long and assiduous training. It is useless asking a man to attain the neces-
sary standard of excellence for this purpose and to offer him the pay of a
sergeant in return. The consequence is pipe majors are not always the
best pipers — from the professional point of view — in their units ; and this
MILITARY PIPE BANDS, AND REFORM 67
ought to be remedied, even though it does cost the nation the difference
between the emoluments of a warrant officer and of a sergeant in each
unit.
The Appointment of " Piper. "—Another necessary reform, which also
has the merit of costing nothing, is the official recognition of " piper "
as an appointment. In the Army " drummer " is an appointment, but
a piper is a private.
One result of this is that, on mobilisation, all pipers revert to the ranks,
excepting six (including the sergeant piper) per battalion. Apart altogether
from the special liability to casualties among the " full pipers " when playing
in action, it is evident that so small a band may, under the ordinary conditions
of modern warfare, be put out of action ; and then great difficulty is
experienced in raising another band. In many battalions during the war
this happened, sometimes more than once ; and it is these battalions which
are most insistent on the strength being twelve instead of six pipers.
Lowland regiments. — A grievance which cries for remedy at the hands
of the War Office is the treatment of pipers in Lowland regiments. The
official view appears to be that the existence of the pipes in regiments
such as the Royal Scots, the K.O.S.B.'s and others is an unreasonable
concession to a sentiment which is vulgarly called " Scotch," but which,
though believed to be nebulous, happens to be too strong for the military
reformers to ignore altogether. This view indicates ignorance of the history
of the pipes and of the Lowland regiments ; the one may be pardoned,
the other is inexcusable.
It is absolutely certain that Lowland regiments had pipers before the
existing Highland regiments were raised at all ; and the pipes were a national
instrument all over the Lowlands for centuries before there was any Regular
Army at all.
This being so it is quite illogical that the maintenance of their pipe bands
should be a greater financial burden on officers of a Lowland than of a High-
land regiment. The value of the institution, from a military point of view,
is the same in both ; and pipe bands should be treated as part of the recog-
nised establishment in one as in the other.
68 THE PIPES OF WAR
Standardisation of military pipe music. — There is one grave defect in
military piping which is capable of being remedied quite easily. Anyone
who knows anything of piping knows that each individual piper learns
his tunes after the setting of some well-known authority, and is for ever
after prepared to maintain that that version alone is the correct one. Un-
fortunately every battalion has its own setting for every tune played in
the band and declines to admit the possibility of any other setting being used
in any circumstances. Even in the case of distinctively regimental tunes,
e.g. " Cabar Feidh," the two Regular battalions of the Seaforth Highlanders
play — or used to play, just before the war — different settings of that tune,
and a man transferred from one battalion to another had to learn the slight
differences which his new unit preferred. The same remarkable indivi-
duality exists in every battalion and makes it very difficult indeed to get
a number of pipe bands to play even the best-known tunes together without
considerable practice.
This is quite wrong. By all means let the individual piper learn and
adhere to the setting of piobaireachd by his favourite authority ; but to
have as many settings of an ordinary march as there are battalions in the
Army is not to the advantage of piping.
The remedy is simple enough, — the standardisation of pipe tunes for
military purposes, in precisely the same manner as obtains with the National
Anthems and trumpet and bugle calls ; and, just as no departure to meet
regimental custom or prejudice is permitted in the case of these latter,
so the setting laid down for the Army in the case of pipe tunes should be
strictly denned and adhered to.
The superiority of one setting over another does not enter into the
question ; what is essential is uniformity.
Many pipe majors have pointed to this standardisation as one of the
most important measures to be adopted after the war, in the interests of
piping in the Army.
Neglect of Piobaireachd. — It is open to argument whether the military
piper does or does not exert a determining influence on the cause of piping
generally. Allowing fully for the great value of the recognised societies and
MILITARY PIPE BANDS, AND REFORM 69
the periodical piping meetings throughout Scotland, in keeping up the
standard of the national instrument and offering inducements for its study,
it will be readily admitted that, by their mere existence as permanent
institutions, military pipe bands keep up the cult of the pipes, at home
and abroad, to so marked a degree that any decline in their standard must
have a deleterious effect on piping generally.
To what extent, then, if at all, is military piping conducted to the best
advantage of the cause of piping, and is there room for reform ?
It may be taken as generally the case that, in so far as a military pipe
band is regarded as designed for duty on the march, and for various routine
military musical duties, it fulfils its functions tothe satisfaction of allconcerned.
It is too much to expect the War Office — or even individual commanding
officers — to accept the view that neglect of " ceol mor " is not compensated
for by a high standard of excellence in the " middle music " and in dances
and marches. Individual pipers in every battalion are players of " piobair-
eachd " ; but any one with experience of regimental or garrison piping
competitions knows how small is the number of men who enter for that
class of event, as compared with performers of the march, strathspey
and reel.
The explanation is simple enough — the men play what their audience
demands, and " Leaving Glen Urquhart " or " Duntroon " appeals to more
people, military or civil, than the finest piobaireachd. Pipe majors, even
when themselves anxious to teach their pipers the higher class of music,
recognise that to attempt to do so would often be wasted labour — men
come to them too old to make piobaireachd players, and, in any case, the
opportunities for playing it in the Army are too few to make it worth while
trying to get men to go through the initial drudgery. Being human they
naturally turn to march and dance music ; and the result is that, except
in the case of professional pipers who have enlisted, the soldier piper generally
ignores altogether the classical side of his music.
This is a defect in military piping, and it should be remedied by insisting
that, before promotion to pipe major, a piper should pass an examination
in every branch of pipe music.
?o THE PIPES OF WAR
A school uf piping. — The time has come to establish a school of piping for
the army at which likely pipers could undergo refresher courses of instruction
in all classes of pipe music, in the correct writing of music — a subject which
is lamentably ignored, in the theory of music, and in methods of instruction
of recruit pipers. In other words it should fulfil the same functions as
regards the training of future pipe majors, and the improvement of the
standard of playing in the army, that Kneller Hall does in the case of
bandmasters and military musical education generaUy.
No piper should be promoted pipe major until he has undergone a
complete course lasting at least six months, and has passed an examination
at the end of it.
Such a school should be open to civilian pipers and should become the
Macrimmon school of to-day.
The Piobaireachd Society have already decided to institute a memorial
to fallen pipers which shall take this form, and to the necessary endowment
the proceeds of this book will be devoted. But the army must contribute
towards its maintenance.
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
THESE Records are not based on military returns, and are therefore
not, in all cases, complete. They have been obtained by corre-
spondence with commanding officers, pipe presidents, pipe majors and
many others, but the exigencies of war have prevented the information
so obtained being absolutely accurate.
In many cases, units, reduced by fighting to mere cadres, have been
absorbed into other units and their pipers scattered ; in others, the field
records of the units themselves have been lost or have ceased to be available ;
and, in several, correspondence has been abruptly terminated by the corres-
pondent himself being killed or wounded.
In the circumstances it is satisfactory that so much information has
been obtained.
THE SCOTS GUARDS
ist Battalion.
During the first few months of the war there were very heavy casualties
among the pipers, and the band soon ceased to exist in consequence. It was
reconstituted in 1916, but was not again utilised in the front line.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME. RECORD.
Pipe Major Alex. Ross
3707 Sergt. Samuel Richardson Died of wounds, Battle of Aisne,
14/9/14-
6495 Lance-Cpl. David Smith Wounded, the Aisne, 14/9/14-
6926 Piper Kenneth M'Kay Wounded, Ypres, 31/10/14.
6999 „ Bruce Hobson Wounded, Ypres, 31 /10/14 ; taken
prisoner.
99! n Alexander Martin, D.C.M. Won D.C.M. ; killed 19/2/16.
71
72
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
8543
Piper
James M'Kenzie
Killed, Ypres, 31/10/14 ; de
spatches.
7529
,,
Murdoch M'Donald
Wounded.
8423
Corporal
James Carstairs
Wounded, Ypres, 26/10/14.
6456
Piper
Robert Paton
Wounded, Ypres, 31 /i 0/14.
5437
,,
A. M'Rury.
1 1 150
,,
Christopher M'Pherson
9456
"
Alan M'Phedran
Hector M'Nair
,,
J. Smith
Wounded.
,,
Thomas Anderson
,,
Malcolm M'Kenzie
Killed, Oct. 1914.
„
J. M'Donald
Wounded.
M
E. Kennedy
,,
J. Ormiston
D. M'Innes
Corpl.
D. Howison
Piper
A. Carmichael
Killed, 1915.
,,
T. Brownlow, D.C.M., M.M
Military Medal, D.C.M.
D. Taylor
tl
D. Marshall
,,
C. M'Pherson
,,
J. Coventry
,,
R. Paton
Wounded.
tl
J. Johnstone
,,
W. M'Leod
Wounded.
,,
C M'Rae
Wounded.
2nd Battalion
There were heavy casualties in the Ypres fighting in Oct. 1914, and by
the end of March, 1915, practically no pipers remained. The band was
subsequently reconstituted, but like that of the sister battalion, was as
far as possible saved from further decimation.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
Pipe Major William Ross
7743 Sergt. Andrew M'Intosh
Donald M'Intosh
3681 Lance-Sgt. Archibald M'Kimm
Lance-Cpl. Hector M'Kimm
5539 Piper Alexander Russell
7281 ,, William Grant
8053 ,, John Connor
Invalided.
Wounded and taken prisoner,
Zonnebeke, 26/10/14.
Killed, Zonnebeke, 26/10/14.
Wounded, Ypres, 21/10/14.
Wounded, Gheluvelt, 28/10/14.
Wounded, 28/10/14.
THE SCOTS GUARDS
73
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
7725 Piper
James Welstead
8341
William M'Donald
8349
Archibald M'Pherson
M. M'Pherson
8081
Charles M'Guire
8852
Colin Livingstone
11148
James Coventry
7°39
James M'Donald
T. Marshall
C Munro
D. Marshall
W. Craig
D. M'Phedran
J. M'Phedran
D.jM' Arthur
J. Walker
record.
Wounded and taken prisoner,
Zonnebeke, 26/10/14.
Wounded ; invalided, 26/10/14.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle, 1 1 /3/15.
Died of wounds at Ypres, 29/10/14.
Wounded, Ypres, 27/10/14; burned
with liquid fire, Neuve Chapelle,
I3/3/I5-
Wounded, 13/3/15.
Wounded, Ypres, 27/10/14.
These two battalions, in the first year, had 7 pipers killed and 17 wounded.
THE ROYAL SCOTS
ist Battalion
In the capture of Karadzakot Zir, in the Salonika operations, the battalion
was played to the attack by Pipers Collins, Clancy, Smart and Mallin, and
the CO. considers that their services on this occasion " were of inestimable
value ; it was largely due to the presence of the pipers with the leading
wave that the enemy evacuated their trenches and retired in disorder."
Besides their value on the march and in billets " they were invaluable in
inspiring esprit dc corps under fire."
Pipers were also employed as observers, messengers, scouts, etc.
Promoted Pipe Major, ist R.S.F.
Wounded, May 191 5, France.
Invalided.
REG. NO
NAME.
RAt>
IO369
Pipe Major
G.
J. Allan
8473
Sergt.
J-
M'Nab
IOI22
Corpl.
R
SOFTLEY
IOI23
,,
E
Collins
IO183
Piper
J-
Clancy
10754
,.
J-
Burns
74 REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
RECORD.
II002
Corpl.
W. M'MlLLAN, D.C.M.
IOO32
Piper
P. Mallin
Invalided.
9885
»
W. M'Arthur
E. Duguid
Invalided.
IO639
,,
J. Smart
8450
,,
R. Drummond
Wounded, May 191 5, France.
3929I
,,
H. Thomson
I0273
,,
R. Armour
Wounded, Karadzakot, Sept. 1916.
13859
,,
D. White
43315
„
H. M'Williams
Wounded, Aug. 1918.
32844
J. Noble
48594
,,
D. M'Donald
Died in hospital, Bulgaria.
ID443
,,
A. Alves
200297
,,
W. Hovan
2nd Battalion
The 2nd battalion took part in the original fighting of the war. During
the retirement from Mons the pipers were chiefly employed as despatch-
runners and orderlies. They went out with 16 pipers and lost 6 during
the first few weeks. Four pipers, including Pipe Major Duff, were taken
prisoner at Audincourt on 26th August, 1914.
During the Somme fighting they were employed as stretcher-bearers
and suffered severe casualties. On one occasion they did invaluable service
in bringing water up to the battalion. At Ypres in September, 1916, the
pipers were carrying barbed wire up to the front when a shell wounded
three. After that the band was withdrawn from the front line and employed
in playing the battalion to and from the trenches. By the end of 1918
there had been 7 pipers killed, 16 wounded and 4 taken prisoner, and, to
quote the pipe major, " I have seen 3 bands disappear and the fourth is
now on German soil."
Apart from the difficulty of replacement of casualties one of the
reasons why pipers were not used in attacks was because it was felt
" when the men heard the pipes they would lose control of themselves
and, in their eagerness to get forward would be apt to rush into their
own barrage."
THE ROYAL SCOTS
75
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
8696 Pipe Major J. Duff
5815 Pipe Major J. A. Dunbar
9357 Lance-Cpl. G. M'Donald
325127
Corpl.
J. MacKay
10535
Piper
D. Wheelan
9865
-
A. Smart
9867
Lance Cpl.
Groves
11161
Piper
J. Steele
9356
Piper
J. Hunter
10541
F. M'Ewan
1 1065
H. M'Leod
11484
D. Lindsay
A. Mackinlay
4918
A. Cruickshanks
9356
R. Hunter
13459
William Fisher
250240
William Black
8516
J. Robertson
325547
R. Robertson
8450
J. Drummond
8906
J. Henry
9787
J. YOUNGSON
9061
J. Johnston
7929
„
J. Anderson
3190
„
J. Thompson
10536
E. Duguid
270014
J. Sinclair
32553
W. Hutcheson
11613
A. Macdonald
8899
R. Scholes
10178
J. Scott
1 1 486
J. Clark
270037
J. Paul
270045
A. Stocks
325080
R. Johnstone
250240
W. Black
270821
D. Shane
"437
Lance Cpl.
A. SWINNEY.
record.
Wounded, taken prisoner, Audin-
court, 26/8/14.
Wounded, taken prisoner, Audin-
court, 26/8/14.
Wounded, 23/1 1/17.
Wounded, taken piisoner, Audin-
court.
Wounded, taken prisoner, Audin-
court.
Wounded, Kemmel, Nov. 1914.
Wounded, Kemmel, Nov. 1914.
Wounded, Ypres, 28/5/15.
Wounded, 23/5/15, 12/4/18,
8/10/18.
Recommended for D.C.M. ;
wounded, Ypres, 28/5/15.
Killed, 4/5/17.
Killed, 9/4/18.
Killed, 27/9/18.
Wounded, 23/5/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15 ; killed,
15/4/16.
Wounded, 12/11/17.
Killed, Croix Barbes, 13/10/14.
Wounded, 9/4/18.
Killed, The Bluff, 23/1/16.
Wounded, Somme, 13/7/16.
Wounded, The Bluff, 4/3/16.
Wounded, 13/9/14.
Wounded, Kemmel, April, 1915.
Died, 30/8/15.
Killed (gas), 10/5/18.
Wounded, 9/4/17.
Wounded, 26/3/18.
Wounded, 12/4/18.
76
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
4th Battalion (Queen's Edinburgh Rifles)
This battalion served in Gallipoli, and took part in the attack on Achi
Baba on 28th June, 1915. On this occasion the Pipe Major John Buchan
was killed when playing along the line as the regiment commenced their
advance.
Killed, Gallipoli, 28/6/15.
Died of dysentery, June, 1915.
Wounded on Achi Baba, 28/6/15.
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
Andrew Buchan
Piper
C. Rutherford
,,
E. Alexander
,,
J. Christie
,,
A. Murray
,,
J. Duncan
„
W. Armstrong
„
J. Hughes
,,
P. Laidlaw
5th Battalion (Queen's Edinburgh Rifles)
During the Gallipoli fighting the whole of the pipers became casualties,
some of them while acting as pipers, others while serving in the ranks.
Shortly after the landing, 1235 Piper Sinclair gathered together some
stragglers and successfully covered the retirement of his battalion at a
critical period. He himself died of his wounds. The band ceased to exist
until again started in 1916. Writing of their subsequent experiences the
commanding officer says " they gloriously upheld the traditions achieved
by their predecessors."
Killed, 2/5/15, Gallipoli.
Died of wounds, 8/5/15, Gallipoli.
Killed, 28/4/15.
Killed, 7/5/15.
Wounded, April, 1915 , Gallipoli.
Wounded, 7/5/15.
Wounded, May, 1915.
Wounded, 4/6/15 ; and again,
Gallipoli.
Wounded, 28/6/15, Gallipoli.
Killed, July, 1916.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
1417
Pipe Major
James Peden
1303
Piper
G. Hardie
1235
,,
W. Sinclair
766
,,
A. Lawson
1824
,,
G. W. Downie
471
,,
J. Uncles
1885
Corpl.
D. Swan
1156
Piper
J. G. Scott
1364
»
N. M'Elhinny
1539
W. M'Ivor
8109
,,
David Ross
THE ROYAL SCOTS
77
6th Battalion
Pipers were almost entirely employed behind the front line owing to
the difficulty of replacement.
The battalion was ultimately merged with the 5th Royal Scots.
.Died, Egypt.
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
R. Anderson
Corpl.
J. Greer
R. Rough
Piper
T. Leake
,,
A. M'Kenzie
R. Bremner
,,
J. Fisher
"
R. Irvine
5/6 Battalion
REG. NO. RANK.
name.
Pipe Major
J. A. Gordon
Corpl.
A. Jack
Piper
R. Davidson
,,
R. Martin
,,
R. Fletcher
,,
J. Marshall
„
J. Hannah
7th Battalion
This battalion lost the pipe major and 2 pipers in a railway accident
before going overseas. While in Gallipoli they were employed in the ranks.
After the Gallipoli operations the band was brought up to strength and
played the battalion into Palestine to the old air of " Blue Bonnets over
the Border."
record.
Killed in train in England.
Killed in train in England.
Killed in train in England.
Wounded.
Wounded in train smash.
Killed, 12/7/15.
Killed, 6/11/17, Palestine
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
Sergt. Piper
James Gear
Piper
George Smeaton
Alex. Nicol
Lance-Cpl.
James Campbell
Piper
James Pearson
Fred Turner
Thomas Clachers
25II4I
Peter M'Neill
78
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
8th Battalion
At Festubert and elsewhere the pipers were employed as stretcher-
bearers, and Pipe Major J. M'Dougall was awarded the D.C.M. " for gallant
conduct under very trying circumstances." After the first two years it
was decided to keep the band out of action as far as possible.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
7271
Pipe Major
J. H. M'Dougall, D.C.M.
Wounded, 22/5/15 ; D.C.M.
7124
„
J. Sterrick
Time expired, 6/5/16.
335120
„
J. Stevenson
325II9
Lance- Cpl.
S. Thomson
335062
Piper
D. Sheills
335II3
A. Euman
7059
,,
J. Stirling
Wounded, 20/5/15.
594
J. Martin
Wounded, 21/12/14.
335"8
tt
R. A. Dodds
7112
,,
A. Sterrick
Invalided, Dec, 1914.
7132
,,
R. Crawford
Invalided, May, 1915.
819
,,
G. Darling
Wounded, 13/10/16.
4244
„
T. Forrest
Invalided, 26/2/15.
4467
A. NOTMAN
Invalided, 13/10/16.
330041
W. Brown
335074
,,
F. Confrey
Invalided, 10/8/18.
330347
J. Dickson
330400
,,
G. Reid
10027
A. Methven
9885
R. M'Arthur
42591
,,
H. Cameron
302447
J. O'Donnell
9TH Battalion
The band was kept out of action as far as possible as it was regarded
as an invaluable asset on the march and in billets.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
Pipe Major C. M'Kinley
William Reid
Lance-Cpl. A. L. Forsyth, M.M.
Piper
J. M'Ewan
R. Houston
J. Urquhart
record.
Wounded, 17/5/15.
Wounded, 17/5/15 ; awarded Mili-
tary Medal ; killed, 23/4/17.
Wounded, 7/4/15 ; and again
23/5/I5-
THE ROYAL SCOTS
79
REG.
NO. RANK.
NAME.
record.
Piper
W. B. Martin
J. Charge
H. C. Clark
C. Manderson
Invalided.
Corpl.
G. Lauder
James Robertson
Killed, 23/5/17.
Lance-Cpl.
E. M'Donald
Piper
William Ritchie
Wounded, 25/3/18.
William Legg
(Lieut. Royal Air Force)
A. Cannon
Invalided.
J. Tully
G. COCKBURN
J. Robertson
J. Clark
Wounded, Soissons, 29/7
P. M'Lean
J. Armstrong
W. Duffy
W. Ross
D. Ross
R. Connolly
iith Battalion
In spite of their frequent requests to be allowed to play in action the
pipers were not permitted to do so, as the band was regarded as too valuable.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME. RECORD.
3451 Pipe Major J. Clark
227629 Sergt. W. Sinclair
27230 Piper Robert Marshall Wounded, 7/7/16.
8906 Lance-Cpl. W. Henry
200521 Piper W. Christie
29304 ,, G. Combe
29519 „ J. Harper
29331 ,, T. Hermiston
41216 ,, R. Johnstone
40063 ,, G. Muir
20857 .. W. Stewart
40057 ,, W. Bruce
40787 ,, A. Young Wounded, 23/3/18.
27237 ,, A. Potts
J. Kane Killed, 14/7/16.
12TH Battalion
During the advance of the 26th Brigade at Loos in September, 1915, the
companies were played to the attack by their pipers, and suffered heavily.
8o
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
Normally they were kept out of the front line owing to the difficulty of
replacement. During the German offensive of 1918 they were in the ranks,
and Pipe Major Colgan got the Military Medal " for good leadership and
courage." The casualties among them were heavy, two having been killed
and nine wounded.
REG. NO,
RANK.
NAME.
record.
13283
Pipe Major
A. Colgan, M.M.
Military Medal.
IOI22
,,
R. SOFTLEY
Wounded, 25/9/15.
I299I
Piper
Thomas Hislop
Killed, 25/9/15.
2OO737
Lance
■Cpl.
P. West
Killed.
13459
"
William Fisher
Wounded, Sept., 1915 ;
15/4/16.
killed,
270322
Pipei
H. Barrie
3H37
D. Bowes
Wounded, 25/9/15.
I6036
,,
C. Campbell
13530
W. Cowe
Wounded, 25/9/15.
43280
,,
J. Gray
I299I
D. M'Donald
Wounded, 25/9/15.
27OO99
J. MTntyre
34°4
,,
N. MTntyre
270324
J. M'Knight
G. M'Phee
43345
,,
A. Robertson
6392
,,
J. Robertson
Wounded four times.
270326
,,
D. Ross
40300
D. Thomson
Wounded, 191 6.
18516
G. Watson
Wounded, 1916.
13TH Battalion
At Loos, 25th September, 1915, and in subsequent actions, the pipers
were employed as bearers. There were heavy casualties among them in
the last advance in 1918, when 2 were killed and 5 wounded.
Pipe Major Murdoch Macdonald
record.
Invalided ; died, 9/2/16.
John Mouat
Mentioned in despatches,
Sergt.
Robert M'Kay
,,
Thornton
Invalided, 1917.
Corpl.
F. Dalgleish
Piper
John Ford
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15
,,
John Marr
Wounded, 26/8/18.
,,
William M'Neill
Wounded, 26/8/18.
,,
Peter Campbell
Wounded, 26/8/18.
THE ROYAL SCOTS
RANK.
NAME.
'iper
Thomas Flood
•
Robert Campbell
John Crowborough
,
John Falconer
f
John Ferrier
f
John Kilpatrick
t
John Macmillan
,
John Rankin
,
John Rough
Robert Norris
,
Angus Macdonald
t
William Tweedie
f
Robert Mitchell
,
J. Findlay
F. Gray
t
G. Guild
t
M. M'Lennan
,
F. Morris
t
J. M'Lean
t
W. Whitehead
,
J. Clunie
record.
Killed, 26/8/18.
Wounded, 25/9/15 ; taken prisoner
and died.
Wounded, April, 1918.
Invalided.
Invalided.
Invalided .
Invalided.
Invalided.
Wounded, 2 7/1 /1 6.
Wounded, 28/3/18.
Died of wounds, 26/8/18.
15TH Battalion
The battalion was played to the attack on Fricourt on the 1st July, 1916,
by Pipe Major David Anderson, who was subsequently awarded the Croix
de Guerre. Only one decoration was available for the Division, and his
was considered the most conspicuous act of bravery.
i6th Battalion
After suffering heavy losses this battalion was absorbed by the 9th Royal
Scots.
Invalided.
Killed, Somme, July 1916.
Killed, Arras, April 1917.
RANK.
NAMI
Pipe Major
W. Duguid
Corpl.
D. Sinclair
Lance
Cpl.
P. GOLDIE
Piper
W. Adams
M. Bethune
H. Grey
D. Hendry
A. Jack
A. Loch
Wounded, 1918.
82
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
RANK.
NAME
Piper
A. Noon
„
G. Philp
tr
D. Ross
tr
J. Thomson
■■
H. Tuohy
E. Tuohy
A. Wilson
Killed, Arras, April 191 7.
Invalided.
Wounded, Somme, 1916 ; in-
valided.
17TH Battalion
The pipers, when employed in action at all, went as bearers.
RANK.
NAME.
record.
Pipe Major
M'DONALD
Invalided.
"
Donald M'Lean
Became Lieut. 1st Gordons ; killed
July 1918.
)f
A. M'Phedran
Corpl.
C. M'KlNNON
Lance
Cpl.
Lawrie
J. Moon
Prisoner of war.
Piper
Ramage
Calder
Wounded ; invalided.
Swanson
Wounded ; invalided.
Wilson
Invalided.
9
Douglas
Invalided.
t
M'Anulty
Peebles
t
M'Garvie
t
Brennan
,
J. Thomson
,
A. Collins
,
Jas. Hogg
,
P. Mack
THE ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS
ist Battalion
The battalion was played to the attack on the German trenches at Hooge
on 16th June, 1915, by the Pipe Major David Campbell.
RANK. NAME. RECORD.
Pipe Major David Campbell Wounded, Hooge, 15/6/15.
,, J. M'Nab From ist Royal Scots, 20/11/15.
THE ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS
83
2ND Battalion
After the first battle of Ypres only one piper remained, but a small
band was made up from such acting pipers as could be spared from the
trenches. Drafts from other battalions ultimately brought the band up
to strength. The pipers who were taken prisoner, along with one of the
officers, started a band in a German prison camp.
RANK.
NAME.
RECORD.
Pipe Major
A. Meikle
Prisoner of war.
Sergt.
D. Duncan
Prisoner of war.
J. Jamieson
Wounded.
(J
D. Bryce
Wounded.
Corpl.
H. Ellis
,,
A. W. Richardson
Killed.
tt
J. Duff
Wounded.
,,
A. Jennings
Killed.
Piper
W. Cruickshank
Piisoner of war.
J. Urquhart
Prisoner of war.
,,
J. Verrall
Wounded.
W. BUTTERWORTH
Killed.
A. M'Garva
Prisoner of war.
,(
W. Stewart
G. Gillespie
Three times wounded.
,,
J. Hunter
Wounded.
,,
H. Fullstone
Wounded.
W. Moore
Wounded ; invalided ; died,
,,
D. M'Lean
Killed, Messines, 1917.
,,
M. Watt
,,
G. Lawrie
M
G. Prattis
„
T. Alston
,,
G. Withers
Invalided.
tM
C. Connor
Invalided.
,,
J. Bain
,,
A. Lees
n
F. Coutts
M
G. Greig
,,
W. Sinclair
„
A. Mathieson
4TH Battalion
Pipers in Gallipoli were originally employed as duty men in their com-
panies, and in the action on 12th July, 1915, three of them were killed.
84 REGIMENTAL RECORDS
The band was gradually reduced to vanishing point, and was reconstituted
in France in 1918 from men of the 7th R.S.F. In France they were kept
out of the front as they were regarded as too valuable an institution to be
lost again.
Pipe Major
M' Queen
,,
N. Shaw
C. M'Innes
Lance
-Cpl.
J. W. M'Allister
Piper
P. Greig
J. Milner
A. Gordon
Lance
Cpl.
W. Highet
Piper
W. Batchelor '
J. Smith
J. Rae
R. Storrie
J. Kiddie
„
J. Crews
tt
J. K. Stephen
tt
R. Currie
tt
J. Woods
ff
D. Innes
tt
H. Hoggan
,,
R. Hoggan
Invalided, Nov. 1915.
Died of wounds, Palestine, 2 1/4/1 7.
Killed, Gallipoli, 12/7/15.
Killed, Gallipoli, 1 2/7/1 5.
Killed, Gallipoli, 12/7/15.
Invalided, Nov. 191 5.
Transferred from 6/7 Battalion to 4th Batt.
on return to France from Palestine.
5th Battalion
In Gallipoli the pipers served in the ranks. The CO. considers, however,
their value in keeping the men cheery, and on the march, so great that
they should not be allowed in the front line at all. " When the men were
exhausted and inclined to straggle the effect of the pipes was most marked,
the men at once pulled themselves together."
6909 Pipe Major
24*387
7797 Lance-Cpl.
7613 Piper
6348
7107
5726 Lance-Cpl.
241579 Piper
NAME.
Andrew Thom
John MacPhee
John Murdoch
Hugh Dick
Alexander Caldwell
Andrew Hope
William Johnstone
William Lenaghen
Invalided
Killed, 13/7/15-
Wounded, 12/7/15.
REG. NO. RANK.
9806 Piper
24001 1
240190 ,,
240834
THE ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS
NAME. REC
James M'Connell
Robert Magie
Thomas Shanks
H. Samson
85
7TH Battalion
When the battalion went out it was found necessary to put the pipers
in the ranks. After the amalgamation of the 7th with the 6th Battalion
they were kept out of the front line for a time.
RANK.
NAME.
record.
Pipe Major
Watson
Piper
T. Marr
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
n
W. Marr
Wounded.
tf
R. Rommie
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
](
Balsillie
Davidson
tI
W. Barclay
„
M' Arthur
Invalided.
,,
Finlayson
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15
6th and 7TH Battalion.
rank.
name,
Pipe Major
D. Innes
Piper
J. Kiddie
,,
W. Craig
„
J. Wood
J. Stephens
J. Crews
R. Currie
3t
D. Tunes
,,
J. Jamieson
fJ
Claydon
,,
Balsillie
,,
Davidson
The combined battalions were ultimately broken up, and the pipers
transferred to the 4th Battalion, which had returned from Palestine with
its pipe band no longer in existence.
86
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
8th Battalion
Owing to the difficult}? of replacing casualties the pipers were not allowed
to go into action.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record
Pipe Major
H. Peters
W. M'Cormick
J. Duff
Invalided.
Corpl.
Lance-Cpl.
G. Gray
A. Alves
,,
J. Noble
Invalided.
Piper
J. M'Nab
A. M'Kay
P. M'Guinness
J. Blaylock
G. Glendinning
F. Morrison
W. Murray
J. Ferguson
Invalided.
A. Lave
Invalided.
B. Paterson
Invalided.
R. Storie
Invalided.
J. M'Farlane
Invalided.
W. Haran
Invalided.
P. Abernethy
Invalided.
IITH
Battalion
REG. NO
RANK.
name.
RECORD
26522
59663
265732
59415
265763
Pir
Ser
Pil
>e Major
gt-
>er
T. PORTEOUS
R. Hailstones
A. M'DONALD
D. M'Bain
A. Forbes
THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS
ist Battalion
In the landing on Gallipoli the pipers of the battalion had to take their
places in the ranks in the first line fighting ; here they distinguished them-
selves. During the subsequent operations in the Peninsula the pipers
were employed in miscellaneous duties behind the front line.
THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS
87
Of the 10 pipers who landed only 4 remained to accompany the battalion
on its evacuation.
In France they were employed in any and every capacity ; "as bearers
and ammunition carriers they had tasks to carry out that were almost
superhuman, but as a band they ceased to exist until May 1917, when they
were reconstituted. It was then decided to keep them out of the front line
altogether."
The opinion of the officers is that pipers are far too valuable an institution
to be employed in action in any capacity. The CO. considers the band
" plays no inconsiderable part in promoting the efficiency of a fighting
force."
8248 Pipe Major W. Mackenzie, M.M.
6863 Sergt.
8400 Corpl.
11412 Piper
7936
11315
8629
9545
10884
F. PURGAVIE
H. M'DONALD
COLGAN
HlGGINSON
LlIXIE
Maitland, M.M.
R. Scott
Turnbull
Trotter
Military Medal.
Wounded, Flers, 25/1 1/16, while in
charge of a Dump.
Wounded, Suvla Bay, 10/8/15.
Wounded, Gallipoli, 4/6/15.
Killed while leading bayonet
charge, Gallipoli, 26/4/15.
Killed at Paschendaele, 27/4/17 ;
awarded Military Medal.
Wounded, Gallipoli, 4/6/15.
Wounded, Gallipoli, 1/6/15 ; Cam-
brai, 28/1 1/17.
2ND Battalion
The officers of the battalion regard the pipers as a most necessary adjunct
to a unit on active service, but consider that owing to the difficulty of
replacement they should not be employed in action.
RECORD.
Wounded, Givenchy, 27/9/15.
Wounded twice.
:eg. no
RANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
J. MacIntyre
II537
,,
W. Mackie
9059
Corpl.
T. Hope
10340
,,
L. Rodgers
10693
,,
F. Cairns
6342
Piper
W. Woods
8401
„
J. Black
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
RECORD
10632
Piper
W. Macdonald
Wounded.
1 1 893
,,
M. Halliday
III72
,,
1". Marr
Wounded twice.
40089
,,
G. Lockie
Wounded.
44039
,,
A. Bruce
23492
,,
R. M'Roberts
202225
A. Lennox
201229
,,
J. Cairney
44069
,,
J. Cassidy
9876
J. Black
8274
,,
J. Riddle
8366
„
J. Roach
Prisoner.
7152
,,
ROBB
Wounded twice.
22122
,,
J. Hall
4th Battalion
In Gallipoli the pipers were principally employed as messengers and
bearers, and most of them became casualties. When the band was recon-
stituted the pipers were kept out of the front line.
Wounded.
Wounded.
Died of wounds.
Died of wounds.
Missing.
Missing.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
28
Pipe Major
C. Forbes
6074
Piper
J. Young
179
W. Scott
729
,
F. Wood
478
,
J. LOCKHART
593
,
B. MOWATT
778
,
T. LUNHAM
779
,
J. Kerr
306
,
C. Street
822
,
A. Hendry
5th Battalion
In Gallipoli the pipers were mostly employed as stretcher-bearers, and
nearly all of them became casualties.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME
record.
1 163
Lance
Sgt.
Porter
1333
Corpl.
J. Priestly
Wounded, 12/7/15.
554
Piper
A. Erskine
Congratulated for bravery
686
,,
R. T. Arrall
Wounded, 22/6/15.
308
,,
R. Brown
Killed, 1 2/7/1 5.
833
„
J. Clint
THE KINGS OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS
LG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record
I760
Piper
T. E. Martin
Killed, 12/7/15.
1762
,,
H. C. Burnett
Wounded, 30/6/15.
995
,,
J. Dickson
556
,,
J. Erskine
1489
J. Jackson
1622
,,
D. M'Minn
799
M. Stewart
Wounded, 12/7/15.
1377
,,
D. Wilson
Wounded, 12/7/15.
,,
Jas. Gorman
Killed.
6th Battalion.
In the attack on the Hohenzollern redoubt in September 1915 the
battalion was played over the top by the Pipe Major, Robert Mackenzie.
The casualties in this action, 4 killed and 3 wounded, residted in the temporary
disappearance of the band. At Arras, Ypres, and in later engagements, the
men were employed as bearers.
REG. NO
14851
). RANK.
NAME.
RECORD.
Pipe Major
R. Mackenzie
Loos, 25/9/15 ; died of wounds
despatches.
,,
T. Richardson
Transferred to Depot.
;,
J. Day
Corpl.
J. Wallace
Lance-Cpl.
J. Lomas
J. Marshall
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
„
A M'Kenna
Invalided.
Piper
J. Sime
J. Bloomer
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
,,
P. Moffat
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
,,
D. Hanlon
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
,,
G. M'Gregor
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
•'
J. Pringle
Missing ; killed, Somme, Octobe
1916.
,,
J. Ferguson
,,
D. Barry
Wounded, Gallipoli, 1915.
,,
J. Gray
Wounded, Hill 60, 1915.
,,
H. Stott
,,
J. Jenkins
Invalided.
,,
W. Little
„
H. Sherry
,,
J. Phillips
,,
G. Stevenson
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
,,
W H. Smith
,,
T. Rankine
go
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
7TH Battalion.
Just before the attack at Loos when there was a very heavy bombard-
ment and gas discharge, Piper Daniel Laidlaw got up on the parapet and
played the men over the top and continued until he fell wounded. Fo1-
this act he was awarded the V.C. Another piper, Douglas Taylor, who
had been wounded in the hand and could not play, went out and brought
in several wounded men who had been gassed ; he continued until he was
dangerously wounded.
During the first eighteen months of the campaign the whole of the pipers
were wounded.
The enormous value of pipes to a battalion returning from the front line
is recognised by all ranks.
Loos, wounded, 25/9/15.
Loos, 25/9/15, wounded ; V.C.
Loos, 25/9/15, wounded.
Loos, wounded, 25/9/15.
Wounded.
Wounded Hulluch ; invalided.
Wounded, Arras.
Wounded, Dardanelles.
Died of wounds, Arras.
Invalided.
1EG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
Douglas Taylor
15S51 Piper
Daniel Laidlaw, V.C.
J. MlLLIGAN
,,
G. Stevenson
,,
G. Dutton
W. Irvine
,,
J. M'Donald
,,
W. Lamont
.
J. Taylor
G. Black
8th Battalion
This battalion, on account of its losses, was absorbed into the 7th K.O.S.B.
The casualties among the 23 pipers of the two battalions were heavy, viz. 4
killed and 10 wounded.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
8352 Pipe Major J. Balloch
14875 Lance-Sgt. J. Broadwood
8365 Corpl. R. Halliday
14277 Lance-Cpl. A. M'Vittie
Piper D. Balloch
A. Simpson
record.
Invalided ; Meritorious Service
Medal.
Invalided.
Promoted Pipe Major of 7/8th
K.O.S.B.
Killed, Arras.
THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS
91
RANK.
NAME.
record.
Piper
C. Reid
Killed, Somme, July 191 6.
tl
P. Ogilvie
Wounded, Ypres.
lt
J. Young
Wounded, Arras.
W. Buchanan
Wounded, Ypres.
tt
G. Swinton
Killed, Arras.
s
J. Cairney
D. Reid
THE CAMERONIANS (THE SCOTTISH RIFLES)
ist Battalion
During the early part of the campaign the casualties among pipers
were so heavy that it was found necessary to keep them as much as possible
out of the front line. By the end of 1915 the band had practically ceased
to exist. Of 25 pipers who have served during the war 3 have been killed
and 9 wounded.
REG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
record.
6062
Pipe Major
J. Alexander
Wounded.
265008
,,
D. M'Gruer
8453
Corpl.
R. Gordon
I0873
„
G. Peters
674O
Lance-Cpl.
W. Smith
9429
Piper
T. Best
Killed.
9441
,,
R. Black
Killed.
IO786
,,
T. Brodie
8899
,,
D. Cameron
Invalided.
8890
,,
W. Cattanach
Wounded.
10688
,,
W. Dick
Wounded.
10006
,,
R. Fleming
Wounded.
9209
„
C. Gullan
Prisoner oi war.
8883
,,
C. Henderson
8254
,,
J. Hamilton
Wounded.
1 064 1
,,
W. Kingsman
Invalided.
7739
„
R. Menzies
Discharged.
36628
,,
G. Miller
Wounded.
8809
,,
A. M'Culloch
Invalided.
10924
,,
P. Robertson
Killed.
10326
,,
R. Stewart
Wounded.
10765
,,
W. Shane.
Prisoner of war.
22436
,,
J. Strachan
Wounded.
8393
„
G. Whitehead
Discharged.
53509
»
J. Williamson
92
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
2ND Battalion
Pipers during the first part of the war were chiefly in the ranks, and
the casualties among them were so heavy they had to be withdrawn. The
band was reconstituted, and the pipers were then kept out of the front line.
In March 1918 they again had to be employed as rifles.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
Pipe Major W. Robertson, MM.
,, D. Macdougall
A. Cameron
Corporal A. Wyllie
,, J. Campbell
,, A. Horne
D. M'Culloch
6703 Piper
Ian Macpherson
A. Macdonald
Forsyth
Nicol
Fleming
Ferguson
Parker
Stark
Clark
E. O'Neil
Lauder
A. M'Donald
C Barclay
J. Ingram
C. Robertson
G. Latham
W. Campbell
Military Medal ;
Sept. 1918.
gassed, Lens,
Killed, 4/2/15, Laventie ; acting
platoon sergeant.
Wounded, 10/3/15, Neuve Cha-
pelle.
Killed, La Bassee, 1 6/5/1 5, while
leading section.
Killed, 3I/7/I7-
Wounded ; promoted P.M. 13th
Scottish Rifles.
Wounded, Nesle.
Killed, Laventie, Jan. 1915.
Killed, Bois Grenier, July 1915.
Invalided.
Wounded, 23/10/16.
Wounded, Dec. 1914.
Invalided.
Wounded, 10/3/15 ; Neuve Cha-
pelle ; invalided.
Killed, 1 0/3 /i 5, Neuve Chapelle.
Invalided.
Died of wounds, March 191 8.
5th Battalion
The original pipers served in the ranks and became casualties, and from
early in 1915 to the end of 1916 the band ceased to exist. Since the recon-
stitution the men have been employed behind the front line as far as possible.
THE SCOTTISH RIFLES
93
In April 1917 they plajred the battalion back out of the Hindenburg line
which had just been captured. During the last phase of the war they had
to be employed in the ranks.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
RECORD.
5476
Pipe Major
C. G. Taylor
Invalided, 1/10/15.
,,
Paterson
Accidentally killed.
5515
Piper
D. M'Phee
5474
C. Robertson
6408
,,
J. Sloan
Wounded 3 times ; invalided
6240
F. Watt
Invalided.
6471
,,
A. Mackay
Invalided.
6595
,,
M. Dunbar
6572
M
K. Sutherland
6696
,,
R. M'Gregor
6th Battalion
This battalion was merged into the 5th in July 1916. The pipers were
employed in the ranks.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
20II24
Pipe Major
J. C. PURDIE
Killed.
Lance
■Cpl.
Jas. Kirk
Wounded, Festubert, 1 6/6/1 5.
202159
Cpl.
D. M'Dougall
Lance
■Cpl.
A. M'Donald
Transferred to 2nd S.R.
2O2I40
,,
D. Gardiner
20I2I3
Piper
H. M'Gregor
Wounded, 24/2/16; invalided
240869
J. Begg
6435
D. M'Gregor
Wounded ; invalided.
202I62
J. Graham
202l6l
L. M'Dougall
2O205I
M. MTntyre
Invalided.
202I60
T. Pollock
24OO24
J. Potter
202164
W. Sweeten
240653
R. Kerr
290665
P. MacCulloch
39875
A. Ferguson
54252
S. Bell
291284
D. Lamont
39693
A. M'Phee
94
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
7th Battalion
In the Dardanelles and Palestine the pipers were employed as bearers
and suffered heavy casualties. It was then decided to keep them out of the
front line.
152
166
1 103
1106
868
1178
1260
404
1095
265902
265858
265803
265958
1817
Pipe Major
Piper
E. J. M'Pherson
Louis Beaton
W. Jamieson
Archibald Ramage
Archibald Shearer
William Deans
J. Campbell
W. Taylor
J. Paterson
J. M'Donald
A. Thomson
D. M'Kenzie
R. MTntyre
J. MTver
J. Strachan
Invalided.
Killed, 28/6/15, Dardanelles.
Killed, 23/7/15, Dardanelles.
Killed, June 1915.
Wounded, 28/6/15 ; invalided.
Wounded, 23/1 1/1 7, Palestine.
Wounded, 2/11/17, Palestine.
Killed, 1 2 /i 1 /i 7, Palestine.
Killed, 4/1 1 /i 7, Palestine.
8th Battalion
Pipers were principally employed, when in Gallipoli, as bearers, and
suffered very heavily. On the 28th June, 1915, three were killed, and
from Jan. 1916 for a year only one piper remained. There were also heavy
losses in Palestine. They were chiefly employed in the ranks.
Pipe Major Neil Macleod
Corpl. Alexander Stenton
Piper D. Macdougall
record.
Killed, Dardanelles, 12/7/15.
Transferred to 2nd Batt. as Pipe
Major.
,,
G. Latham
,,
John Macintyre
Killed, Gallipoli, 28/6/15.
,,
James Ferguson
Killed, Gallipoli, 28/6/15.
,,
Robert Whitelaw
Killed, Gallipoli, 28/6/15.
,,
John Mackenzie
Wounded, Gallipoli, 28/6/15
,,
James MTndoe
Killed, France, 29/7/18.
Lance-Cpl.
James Middleton
Piper
William Dickie
Wounded, Gaza, 19/4/17.
THE SCOTTISH RIFLES
95
RANK.
NAME.
recor
D.
Piper
James Anderson
Wounded, Gaza,
I9/4/I7
rt
Robert Cameron
Wounded, Gaza,
i9/4/!7
lf
A. F. Clark
T. Rae
9TH Battalion
The whole band went into action at Loos, and suffered so heavily it took
months to restore it. In a daylight raid at Arras in February 1917 Corpl.
Whitelaw and Piper M'Gurk played their companies over the top.
During the Somme fighting pipers were employed in bringing up
ammunition.
REG. NO
*ANK.
NAME.
1886
Pipe Major
M. Ferguson
4063I
Lance
Cpl.
R. Whitelaw
30503
Piper
Hugh Macara
Killed, Ma
40643
Lance
Cpl.
W. Johnston
II619
Piper
A. Macpherson
43338
H Lennox
16458
J. M'Kenna
IIII3
W. Millar
Wounded.
267072
H. Baird
12094
T. Macfarlane
I7806
M. M'Gurk
IO542
J. Nicol
I2325
T. Stewart
1 1 797
G. Muir
1 1 839
J. Thompson
Wounded.
1 1064
J. Shields
Invalided.
28525
H. Cameron
Invalided.
10588
J. Gilchrist
G. Napier
Wounded.
Gassed.
ioth Battalion
The pipers were used as stretcher-bearers. Pipe Major M'Coll won the
Military Medal when in charge of the stretcher party on the Somme.
killed,
RANK.
NAME.
record.
Pipe Major
J. M'Coll, M.M.
Military Medal.
Piper
Robert Black
Wounded, Loos, i5/9'i5 ;
28/1/16.
,,
Duncan Mackenzie
Killed, 17/11/15.
„
Alex. Harris
Killed, 27/1 /16.
96
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
iith Battalion
Pipers were frequently employed as runners, orderlies, and to bring up
stores and ammunition.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
I55I5
Pipe Major
A. FlNLAYSON
Invalided.
I4786
Corpl.
W. FvEID
Wounded, 8/5/17.
I6195
Piper
W. Robertson
Invalided, 29/9/16.
1 463 1
••
A. Stevenson
Killed, 28/4/17; despatche
29/11/17.
14324
W. Lewis
I5I74
R. M'Kay
14595
R. Tuix
H597
G. CURRIE
I4687
A. Tait
Wounded, 8/5/17.
1 1 839
J. Thomson
Wounded, 8/5/17.
"5°5
D. Hunter
30547
J. Coull
35462
J. Richmond
18176
W. Hewitt
THE ROYAL HIGHLANDERS (THE BLACK WATCH)
ist Battalion
During the opening stages the pipers were necessarily mostly employed
in the ranks, and, within the first three months, practically the whole of the
13 pipers were casualties. During the Somme fighting the companies
were repeatedly played to the attack by their pipers ; on one of these
occasions the pipe major, M'Leod, was killed. At Rue des Boisin May 1915,
when the battalion attacked the German positions near Festubert, every
company was played up, and Pipers Stuart and Wishart distinguished
themselves, and Stuart was awarded the D.C.M.
killed.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME
record
462I
Pipe Major
T. Clark
Invalided.
7068
,,
Hugh Maxwell Thom
Pipe Major, 22/8/16.
635
Lance-Cpl.
J. Reid
Invalided.
9617
Piper
D. M'Leod
Promoted Pipe Major ;
21/8/16.
7820
,.
H. Bruce
Wounded ; missing, 9/5/15
THE BLACK WATCH
97
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
2053
Piper
W. Burns
Wounded, 26/1 /1 5 ; invalided.
2487
Lance
Cpl.
R. Knowles
Wounded, 26/10/14.
I3H
Sergt.
R. Smith
Wounded, 8/9/14.
2190
Piper
T. Cardownie
Wounded, 24/10/14.
I956
T. M'Intyre
Killed, 14/8/14.
1738
B. Bain
Wounded, 26/10/14 ; invalided.
I77I
T. Peters
Wounded, 14/9 '14 ; invalided.
Il86
G. Robertson
943
Lance
Cpl.
J. Brown
Transferred as Pipe Major
8th Batt. ; 3 times wounded.
740
Piper
R. Jaap
J. Lees
Wounded, 25/1/15.
N. M'Leod
A. Stewart
Wounded, 9/5/15.
P. M'Ginn
A. Wishart
Wounded, 9/5/15.
943°
Lance
Piper
Cpl.
W. Stuart, D.C.M.
T. Hardy
Wounded, Rue des Bois, 9/5/15
awarded D.C.M.
9088
David Wemyss
43"5
Robert Muir
699
David Armit
779
Andrew Hadden
40034
Andrew Sime
40154
John Carmichael
43H4
Alex. Sheriff
1892
Dugald M'Dade
15895
James Higgins
2045
John Neill
7099
George Wilson
13291
William Harley
12194
Edward Tatton
2106
William Hardie
9723
John Dawson
16186
George Martin
2nd Battalion
At Neuve Chapelle, March 1915, and at many other subsequent engage-
ments, the pipers lost heavily. At Mauquissart on 25th September, 191 5,
when the companies were played to the attack, one piper, Robert Johnstone,
played on until he fell gassed ; and another, Armit, on reaching the enemy
trenches, started bombing. On the same occasion, Pipers David Simpson
and A. Macdonald stood on the parapet under very heavy fire playing their
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
company over ; Simpson was killed and Macdonald, who lost his leg, received
the D.C.M. The pipers were also employed as bombers, and in this capacity
Lance-Corpl. Peter MacNee obtained the D.C.M. at Neuve Chapelle.
On another occasion Pipers Gordon and Crichton played from one end
of the line to the other out in the open, and similar feats were subsequently
performed by other pipers.
While the battalion was in France, out of 22 pipers 4 were killed and
13 were wounded, during the first year of the war.
The battalion subsequently went to Mesopotamia. Here again the
pipers were employed, sometimes in miscellaneous duties in the ranks,
sometimes as pipers. The pipe major, John Keith, was awarded the D.C.M.
Piper Pratt was promoted and given the D.C.M. for " high capacity in
leadership " when acting as sergeant.
REG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
683O
Sergt.
John Keith, D.C.M.
7184
Corpl.
Donald MacMaster
8358
.. (Sgt.)
Angus Macleod
9908
Lance-
Cpl.
James Wann
365
Piper
Robert Johnstone
9476
Joseph Gordon
1 165
Lance-
■Cpl.
Peter Crichton
65
Piper
John Duthie
699
,,
David Armit
I449
•'
James Davis
1871
..
James Galloway
1838
..
James Bradley
I350
Thomas Logan
736
|(
David Simpson
1539
"
Alexander M'Donald,
D.C.M.
I478
,,
Thomas Phinn
1919
Lance
-Sgt.
Alexander Pratt, D.C.M.
record.
Rue de
Bacquerat,
Wounded,
I5/7A5-
Wounded, Rue des Bois, 5/3/15.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle,
IO/3/I5-
Died of wounds, Neuve Chapelle,
10/3/15-
Wounded Neuve Chapelle, 9/5/15 ;
and again at Mauquissart,
25/9/15 ; finally gassed.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle, 9/5/15.
Invalided.
Wounded, Givenchy, 8/10/15.
Missing, Mauquissart, 25/9/15 ;
believed killed.
Wounded, 3/11/14 ; killed, Given-
chy, 8/10 /i 5.
Wounded, November 191 4, and
invalided.
Invalided.
Killed, Mauquissart, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Givenchy ; awarded
D.C.M. ; died.
Wounded, La Gorgue, 2/8/15 ;
Mesopotamia, 22/4/16.
THE BLACK WATCH
99
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
94T
Lance-Cpl.
Peter M'Nee, D.C.M.
779
Piper
Alexander Hadden
467
,,
John Kidd
1358
1314
1998
288
S /1 7486 Corpl
3/3422
3/8973
3/8570
487
S/17639
S/19965
S/17691
336
S/4372
S/18525
1171
8875
Piper
William Mackay
A. Smith
John Jordan
William Thomson
Neil Young
Wm. Mathieson
John Benzie
John Brown
David Storrar
James Angus
David Drummond
James Dunn
James Greig
David Kidd
William Robertson
David Stark
Thomas Tallon
Alexander Thomson
Gassed, Mauquissart, 25/9/15 ;
Mesopotamia, 13/1/16 ; D.C.M. ;
subsequently died of wounds.
Wounded, 1 8/5/1 5, and again,
4/7/15-
Wounded, 1/11/14, and again
Mauquissart, 25/9/15, and again
Mesopotamia, 7/1 /16.
Died of wounds, Neuve Chapelle,
10/3/15.
Wounded, Ypres.
Killed.
Invalided.
Invalided.
Wounded, Aisne, 14/9/14.
Wounded, Le Cateau, Aug. 1914.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15, and
San-i-yat, April 1916.
Wounded, Sheikh Saad, 7/1 /16;
again, 20/4/16 ; again, 22/4/16.
4.TH Battalion
The pipers were employed principally as bearers, and were highly com-
plimented for their gallantry at Neuve Chapelle in March 1915 ; at Loos
they were similarly employed, and Piper M'Leod was awarded the Military
Medal for gallantry in bringing in his colonel, who was mortally wounded,
under very heavy fire. On 3rd September, 1916, the battalion was played
in to the attack, but, as a rule, they were kept back behind the front line.
Pipe Major Alex. Low got the D.C.M. for attending wounded, and Piper
M'Leod got a bar to his Military Medal.
100
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
210 Pipe Major Alexander Low, D.C.M.
i 198
D. M'Leod, MM.
263
Corpl.
J. NlCOLL
1914
Piper
J. Reid
1403
J. Lyall
1301
R. Sword
832
,,
J. Donaldson
663
,,
J. Souter
714
,,
J. Dewar
1039
,,
G. Scott
1160
J. Merchant
1887
,,
T. Cameron
1678
F. Mitchell
2204
A. Findlay
4029
,,
C. Gibson
1717
,,
J. Myles
2177
,,
A. Sangster
769
"
H. Mitchell
Thos. Paterson
RECORD.
Recommended for D.C.M., Neuve
Chapelle.
Awarded Military Medal, 25/3/15 ;
and bar in 1918.
Wounded, 10/3/15.
Wounded, 9/5/15.
Wounded, 6/9/15.
Wounded, 9/5/15.
Wounded, 10/3/15.
Transferred to Wireless Service,
R.N., as Sub-Lieut.
5th Battalion
Pipers were employed, during the trench fighting, as observers, messengers
and stretcher-bearers, and in the ranks, and suffered heavy casualties.
The battalion was subsequently merged into the 4th Black Watch.
REG. NO.
668
1053
1 163
729
826
1 1 50
1053
1689
1051
1568
406
382
719
1719
75i
1017
RANK.
Pipe Major
Sergt.
Piper
Lance-Cpl.
Piper
Lance-Cpl.
Sergt.
Piper
NAME.
A. M'Donald Lamond
A. E. Crowe
J. Carstairs
J. Stewart
J. Duncan
A. Nicoll
A. Lundie
J. Whitton
J. Begg
A. Howie
F. Reid
P. M'Kay
W. Webster
J. Myles
A. C. Scott
A. Brand
record.
Wounded, 9/5/15, Fromelles.
Invalided.
Invalided.
Wounded, 25/8/15, while sniping.
Wounded, 9/5/15.
Killed, 10/3/15, Neuve Chapelle
mentioned in despatches.
Killed, 13/3/15, Neuve Chapelle.
THE BLACK WATCH 101
6th Battalion
Pipers were employed in many ways, but chiefly as stretcher-bearers.
The band was regarded by the men as the best stretcher-bearers they came
across. At High Wood in July 1916 the battalion was played over by Pipers
Pirnie, Forbes, Mapleton and Tainsh.
Since September 1916 they have been kept out of the front line as far
as possible.
In December 1917 four pipers were killed and one wounded by a bomb
during an aeroplane raid at Fromicourt.
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
RECORD.
Pipe Major
W. Galloway
J. Sinclair
D. Anderson
Lance-Cpl.
D. Berry
2126 Piper
Alasdair M'Donald
Despatches.
P. Fallon
Killed, May, 1915.
R. Pirnie
P. Davidson
P. Irons
W. M'Ewan
J. Ferguson
Killed, La Boiselle, August 1916.
A. M'Donald
P. M'Intosh
R. Mapleton
Commission in Gordons.
MacCullen
Wounded, March 1917.
J. Harper
Killed, 23/12/17.
A. Tainsh
Killed, 23/12/17.
A. Forbes
Killed, 23/12/17.
J. Wyse
J. Guthrie
W. Peggie
A. Paton
Transferred to R.E. ; killed, June
1917.
W. Mason
D. Stewart
D. M'Beth
T. Lyall
A. Lees
C. Mackenzie
G. Gow
J. Gow
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
Piper
A. Myles
J. M'Beth
A. M'Coll
D. L EGG AT
J. Burleigh
J. Nicol
F. Christie
R. Low
J. Condie
E. Deans
J. Stewart
N. Beaton
R. Spence
H. Rattray
C. NlSBET
J. Simpson
L. Massie
record.
Killed, 23/121/7.
Transferred to 7th Gordons as Pipe
Major.
Killed, Somme, Oct. 1916.
7th Battalion
The pipers were employed in the ranks, as despatch runners, etc. Piper
G. Galloway was awarded the Military Medal for performing this most
hazardous duty under heavy fire during the Somme fighting ; and Pipe Major
Thomas Macdonald and Pipers Swan and Hands were rewarded with the
same distinction.
Latterly the pipers were trained as anti-aircraft Lewis gunners, and
proved extremely successful.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
290056
Pipe Major
Thomas M'Donald,
M.M.
Military Medal, Somme.
Lance^
•Sgt.
J. Chisholm
Invalided.
29244O
N. M'Donald
Lance
■Cpl.
G. Swan, M.M.
Killed, Dec. 191 6, Somme ; Mili-
tary Medal.
292435
Piper
A. Chalmers
A. WlLKIE
H. FORKER
A. "WlLKIE
B. Morris
J. Johnstone
Killed, Dec. 191 6, Somme.
Killed, Dec. 191 6, Somme.
"
George Galloway,
M.M.
Wounded, April 191 7 ; Military
Medal.
THE BLACK WATCH
103
REG. NO.
*ANK. NAME.
record.
Piper J. Ross
Invalided.
, W. Bridy
Killed, Dec. 1916, Somme
, E. Linn
Wounded, July 1916.
D. Leggat
Wounded, Dec. 1916.
, J. Moodie
, J. Condie
Invalided.
, R. Adamson
Invalided.
J. Robertson
Invalided.
, J. Guthrie
Invalided.
, W. Campbell
Invalided.
3/4470
, James Johnston
Killed, 7/1 /i 7, Somme.
, E. Archibald
Invalided.
, A Mitchelson
Invalided.
41028
, J. Russell
292434
, A. Chalmers
293096
D. Chalmers
292406
, W. Fitzpatrick
200509
A. Mands, M.M.
Military Medal.
1 12084
, J. M'Kellar
290127
, T. Archibald
201553
F. M'Leod
42124 ,
, D. Cameron
, J. M'Gill
8th Battalion
The battalion was played into action at Loos and in many of the Somme
engagements. After 1916, on account of losses among them, they were
kept out of the front line as far as possible.
The band headed the State Entry of King Albert into Brussels in
November 1918.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
291 1
Pipe Major
R. Matchett
8368
,,
E. Rennie
Wounded, Ypres,i9i5 ; invalided
943
J. Brown
Wounded, three times.
4266
Corpl.
D. Sinclair
Wounded, Festubert, 191 5.
6245
Piper
D. Ainslie
Wounded, Nieupoit.
853
,,
J. Allan
Wounded, Aisne.
1738
,,
B. Bain
Wounded, Aisne.
721 1
,,
A. Barclay
9220
,,
A. Campbell
Wounded, Ypres, 1915.
1 1780
,,
R. Edmonston
6365
,,
D. Glen
io4
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
RKG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
16987
Piper
W. Hosie
3925
W. LOCKHART
Wounded, Somme, 1916.
40577
J. M' Arthur
3020
A. M'Courtie
266912
J. M'Kay
265912
R. Menzies
Killed, Meteren, July 1918.
3281
J. M'Leod
Wounded, Loos, 1915.
8832
VV. Nicholson
Wounded twice, Vermelles, Loos
3375
W. Reilly
Killed, Loos, 191 5.
8659
S. Reid
Wounded, Ypres, 1915.
299331
G. Redpath
265989
J. Strang
265715
P. Stewart
6366
W. Strathie
3019
D. Simpson
Killed, Somme, 191 6.
266055
D. WlNTON
3014
D. Wilson
Killed, Loos, 1915.
3/1861
J. Woods
9TH Battalion
The pipers played the battalion into action at Hill 70, and the whole
band, except one man, was killed or wounded.
The battalion was ultimately absorbed into the 4/5th Black Watch.
!EG. NO
HAN
K.
NAME.
9OO5
Pipe Major
T. Harley
4924
Lance
Cpl.
D. Cameron
I I463
Piper
J. Armour
4OOI6
J. Burleigh
43236
G. Fairweather
J. Johnstone
4OOI8
D. Lamond
43448
J. Scott
7814
R. Napier
43155
A. Robertson
I6IO5
J. Spence
6563
A. Stirling
I I 195
R. Thomson
J. Wemyss
1350
T. Logan
Invalided.
Wounded. 18/5/18.
Wounded, 28/7/18.
Killed, March 1918.
Wounded, 30/10/18.
Wounded, 18/5/18.
Invalided.
THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY
105
THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY
ist Battalion
During the first six months of the war 7 pipers were killed, 8 were wounded
and 2 were taken prisoner. These casualties mostly occurred at Festubert
in December 1914, and later at Neuve Chapelle. They were then withdrawn
from the front lines. Subsequently they were employed as beaiers, ammuni-
tion carriers, etc.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
11281 Pipe Major R. Sutherland
6894 Sergt. D. Buchan
10774 Corpl. A. Godsman, D.C.M.
7918
Piper
W. White
9615
C. Stewart
10116
J. M'Grory
10258
H. Cater
10107
F. Burns
11356
C Wilson
9860
T. James
1 1 782
D. Sutherland
1 1 685
A. Bain
901 1
J. Morrison
10579
T. Jackson
11124
J. M'Donald
11718
R. M'Leish
1 1 470
J. Smith
"533
»
J. Johnstone
1 1 499
J. M'Naught
10383
Corpl.
D. Chisholm
Lance-Cpl.
Mitchell
IOOIO
Piper
Gault
1 1 468
Corpl.
J. Smith
12064 Lance-Cpl. A. Craig
1 2061 Piper A. Mackay
12106 ,, C. Bald
Killed, Festubert, 19-21/12/14.
Wounded , Neuve Chapelle, 1 2 /i / 1 5 ;
D.C.M. and Order of St. George.
Killed, Ypres, 1/5/15.
Wounded, Festubert, 19-21 /1 2/14.
Killed, Festubert, 19-21/12/14.
Killed, Festubert, 19-21/12/14.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle,
11-14/3/15.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle, 14/3/15
Killed, Festubert, 19-21/12/14.
Prisoner of war,
21/12/14.
Festubert, 19-
Wounded, Festubert, 19-21/12/14 ;
wounded, Richebourg, 6/10/15 ;
died, 7/9/16.
Prisoner of war, Festubert, 19-
21/12/14.
Killed, Festubert, 19-21/12/14.
Wounded, Ypres, 23/10/14.
Killed, Verneuil, 1 8/9/1 4.
Wounded, Rue du Bois, 17/5/15.
Wounded, Ypres, 22/10/14 ; died
enteric.
io6
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
2nd Battalion
Of the original band of thirteen men ah but two were killed or wounded
in the first few months of the war. While they lasted they acted as pipers
as well as in the ranks. From May 1915 to May 1916 there was practically
no band, and, when reconstituted, the men were kept out of the front line
as far as possible.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
9728 Pipe Major W. Young
10713 Lance-Cpl. L. M'Kinnon
1 1448 ,, J. Smith
11480
Piper
J. Brown
10478
J. Bruce
9029
,
J. Campbell
7721
,
W. Haines
1 1945
,
R. Henderson
10976
,
J. Irving
11137
,
A. Morrow
11614
,
A. Macdonald
1 1627
J. Smith
9272
Corpl.
J. Mackenzie
7885
Piper
J. Dale
7943
Corpl.
J. Robertson
7886
Piper
J. Gibson
35*°°
,,
J. Morgan
33H9
,
R. Morrison
35123
R. Macnaughton
8515
,
W. Peil
6978
A. Williamson
7472
Sergt.
C. W. Johnstone
9387
Piper
A. Macneilage
7270
,,
D. Macintyre
9280
,
R. Stein
331117
,
W. Gunn
332186
,
H. Campbell
331230
,
J. Menzies
330068
,
A. Ogilvie
330070
,
R. Wilder
3271 19
W. White
3970
,
J. Macrae
10264
Sergt.
T. Findlay
220217
Piper
J. Reid
12302
.
D. Bonnar
RECORD.
Wounded, 21/10/14.
Wounded, 21/10/14 ; died of
enteric.
Wounded, 2/11/14.
Wounded, 17/5/ 15, Vpres.
Wounded, 1 8/5/15, Ypres.
Killed, 3/11,14.
Wounded, 24/8/14 ; taken prisoner.
Wounded, 3/12/17.
Killed, 21/10/14.
Twice wounded.
Wounded.
Killed, Neuve Chapelle, 1 4/3/15.
THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY 107
5TH Battalion
In Gallipoli, in 1915, practically all the pipers became casualties within
a very short time, and, until the end of 1916, there was no band at all. It was
then decided to keep the band out of the firing line as far as possible.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
306
Pipe Major
John Thomson
Killed, 1 2/7/1 5, Dardanelles.
360I
,,
A. Purdie
2OI57I
A. Arthur
309
Lance-
Cpl.
J. B. Day
Invalided.
280313
D. J. Cameron
33OO4I
R. Agnew
1596
Piper
J. Reid
1233
,,
G. Cameron
Invalided.
1317
„
J. Smith
Invalided.
201259
,,
J. Connelly
Invalided.
2OI33O
,,
T. Clelland
Invalided.
203064
,,
A. Thomson
12226
„
C Kennedy
200170
,,
R. Reid
20060I
„
J. Pithie
18263
,,
A. Davie
240633
,,
M. Watson
6th Battalion
The pipers were employed in the ranks while the battalion was in Gallipoli,
but, in attacks, the pipers played their companies. On 12th July, Piper
M'Niven was killed while playing the charge, in an attack on the Turkish
forts. Most of the original band were killed or wounded on the Peninsula,
and, when reconstituted, it was decided to keep them out of action as far
as possible.
REG. NO
RANK.
name.
record.
24OOI
Pipe Major
John Mackenzie
55533
Sergt.
J. Braidwood
240881
Piper
W. Mackenzie
Wounded, 12/7/15.
1237
„
Peter M'Niven
Killed, 12/7/15, Gallipoli,
1 190
,,
A. M'Coll
Wounded, 21/11/15.
240066
Lance-Cpl.
W. Francey
Wounded, 1 7/8/1 5.
1286
Piper
W. Finlay
Invalided.
240171
,,
W. Christian
240235
,,
A. Cameron
Wounded, 12/7/15.
io8
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
RECORD.
Piper
James Ross
Machine Gun Corps
Marne, March 191 8.
240189
„
James Nicoll
24OI68
,
C. M'Phedran
240538
,
P. Mulvey
24I426
H. Climie
243457
,
J. M'Munn
Wounded, 12/6/18.
203070
,
D. Sutherland
355753
,
F. Young
291 1 1
,
J. M'CORMICK
64901
,
W. Stringer
201126
,
W. Campbell
gassed,
reg. no. rank.
Pipe Major
1914 Piper
1001
D.C.M., 12/7/15.
Despatches, 12/7/15.
Wounded.
7th Battalion
On several occasions in Gallipoli the battalion was played to the attack
by pipers. Piper Maclennan was awarded the D.C.M. Piper Macfarlane
had the drones blown off his pipes. The acting pipers served in the ranks
or as bearers. Piper D. Cameron was mentioned in despatches for con-
spicuous bravery in playing his company over the top, and right on to the
enemy trenches. These men also did great work in bringing up water for
the wounded under heavy fire, and ammunition.
name. record.
William Ferguson
Kenneth Maclennan, D.C.M.
D. J. Cameron
Donald Macfarlane
William Paterson
Donald Lamont
J. G. Mackenzie
Ritchie Graham
James Carruthers
John Scott
8th Battalion
The battalion was disbanded early in the war, and the pipers were
distributed to other units.
9TH Battalion
At first pipers were used as orderlies, ammunition carriers, and similar
duties ; and, after active operations, as bearers. As far as possible they
were, however, kept out of the front line, as being too valuable to lose. On
THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY
109
one occasion, when the battalion had to make a demonstration to test the
strength of the enemy, pipers were sent up to the front line to play. Pipe
Major MacDiarmid was awarded the Military Medal.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
Pipe Major
T. Baillie
Discharged after 31 years' service
330075
,,
A. B. MacDiarmid, M.M.* Awarded MM.
33OI67
Lance
-Sgt.
T. J. Kelly
Wounded, 25/1 /i 5.
330II5
Lance
•Cpl.
G. C. Blackadder
Piper
R. Agnew
Invalided home.
331499
D. Barrie
331044
W. Baird
56645
J. D. Buchanan
330304
R. Blackadder
C. Brown
Wounded, May 191 5.
333792
T. Crawford
Died of wounds.
3303IO
T. M. Fraser
Wounded, 24/3/18.
24II38
'
K. Fraser
W. Gibson
J. Hall
Wounded, 22/3/18.
Wounded, 24/3/18 ; discharged.
Invalided home.
1666
J. Drummond
Killed in action, June 1915.
333II8
W. Imlay
Wounded, 1 3/4/1 8.
331077
R. Johnston
330834
W. Kennedy
333269
P. M'Arthur
Invalided home, 17/4/15 ; dis-
charged, 14/6/15 ; recalled,
1/9/16.
333138
G. M'Creath
J. M'Donald
Died of wounds, Oct. 1918.
Wounded, 25/9/15.
333162
J. B. M'Nee
332318
J. M'Gilvray
Wounded, 24/3/18.
330865
G. M'Gregor
A. Ogilvie
Wounded, July 1915.
331564
W. Robertson
Wounded, 22/3/18.
333729
R. Ross
333137
H. Stark
Wounded, 27/9/17.
33II98
H. Simpson
Wounded, 24/3/18 ; discharged.
331579
J. Stewart
H. Wilder
Invalided.
ioth Battalion
Pipers were occasionally employed as bearers, but were usually kept
out of the front line. Nearly all the original pipe band were killed or
wounded at Cambrai on 25th September, 1915.
no
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
7682 Pipe Major E. Richardson
2747 ,, C. Cameron
9016 Piper Charles M'Gregor
12562
,,
Alex. Whitefield
17174
,,
J. Webster
902
Lance
Cpl.
David Donaldson
1988
Piper
Andrew Thomson
1 991
W. Currie
9628
Lance
Cpl.
D. Sutherland
19858
„
J. Rose
17805
Piper
P. MTntyre
21233
J. M'Lennan
40166
J. Duguid
40091
J. M'Kenzie
240908
355667
J. Mack ay
J. Cunningham
D. M'Nicol
RECORD.
Transferred to 12th H.L.I.
Gassed and wounded, Cambrai,
25/9/15-
Killed, Cambrai, 25/9/15.
Invalided.
Killed, Festubert, 9/7/15.
Wounded, Cambrai, 25/9/15.
Gassed, Cambrai, 25/9/15.
died, 8/1 1 /i 8.
12TH Battalion
During trench warfare the pipers acted as orderlies, stretcher bearers
and the like ; in engagements, however, they took part as company pipers.
So many casualties occurred in the Loos action in Sept. 1915 that there
was only one survivor. The band ceased to exist until the following spring,
and it was then decided to allow only half of the pipers to go up into the line
or into action.
During the battles of the Somme, 1916, and Arras, 1917, the companies
were played into action by one piper each ; casualties occurring among
them, it was decided again to withdraw them from the front ; and they
took no part in the fighting at Ypres, 1917.
During the last phase of the war, the attack in Flanders on 28th Sept.
1918, the pipers played their companies throughout their triumphant
attacks on the Germans.
The CO. of the battalion says : "I cannot speak too highly of the
work done by the pipers of this unit. There is nothing I can think of which
has added more to the esprit de corps of the men, which has enabled them
to put up with misery and discomfort and which has given them the
THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY in
inspiration necessary to accomplish what had appeared at first sight an
impossibility.
Pipe Major E. Richardson
Sergt. William Pierce
Corpl. Allan M'Nicol, MM.
Piper
Lance-Sgt.
Thomas Spendlove
Jack Smith
George M'Kay
Peter Kennedy
William Taylor
Robert Comloquoy
Robert Bell
William Anderson
Donald M'Pherson
John M'Ghee
David Robertson
William Thompson
George Tullis
Malcolm M'Lean
John Morrison
William Barclay
Robert Weir
John M'Kean
Alex. M'Kay
Killed, Somme, August, 191 6.
Despatches, Loos, and Hill -70,
2 5 /9/!5 ) Military Medal.
Wounded, Ypres, 8/10/14.
Wounded, Cambrai, 5/12/17.
Wounded, Somme, 1/7/16.
Killed, Arras, April 191 7.
Invalided.
Wounded, Arras, April 191 7.
Wounded, Albert, 1 7/9/1 6.
Wounded, Albert, 17/9/16.
Wounded, Albert, 1 7/9/1 6.
Killed, Loos 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
14TH Battalion
Pipers played their companies into action on the Somme and at Bourlon
Wood.
REG. NO. RANK.
NAMI
Pipe Major
A. Hynd
Sergt.
G. Taylor
Lance-Cpl.
J. M'Cormack
Piper
J. CONNLY
J. Mann
T. Kennedy
J. Wilson
Sutherland
T. Pirie
A. Phinn
J. Gordon
P. Thomson
Killed, 29/4/17.
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
15TH Battalion
At Thiepval and Beaumont Hamel the pipers lost very heavily when
leading their companies, and, as a consequence, it was found necessary after-
wards to keep them in the reserve line. In April 1918, on account of heavy
casualties in the battalion, they had to be employed in the ranks, and suffered
very heavily ; of 20 pipers all but 3 became casualties, mostly through being
gassed at Ayette. Within a month, however, the band was reconstituted.
Gassed, 13/4/18 ; invalided.
From 17th H.L.I.
Wounded, 14/10/17 ; gassed,
1 3/4/1 8 ; invalided.
Wounded, 1/7/16.
Gassed, 1 3/4/1 8 ; invalided.
Wounded, 10/5/1 6 ; invalided.
Gassed, 13/4/18.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, May 191 6.
Wounded, 2/7/16 ; gassed, 13/4/if
Gassed, 13/4/18.
Gassed, 1 3/4/1 8.
Wounded, Aug. 1918.
Gassed, 13/4/18.
Gassed, 13/4/18.
Gassed, 13/4/18.
Wounded, 13/4/18.
Killed, Ayette, 13/4/18.
Gassed, 13/4/18.
Invalided.
Gassed, 13/4/18.
i6th Battalion
The pipers were employed chiefly as bearers.
On 1st July, 1916, at Thiepval the pipers played the battalion over with
the loss of two killed and two wounded. The band was then withdrawn
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
973 Pipe Major
N. M'Lellan
16084
T. Gilbert, M.M.
13374
J. Park
14078 Piper
J. KlLPATRICK
1020
C. Logan
I359I
D. Keenan
13356
R. Hough
15497
J. Burleigh
36456
T. Marr
36455
W. Marr
13601
J. Reid
I37°6
R. Gillies
IOOIO ,,
J. Gault
28093
A. J. Macdonald
350254
T. Graham
280889
A. Gray
281053
W. Brown
280979
J. Brvson
157*9
H. M' Arthur
14304
A. F. Watson
353152
D. M'Kenzie
15296
C. Galloway
10108 ,,
W. M'Lellan d
200601 ,,
J. Pithie
54366
W. M'Nair
58009
M. M'Lean
50267
T. Orr
56597
A. MlLLAN
THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY
"3
as far as possible from the front, except occasionally as stretcher bearers.
It was felt by all ranks that pipers were too valuable an institution to
lose.
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
recob
Pipe Major
W. M'Combe, M.M.
T. Richardson, M.M.
Lance-Cpl.
W. Orr
P. Murray
Killed, 1/7/16.
Piper
R. Alexander
,,
J. Watson
Wounded, 1/7/16.
)t
R. Baird
M
B. Fraser
Wounded, 1/7/16.
Lance-Cpl.
L. Armourer
Piper
A. Rankine
R. M'Kay
R. Watson
R. Barclay
J. Fogo
R. Hunter
J. Hoy
J. M' Donald
H. Barrie
T. Porteous
D. Bell
D. Macintosh
G. Bell
W. Coutts
J. Bruce
A. MacPherson
R. Hope
Killed, 1/7/16.
Lance-Cpl.
W. Hendry
Corpl.
R. Brown
17TH Battalion
In the attack on the Leipzig Redoubt on 1st July, 1916, when the
battalion had to hang on unsupported to a part of the captured Leipzig
Redoubt, the pipers played and did an immense deal in keeping the men's
spirits up. Pipe Major Gilbert on this occasion won the Military Medal.
The casualties in this attack put the pipe band out of action, and the pipers
were thereafter kept, as far as possible, out of the front line. The battalion
was subsequently merged in the 15th H.L.I.
ii4 REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO. RANK. NAME. RECORD.
Pipe Major T. Gilbert, M.M. Military Medal, July 1916 ; de-
spatches, July 1 91 7; transferred
to 15th H.L.I.
Corpl. John Burleigh Gassed, April 191 8; transferred to
15th H.L.I.
Charles Galloway Wounded, Nieuport, 10/7/17 ; pro-
moted for gallantry, 1/7/16 ;
gassed, Arras, April 191 8.
Lance-Cpl. James M'Munn Wounded, 1/7/16, Somme ; again,
in Egypt ; transferred to 7th H.L.I.
Piper Archibald Forrest Received Commission ; died of
disease, 191 8.
,, Hugh M' Arthur Gassed, Arras, April 1918 ; trans-
ferred to 15th H.L.I.
Archibald Carmichael Wounded, Nieuport, 10/7/17.
THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS
ist Battalion
The casualties among the pipers of this battalion have been very heavy.
At Richebourg in November 1914, 2 pipers were killed and 6 wounded,
and the pipe major, Matheson, was awarded the D.C.M. for great gallantry
in carrying messages. In December 1914, and again at Neuve Chapelle in
May 1915, 3 more were killed and 4 wounded. Some of them were employed
as pipers, others as bearers and in the ranks. At Neuve Chapelle the com-
panies were played into action in May 1915, and Piper Pratt was killed
while playing.
The battalion went to Mesopotamia, and in the action at Sheikh Saad
on 7th January, 1916, Pipe Major M'Kechnie played the regimental charge
at a most crucial moment and continued until he fell wounded. In this
and other subsequent engagements pipers played their companies into
action. Some of them did excellent work bringing up ammunition, and
529 Piper Colin M'Kay was specially promoted for this. This duty was
particularly dangerous as the Turkish barrage was generally late.
The casualties continued to be heavy. Altogether 11 pipers have been
killed.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME. RECORD.
8391 Pipe Major D. B. Mathieson, D.C.M. D.C.M. ; wounded " Port Arthur,"
7/11/14.
THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS
115
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
IOI69
Lance
CP1.
J. TULLOCH
9158
Sergt.
J. MacLellax
79OO
Piper
\V. F. Cowans
92CJI
••
J. Pratt
479
D. Black
766
Lance
Cpl.
Lance Sgt. J. Mackenzie
216
Piper,
Actg. P.M. W. Paton
io457
Lance
Sgt.
J. Stewart
412
Piper
William Barry
311
Lance
•Cpl.
Donald Campbell
9458
•■
John Dunbar
9628
Alexander Hay
444
f$
Robert Hill
262
A. M'Donald
264
ff
Alexander M'Gill
433
tf
Andrew Mackay
435
••
John M'Vean
564
N. Morrison
366
••
T. Muir
284
••
D. Murray
768
Adam Ross
9419
D. Skinner
10183
Lance
Cpl.
J. Heron
645
Piper
D. Smith
661
,,
J. Stein
788
T. Urquhart
Corpl.
A. Vince
9446
Corpl.
Actg. P.M. Neil M'Kech
10056
Piper
John Shand
7214
Lance
Cpl.
James Hardy
543
Piper
Neil Morrison
Wounded in trenches, " Port
Arthur," 6/11/14.
Wounded," Port Arthur," 9/5/15 ;
subsequently killed, 2 1 /4/1 7.
Killed, 7/1 1 /14, " Port Arthur."
Died of wounds, Neuve Chapelle,
9/5/15-
Killed, 3/11/14, " Port Arthur."
Wounded, " Port Arthur," 9/5/15.
Wounded, Givenchy, 6/4/15.
Transferred to 2nd Batt. ; killed,
1917.
Despatches.
Wounded, Givenchy, 4/11/14;
killed, Mesopotamia, 191 7.
Wounded, Mesopotamia, 7/1/16,
while performingduties in attack.
Transferred to R.E.
Wounded, " Port Arthur," 9/5/15.
Wounded, Mesopotamia, 21/4/17.
Wounded, Mesopotamia, 7/1/16;
invalided.
Wounded, Givenchy, 4/1 2/1 4.
Wounded, " Port Arthur," in-
valided.
Wounded, Givenchy, 6/4/15 ; in-
valided.
Wounded, Givenchy, 17/11/14.
Wounded, Givenchy, 20/12/14
invalided.
Killed in France.
Wounded in trenches ; invalided.
Killed, Givenchy, 20/12/14.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle, 9/5/15 ;
transferred to R.S.F.
Acting Pipe Major when battalion
went to Mesopotamia ; wound-
ed, 7/1 /i 5 ; mentioned in des-
patches, 25/8/15.
Wounded, Mesopotamia, 21/4/17;
and again Palestine.
n6
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO.
529
Sergt. Piper Colin M'Kay
Lance Cpl. Alex. Robertson
7184
200300
16360
9526
709
204786
8338
7208
22602
8337
Piper
Lance Sgt.
Lance Cpl.
Piper
Died of wounds, Baghdad.
Severely wounded, Sheikh Saad ;
pipes smashed, 7/1 /i 6.
Died at home.
Killed, France.
Killed, Mesopotamia.
James Robertson
James Duncan
Hearne
William M'Donald
J. Cuthill
George Paterson
William M'Lellan
Allan
J. Wilkinson
Cook
A. Hart
J. Wilson
J. Knox
Reid
M. Johnstone
2nd Battalion
The pipers were largely employed as runners, orderlies, etc., and suffered
very heavy casualties. On several occasions during the open fighting they
were employed in the attack as pipers. Of 23 pipers who went to France
with the battalion 6 were killed and 10 wounded in the first year of the war.
The opinion of the officers is that only the difficulty of reinforcements limits
the employment of pipers in action.
RECORD.
Invalided, Dec. 1914.
Wounded, 25/1/17.
Wounded, May 1915.
Killed, June 1915.
Killed, October 1914.
Died of disease, Feb. 1915.
Wounded, August 1914 ; killed,
Loos, Oct. 1915.
Gassed, May 1915.
Wounded, March 1915.
Killed, February 1915.
Killed, July 191 6.
Wounded, February 1915.
Invalided, Dec. 1914.
:g. no
RANK.
NAME.
6731
Pipe Major
John Haywood
577
,,
James Mackenzie
6171
Corpl.
Angus MacLean
9106
Lance Cpl.
William Ross
9223
John Grant
283
Dougal MacMillan
9454
•'
James Rennie
70
Piper
Hugh Keil
625
George Thomson
David Macrae
3
Robert Hall
Alexander Thornton
570
Alexander Mackenzie
Ronald Mackenzie
711
James Urquhart
THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS
117
REG. NO. RANK.
Piper
1096
NAME.
Frederick Cook
Albert Hunter
Alexander MacAngus
Gregor Mackenzie
Kenneth Mackenzie
Alexander Angus
Robert Rennie
Alexander Clark,
10670
'<
Alexander Mai
10-157
Lance
Sgt.
James Stewart
7635
Lance
Cpl.
A. Ross
8666
Corpl.
VV. Lowlands
7838
Piper
A. Calder
9132
„
N. Johnstone
4255
J. Robertson
10169
,,
J. Tulloch
189
24729
"
A. Stein
J. Murdoch
A. Milne
21630
ff
D. MACLEOD
7366
•'
D. MACLEOD
N. Maclean
7126
tl
W. Maclean
7603
,,
J. Mackay
7206
Lance
Cpl.
M. Maclean
2886
Piper
G. Bell
8i34
»
J. Grant
204612
P. Lamont
9607
„
J. Macarthur
RECORD.
Wounded, 13/10/14.
Gassed, 2/5/15.
Killed, May 191 5.
Wounded, April 1915.
Killed, May 1915.
Killed, May 191 5.
Wounded, August 1914 ; prisoner
of war.
Transferred from 1st Batt. ;
wounded, 1/7/16, Maillet
(Somme) ; killed, 1917-
Wounded, 25/4/15 ; killed, 26/1 /1 7.
Wounded, Nov. 191 6.
Wounded, 20/11/14.
Gassed, April 1915.
Wounded, April 191 5 and August
1917.
Wounded, April 191 7.
4TH Battalion
In the early part of the war pipers were employed as such, and in many
other capacities. Casualties, however, were exceedingly heavy, and it
was decided in the later stages to keep them out of action as much as possible.
Five pipers were killed and sixteen wounded.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
Pipe Major Murdo Mackenzie
John M'Kenzie
Piper D. M'Kenzie
Discharged, 191 8.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle.
Died of wounds in Germany.
Ii8
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
Piper J. Kemp
RECORD.
Died of wounds at Neuve Chapelle,
1915-
201307
„ A. M'Aulay
Died of wounds at Valenciennes,
1918.
,, J. M'Kenzie
Died of wounds at Neuve Chapelle,
1915-
;; J. M'DONALD
Wounded at Cambrai, 1917 ; dis-
charged.
A. J. M'Kenzie
Wounded at NeuveChapelle, 1915 ;
discharged.
P. Stewart, M.M.
Wounded at Cambrai, 1917 ; dis-
charged.
J. Stewart
Wounded at Marne, 191 8.
W. M'Kenzie
Discharged, 1916.
,, M. Sandison
Wounded at Cambrai, 1917.
H. Forbes
Wounded and gassed at Arras,
1918.
,, J. Urquhart
Wounded at Cambrai, 1918 ; dis-
charged.
,, W. Marshall
Wounded and gassed at Cambrai,
D. M'Rae
1917.
Discharged.
Lance-Sgt. D. Thomson
Invalided home.
„ F. FlNDLAYSON
Invalided home
Piper J. M'Donald
Wounded at Aubers Ridge, 1915.
„ A. M'Lennan
Killed at Neuve Chapelle, 1915.
W. Ross
Transferred to Home Service.
H. Ross
Transferred to Home Service.
„ H. M'Lennan
Wounded at Aubers Ridge, 1915.
D. Williamson
Wounded and gassed. Arras and
Cambrai.
,, W. M'Donald
„ W. Corbet
Wounded at Aubers Ridge, 1915.
W. M'Leod
Wounded at Neuve Chapelle, 1915,
and discharged.
„ H. R. M'Kenzie
Wounded.
,, R. Higgins
Invalided, 191 8.
„ J. M'Donald
Discharged.
„ J. M'Lennan
,, N. Ross
Discharged.
J. Ross
Wounded at Cambrai.
,, E. Leaman
Wounded at Cambrai.
L/C. Piper W. Gray
Piper J. M'Kenzie
,, J. Gumm
,, M. Sandison
THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS
119
REG. NO. RANK.
Piper
NAME.
W. Marshall
J. A. Aird
H. Forbes
A. M'Leod
J. Baird
D. M'Millan
W. Richardson
5th Battalion
Pipers in action were employed as orderlies, despatch runners, etc
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
2026 Pipe Major
J. Sutherland
,,
A. Harley
97
W. Grant
422
G. Ross
41186 Corporal
H. Gammack
450 Piper
A. M'Leod
214
W. Trussler
240082 „
R. M'Kay
240578
G. Stewart
379
R. M'Kenzie, M.l\
599
Donald Mackay
242179
D. Macinnes
144
H. Grant
240137
D. A. Matheson
426
C. Rae
8971
A. Mackay
560
R. Mackay
242212 ,,
G. Urquhart
2266
W. S. Coghill
3023
A. Keith
2392
R. Stephen
24227 ,,
J. MacDonald
2729
A. Taylor
251
R. Ross
242094 ,,
D. Mackenzie
669
M. Murray
26
R. Trussler
25209
J. Munro
267336
Jas. Sutherland
42195
D. Morrison
24284 ,,
J. Cullen
Invalided.
Killed, 21/7/15, Fauquissart.
Wounded ; Military Medal.
Killed, i3/n/i6,BeaumontHamel.
Wounded.
Killed, 21/7/15, Fauquissart.
Wounded.
Transferred to 6th Seaforths
killed, 19/4/17
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
Oth Battalion
At Festubcrt, June 1915, the pipers did magnificent service as bearers,
working day and night, and bringing in 170 wounded men. They were
largely employed in the ranks as machine gunners. The casualties among
them were heavy — 8 killed and 6 wounded.
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
G. Milton
Sergt.
W. MacLeod
C. D. Macdonald
H. Mackie
J. Brown, M.M.
»
G. Gilbert, D.C.M.
Corpl.
W. Urquhart
Piper
J. Alexander
tt
J. Bowie
L. Cumming
lt
G. Fraser
tl
J. GlBB
tt
J. Grant
lt
G. M. Grant
H
D. Grant
D. Geddie
l(
J. Logie
265172
W. Logie
,,
J. Lumsden, M.M
tt
A. Jenkins
M
A. Mitchell
it
W. D. Mill
A. Mackay
tl
W. Mackay
9t
H. Mackenzie
tl
W. Macdonald
M
J. Macdonald
>t
VV. Mackay
it
A. Paterson
M
J. Robertson
•■
G. Rose
\V. Shervan
,,
W. Sutherland
-:
A. Thomson
Killed, May 1916, Labyrinth.
Killed, Beaumont Hamel, 13/11/16.
Killed, Beaumont Hamcl, 13/11/16.
Killed, Arras, May 191 7.
Wounded, Beaumont llamel,
13/11/16.
Ivilled, La Bassee, April 1918.
Invalided.
Wounded, 9/4/17, Roclincourt.
Wounded, High Wood, July 1916.
Invalided.
Killed, 9/4/17, Roclincourt.
Wounded, Cambrai, Nov. 191 7.
Wounded, 9/4/17, Roclincourt.
Invalided.
Invalided.
Killed, July 1915.
Wounded, Beaumont Hamel,
13/11/16.
Killed, 9/4/17, Roclincourt.
PIPE-MAJOR HOWARTH, D.C.M., 6th GORDON HIGHLANDERS
At Neuve Chapelle
From the Painting by J. Prinscp Beadle
THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS
121
7th Battalion
At Loos the battalion was played to the attack, and had 5 pipers killed
and 3 wounded. At one time, when the position was very serious, a piper
rallied the men with " Cabar Feidh," and produced a tremendous effect.
On the Somme, in 1916, a piper was always on duty with the battalion. At
Arras, in 191 7, the pipers acted as bearers, but in later operations they were
kept out of the front line as far as possible.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
5111 Pipe Major W.Taylor
1536
,,
A. Harley
1689
Sergt.
W. Fraser, M.M.
7765
W. Gordon
8822
Corpl.
T. Johnston
711
Lance CpL
A. Urquhart
40417
,,
O'Kain Maclennan
6876
„
M. M'Lean
8134
,,
J. Grant
13385
Piper
P. Calder
6892
,,
W. Cooper
8535
•
D. Davidson, D.C.M., M.M
21629
T. Eaton
1456
,
D. Fraser
40177
,
R. Fraser
4272
•
W. Galbraith
4181
R. Galbraith
9070
,
G. Grant
2177
„
B. Halliday
4661
,
B. Hamilton
9859
,
J. HlNTON
10859
A. J. Mackay
9488
,
J. Mackay
570
-
A. Mackenzie
1487
R. Mackenzie, M.M.
7366
,
D. MACLEOD
201819
,
M. Montgomery
12597
,
M. Murray
201991
,
R. Murray
825
,
G. Thomson
3843
,
K. Thyne
record.
Awarded Croix de Guerre and
Meritorious Service Medal.
Invalided.
Military Medal.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Received Commission in Camerons.
Killed, 11/4/17.
Wounded, 12/10/17.
D.C.M. and Military Medal ; pro-
moted Sergt. in his Coy.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, and again Arras,
9/4/17-
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Died in hospital.
Died of wounds received at Loos.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, 10/4/15, Messines ;
gassed, 23/6/18.
Wounded, 12/3/18; Military Medal.
Invalided.
Wounded, Messines, 10/4/15.
Killed, Somme, 1 4/7/1 6.
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
8th Battalion
There were heavy casualties at Loos, September 1915, when 5 pipers
were killed and 5 were wounded ; on this occasion the gallantry of these
men won the wholehearted admiration of all ranks. The companies were
played into action by the pipers.
8112
Pipe Major
Alex. Mackenzie, D.C.M.
„
John Haywood
8119
Sergt.
George Gordon
8172
Lance
Cpl.
John Munro
3161
Piper
Andrew Hamilton
5721
,,
Charles Anderson
6368
"
Robert Clark
Andrew Clark
7519
„
John Matheson
6567
,,
George Spence
3503
,,
James Cairns
2897
,,
Robert Robertson
2583
6400 „
6546 Lance Cpl.
3307 Piper
Corpl.
Piper
25812
25825
James Morton
Alexander Mackay
William Mackay
Robert Beaton
Duncan MacGregor
Donald Valantine
Hugh Sutherland
R. Currant
James Harvey
Alexander MacAulay
Alexander MacDonald
Alexander MacDonald
Malcolm Mackenzie
Robert Mackenzie
Donald MacLeod
George Macmillan
James Matheson
James Morton
Robert Robertson
Alexander Simpson
George Spence
D.C.M.
Transferred 9th Seaforths as Pipe
Major ; Belgian Croix de
Guerre.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15,
taken prisoner.
Killed, Loos, 28/9/18.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15,
taken prisoner.
Wounded, Ypres, 31/7/17.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Died of disease, 191 7.
Wounded, Arras, 21/2/18.
and
and
THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS
123
REG. NO. RANK.
Piper
Lieut.
NAME.
P. Stewart
Henry Sutherland
J. Tait
Hector Ross
Formerly Piper 6th S.H. ; killed,
23/4/17-
9TH Battalion
Pipers were frequently employed as despatch runners. In the advance
of the 26th Brigade at Longueval on 14th July, 1916, the battalion was
played into action under very heavy fire. When attacking the village they
met with a stout resistance and came under heavy machine gun fire from
a flank as well as from the front. The pipers rallied the men who were
thrown momentarily into confusion, and, at their head, charged down the
street and over the wires into the German trenches.
The casualties were heavy throughout, 4 killed and 15 wounded.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
8lI9
Pipe Major
G. Gordon
Belgian Croix de Guerre.
4422
Lance
Sgt.
D. M'Niven
5745
Lance
Cpl.
C. M'Lellan, M.M.
Military Medal, Loos, 1915.
261949
Piper
James Lumsden, M.M.
Wounded, Somme, 1916; Military
Medal.
240018
Robert Ross
Killed, 11/4/18.
267336
James Sutherland
Killed, 19/4/17.
4394
M. Ross
Wounded.
8264
D. Mackenzie
Wounded.
4858
J. Macdonald
Wounded.
501 1
A. Cheyne
3949
H. Arnott
Wounded.
9394
W. M'Mahon
Killed.
4057
W. Gray
Wounded.
5693
D. Hunter
Wounded.
40497
A. Mackenzie
40502
R. Watt
Wounded.
40547
G. Davidson
267049
J. MacLeod
13286
J. Aitken
Wounded.
23879
W. Duncan
Killed
23889
J. M'Lellan
Wounded.
26416
P. Macdonald
26426
D. M'KlNNON
Wounded.
124
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
KEG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
5943 Piper
R. Lawson
24518
A. Buchanan
261313 ,;
A. Mackenzie
557°
J. Barclay
RECORD.
Wounded and gassed.
Wounded three times.
THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS
ist Battalion
The battalion took out 18 pipers, and at the roll call at Cambrai on
26th August, 1914, only two remained. For a long time pipers had to
be employed in the ranks. On several occasions in the Somme fighting
they took their place at the head of their companies and played them into
action.
REG.
NO.
*ANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
J. Henderson
Sergt.
J. Johnston
Piper
Geo. Cruickshank
David Copland
A. Thompson
F. Paterson
J. Watt
Corpl.
F. Robertson
Lance Cpl.
W. M'Fall
Piper
W. Fraser
Geo. Mitchell
Geo. Anderson
N. Watt
D. Weir
P. Cran
F. Grant
P. Hair
W. Cromarty
W. Harvie
Corpl.
A. Garden
Piper
A. M'Kay
W. Allan
J. Coutts
W. Paton
,
,
Eadie
Wounded, 25/9/15.
Prisoner, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Prisoner, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Prisoner, Le Cateau, 26/8/14, but
escaped and returned to duty ;
again captured, 24/10/14.
Killed, Mons, 26/8/14.
Gone to 2nd Batt.
Prisoner, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Killed, October 191 4.
Prisoner, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Prisoner, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Prisoner, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Prisoner, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Invalided.
Invalided.
Prisoner, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Wounded, 26/9/15.
Killed, 24/10/141.
Died of wounds, Jan. 1 91 5.
Killed, 1 4/1 2/1 4.
THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS
125
. NO. RANK.
NAME.
RECORD.
Piper
Hay
M'Kay
Gillies
Wounded.
Wounded.
»
Hector Ross
Wounded,
March,
Loos, 25/9/15 ;
1916.
killed
2ND
B
\TTALION
This battalion took 32 pipers out to France ; by the end of the first
year of the campaign 10 had been killed and 20 wounded. At Loos and
in the Somme fighting the pipers of the 2nd Gordons repeatedly played
the battalion into action and suffered heavily. The pipers were also
employed as runners, bearers, etc., and in the ranks.
In March 1915, the battalion was played to the attack on the Aubers
Ridge under heavy fire, and again at Mametz and Guichy.
In the Italian field of operations they did most excellent work in getting
the wounded back across a swift river, work which their CO. consideied it
would have been impossible to accomplish without their enthusiastic
assistance.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
6349 Pipe Major C. Anderson
IO&55
Piper
R. Grant
10639
J. Grant
no
R. Wilson
219
W. Bruce
10653
Corpl.
J. M'Kenzie
205
Piper
J. Ledingham
J. Ramage
A. Cassie
J. Bissett
10296
W. Sinclair
311
Lance
Cpl.
A. M'Donald
10113
Piper
J. Gillies
175
Lance
Cpl.
J. Livingstone
10243
Piper
J. Murray
8699
»
C. Munro
349
J. Cruickshanks
10219
„
J. Topp
RECORD.
Wounded ; Military Medal, Loos,
I9I5-
Killed, Loos, 1915.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Died of wounds, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Ypres, 1/11/14 ; in-
valided.
Wounded, Ypres, 30/10/14.
Wounded ; prisoner of war,
30/10/14.
Wounded, Ypres, 30/10/14.
Despatches ; wounded, Loos,
1915.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle, 1915.
Wounded, Ypres, 30/10/14.
126
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO,
RANK.
NAME.
297
Piper
J. Grant
I20
H. Adams
IOO72
G. Tennent
233
,,
J. Watt
7509
Sergt.
W. Smith
606
Piper
A. Bruce
IQ2
,,
W. Hinnie
429
"
T. Macintosh
Fraser
543
,,
A. Holmes
10256
,,
B. M'Kay
43°
,,
J. Robertson
206
Lance Cpl.
J. Duguid
6853
Sergt.
R. Stewart, D.C.M.
7641
Piper
J. M'Donald
10486
,,
C. Taylor
5614
,,
James Ritchie, M.M.
7375
Corpl.
A. Smith
8390
Piper
J. Scott
335
"
J. M'Crimmon
10139
D. White
747
,,
J. Lorimer
6994
Sergt.
A. Horne
7288
Piper
C. Orchard
5495
,,
J. White
10264
,,
D. Bowie
7383
,,
P. Brown
235745
,,
R. Innes
240455
„
J. Gow
43479
,,
J. Graham
2595
,,
D. Williams
record.
Wounded and invalided.
Wounded, Ypres, i/n/14.
Wounded, Ypres, 30/10/14.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Ypres, 1/11/14; in-
valided.
Wounded ; invalided.
Wounded, Ypres, 5/10/17.
Wounded, Ypres, 30/10/14.
Killed, Ypres, 30/10/14.
Killed, Loos, 191 5; awarded D.C.M.
Wounded, Somme, July 1916.
Military Medal, Somme.
Killed, Loos, 1915.
Killed, Somme, 1916.
Wounded, Ypres, 1914 ; killed,
Loos, 1915.
Killed, Loos, 1915.
Wounded, Somme, 191 6.
Invalided.
Killed, Ypres, 5/10/17.
4TH Battalion
During the trench righting the pipers were mostly used behind the
front line, and in marching the battalion to and from rest billets. Subse-
quently, in open fighting, the company pipers took their place at the heads
of their companies. At the Marne, Pipers P. Paterson, R. Prentice, P. Bowie
and G. Davidson played their companies into action, and their action
immensely stimulated the troops " and enabled them to gain a great victory
on that day " ; at Ypres on 31st July, 1917, Piper P. Bowie " rallied the
men at a time when fighting was very fierce," and was awarded the Military
THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS
127
Medal ; on 17th November, 1917, Piper G. Paterson also got the Military
Medal for playing the battalion through three successive charges and into
Cantaing under heavy fire. The pipers were also employed as ammunition
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
Pipe Major
A. Chisholm
201290
Piper
John Webster, M.M.
Military Medal.
Lance-Cpl.
W. Cruickshank
Piper
T. Watson
Invalided.
2OO347
,,
G. Paterson, M.M.
Wounded ; Military Medal
,
N. Paterson
,
W. M'Kay
Invalided.
,
E. Ewen
Wounded.
,
P. Paterson
Wounded.
,
D. Robbie
Wounded (twice).
,
G. Davidson
Gassed, Ypres, 31/10/17.
,
J. Wych
Prisoner.
,
C. Lawson
Prisoner.
,
J. Gray
,
J. Gray
Wounded.
,
R. Sim
Wounded.
,
P. Bowie, M.M.
Military Medal.
,
E. Mather
,
R. Prentice
,
J. Oswald
,
F. Wright
,
J. Foote
,
A. Thomson
Killed.
5th Battalion
The pipers were principally employed in the ranks and as observers, but
in the attack on High Wood on the Somme front company pipers played
at the head of their units. On this occasion Piper Willox was killed as he
led his company, and several others became casualties. It was thereafter
decided not to employ pipers in action again.
302 Pipe Major
1596 Cpl. -Piper
760 Piper
1985
i586
J. H. Clark
J. Harvey
A. Stewart
G. Thomson
A. Willox
Killed, 31/7/16, High Wood.
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO. RANK.
1 1 56 Piper
W. Graham
W. Allan
J. Birnie
H. LUNAN
J. M'Donald
G. MlDDLETON
A. Robinson
J. A. Scott
J. Stewart
R. Wyness
Andrew Brown, M.M.
G. Lindsay
record.
Killed, 3/6/15, Festubert.
Wounded, Bullecourt.
Military Medal ; killed, 31/7/16,
High Wood.
Wounded, Sept. 1917, Ypres.
6th Battalion
At Neuve Chapelle the pipers headed the charge of the battalion on the
Moulin du Pietre, losing one piper killed and four wounded.
Pipers were mostly employed in action as stretcher bearers or in the
ranks, and, while suffering heavily, won the highest reputation in their
battalion. At Neuve Chapelle in March 1915 they lost one killed and six
wounded ; on this occasion Pipe Major Howarth won the D.C.M. At Loos
in the following September, the casualties were again heavy, and the pipe
major won a bar to the D.C.M. In later operations pipers were kept, as
much as possible, out of the front line.
record.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle, 25/3/15.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle, 25/3/15.
Killed, Neuve Chapelle, 25/3/15.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle, 25/3/15.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle, 25/3/15.
Wounded, Festubert.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
IOII5
Pipe Major
J. Howarth, D.C.M. and
Bar
161
Corpl.
G. Logie
728
Piper
A. Smith
62
,,
G. Milton
1257
Lance
Cpl.
G. M'Pherson
104
Piper
A. Coutts
II7
,,
G. Grant
I0604
,,
A. Milne
967
Lance
Cpl.
J. Birnie
IO70O
Piper
W. Bannerman
806
,,
R. Scott
961
,,
J. Birnie
I561
"
R. M'Cay
H. Davidson
Lance
-Cpl.
T. Knowles
THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS
I2Q
8th Battalion
Pipe Major W. J. Grant
Corpl. G. Flockhart
Wounded.
gTH Battalion
The great value of the pipers in action is recognised by the whole
battalion, but it is considered it sometimes happens that the men get so
overkeen under the influence of the music that they are liable to exceed
orders. The employment of pipers as bearers, etc., is deprecated as
resulting in casualties which cannot be replaced.
EG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
K. MacLeod
S/7747
G. Findlater, V.C
S/4212
D. MacLeod
S/6827
Piper
A. M'Donald
S/2772
,,
M. Murray
S/9023
,,
C. Campbell
S/3068
,,
T. Turner
S/4057
,,
J. Miller
S/4058
,,
H. Heeps
S/4560
,,
J. Craig
S/9364
,,
J. Aitken
348
•>
J. M'Donald
560
W. Watt
S/17640
H. Maclachlan
9283
Lance-Cpl.
H. Adams
S/3052
Pte.
J. Sharkey
ioth Bat
EG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
5614
Pipe Major Horne
Corpl. Orchard
Piper James Ritchie, M.M.
Invalided, Dec. 1914.
Invalided, Dec. 1915.
Killed in action, Somme, 10/7/16.
Invalided.
Wounded, Somme, 1916.
Wounded Neuve Chapelle, 1915 ;
Loos, 25/9/15 ; Somme, 1/7/16.
Wounded, Ypres, 1914.
Wounded, Ypres, 1914.
Wounded.
Transferred to 2nd Gordons ; Mili-
tary Medal.
130
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
THE QUEEN'S OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS
" A chlanna nan con
A chlanna nan con
Thigibh an so
S'ghaibh sibh feoil. '
ist Battalion
Pipers were not employed as such, but, during the early part of the war,
they were in the ranks. At the battle of the Aisne and Ypres the casualties
were heavy.
The value to the battalion of their pipe band is considered so great that
the officers would like the establishment doubled.
REG. NO
.
RANK.
NAME.
record.
6720
Piper Major
G. Selby
Killed, 22/10/14.
6718
,,
W. Cruickshanks
5210
Corpl.
W. Kinnear
Wounded, 5/11/14, Ypres.
5173
Piper
H. Barrie
Killed, 5/11/14, Ypres.
8445
,,
C. Maclachlan
767I
,,
A. Henderson,
D.C.M.
Taken prisoner, 11/11/14 ; D.C.M
8535
Lance -Cpl.
G. M'Calman
Wounded, Langemarck, Oct. 1914
died after discharge.
8072
Piper
D. Ross
8475
M. Campbell
Wounded, Aisne, 14/9/14.
9575
L. Johnstone
Wounded, Aisne, 1 4/9/14.
6726
D. Cook
Wounded, Aisne, 14/9/14.
9345
L. M'Bean
Died of wounds, Arras, Aug. 1918.
9444
J. COYLE
Wounded, Aisne, 25/8/14.
I4°59
J. Peders
1 892 1
N. Ross
5859
A. Macdonald
30748
N. Smith
2nd Battalion
There were heavy casualties among the pipers, who were employed in
many ways throughout the war, — largely in the ranks. One, Lance-Corporal
Johnstone, was awarded the D.C.M. and M.M. for his gallantry as a guide
in 1915 and subsequently as scout sergeant. Throughout the war the
pipers went into action with their companies. The opinion of the com-
THE CAMERON HIGHLANDERS
131
manding officer is that they have been invaluable to the battalion. At the
time of the advance into Bulgaria sickness had caused the disappearance
of the band.
Altogether 14 pipers were wounded and 7 died or were killed during
the war.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
dougall matheson
John Steele
Sergt.
James Johnson, D.C.M
M.M.
Corpl.
Alex. M'Leod
Alex. Thomson
8479
Piper
Lance
Cpl.
Donald Dyce
Archibald Robertson
Piper
William Borthwick
Peter Easson
Joseph Elliot
donnachie
Archibald Fulton
Lance
Cpl.
James Gillon
Piper
Keeble
John Lumsden
James M'Dougall
John M'Cabe
Donald M'Rae
John M'Askill
Thompson
Alexander Thompson
William Hope
Hugh Conner
Donald Campbell
Archibald M'Kenzie
Murdoch Scott
Lachlan M'Bean
Murdoch Scott
Archibald Lindsay
Robert Ferguson
William Stewart
John Smart
James Carswell
Archibald Smith
Wounded, 1915, and in 1916.
Wounded, 1 5/2/1 5.
Wounded, 1918.
Wounded, Salonika, 30/9/16.
Wounded, 1915, Ypres.
Wounded, 191 6.
Killed, 1915.
Prisoner of war, 1915 ; invalided.
Wounded, 10/5/15, St. Eloi.
Wounded.
Wounded, Struma, 1/10/16.
Wounded, Hill 60 ; invalided.
Died, 1917.
Killed, Hill 60, April 1916.
Died.
Invalided.
Wounded, Ypres, 1918.
Wounded, 30/9/16, St. Eloi ; in-
valided.
Wounded, 10/5/15, St. Eloi.
Killed, Hill 60, April 191 6.
Wounded, Aug. 1915.
Died of wounds, St. Eloi, 10/5/15.
Wounded, Aug. 1915.
Invalided.
Died, Salonika, 18/10/17.
132
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
4TH Battalion
At Festubert on 17th May, 1915, the companies were played to the
attack by their pipers, and these men came through unscathed but with
their pipes rendered useless by mud and water. Of those who were serving
in the ranks several were killed and wounded at Festubert.
Again at Loos the pipers were employed in action as such.
They were often employed as bearers. The battalion was disbanded
as a separate unit.
REG. NO. RANK.
56 Pipe Major
275 Lance Cpl.
1090 Piper
44
519
988
528 Lance Cpl.
53 Piper
1395
1120 ,,
1100
645 Lance Cpl.
2670
200120 Piper
J. S. Ross
J. Shirran
A. FULLARTON
W. Fraser
R. Munro
C. Milne
G. Forsyth
K. Logan
W. F. Macdonald
J. Cheyne
J. MUNRO
D. Paterson
T. D. Mackay
W. Macdonald
W. Maclean
RECORD.
Wounded, Fanquinart, 9/5/15.
Wounded.
Wounded.
Wounded, Richebourg, 1 7/7/1 5.
Killed, Festubert, 17/5/15.
Killed, Festubert, 1 7/5/1 5.
Wounded, Neuve Chapelle,i2/3/i5.
Died of wounds, 14/10/17.
Transferred as Pipe Major to
5th Camerons.
5th Battalion
At Loos the battalion was played into action, and practically all the
pipers became casualties. Subsequently they were employed as bearers.
REG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
4424
Pipe Major
A. Beattie
John Macmillan
William Maclean
3/5497
Piper
Alex. MacEachen
3/5"3
Lance Cpl.
A. J. M'Donald
3/5096
,,
Donald M'Lean
3/5059
Piper
Alexander Boyd
S/14504
Donald M'Intyre
3/3931
,,
Neil Wilson
record.
(Now Quartermaster.)
Died of wounds received 25/9/15.
Killed at Fosse 8, 27/9/15.
Wounded, Festubert, 191 5.
Killed, 27/9/15-
THE CAMERON HIGHLANDERS
*33
REG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
record.
S/"755
Piper
James Butler
Wounded, 27/9/15 ; Loos,
again subsequently.
3/5636
,,
J. A. Macaskill
3/3541
,,
Angus M'Donald
Wounded, 27/9/15, Loos.
3/5621
,,
Alex. M'Lennan
Wounded, 27/9/15, Loos.
S/105IO
John M'Lachlan
Wounded, 27/9/15, Loos ; J
Sorel, 21/3/18.
S/IO3II
J. M'Gregor
Invalided.
S/I2582
Angus M'Pherson
Gassed, 25/9/15, Loos.
S/H605
John Ross
Wounded, 25/9/15, Loos.
S/I0026
"
Joseph Scott
Donald MacPhee
Wounded, 25/9/15, Loos.
Corpl.
Donald Campbell
Piper
William Strachan
Invalided.
and
killed,
Angus Robertson
Malcolm MacGregor
Alex. Clunie
James Henderson
Lachlan Maclean
James Macdonald
Duncan MacLennan
Archibald Crawford
John MacLennan
Donald MacLennan
D. Bowes
T. Fyffe
C. Grant
Allan Cameron
Charles Milne
John Stavert
Norman M'Killop
James Porteous
James Innes
Finlay Martin
James Ferguson
James Richard
Killed, 3/5/17, Arras.
Invalided.
Killed, Sorel, 21/3/18.
Invalided.
Invalided.
Invalided.
Killed, Oct. 1918.
6th Battalion
During trench fighting the pipers were employed behind the line. In the
Loos attack, when they played the battalion into action, there were many
casualties. On this occasion, when the 44th Brigade had to fall back, the
men rallied on an extemporised flag of Cameron tartan at the foot of which
stood the pipers of several battalions.
134
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
EG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
5l6l
Pipe Major
A. Mathieson Macdonald
I2643
Lance
Cpl.
William Fraser
"347
Piper
William Whitehead
12629
Thomas MacCulloch
IOIOI
Dugald Dow
I02IO
James Pitcairn
10297
Wilfred Morris
12070
J. Leckie MacLean
14831
David Roy Robertson
27434
Sergt.
Campbell
43268
Lance
Cpl.
M'Neill
10256
,,
M' Ready
40971
Piper
MacLennan
43267
»
MacNeil
43318
Johnstone
40715
,,
MacCormick
433"
,,
M. M'Lennan
22461
,,
James Walker
Gassed, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Gassed, Loos, 25/9/15.
From 1st Lo vat's Scouts.
From 2 /4th Cameron Highlanders.
Wounded, Somme, Oct. 1916.
From 2/4th Cameron Highlanders.
From 2/4th Cameron Highlanders ;
wounded, Oct. 1916.
From 2 /4th Cameron Highlanders.
From 2/4th Cameron Highlanders.
Killed, 26/4/17.
7th Battalion
In the historic attack at Loos the pipers took a prominent part, and
helped to rally the men subsequently. They lost heavily, and in subsequent
actions pipers were only employed singly in the attack.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
13845
Pipe Major
R. Macdougall
Piper
J. Maclean
Wounded, Loos.
14356
,,
J. Raeburn
Wounded, Loos, 25-27/9/15
I329I
,,
Dugald Scoular
14059
,,
Peden
Corpl.
Ross
,,
R. M. Dewar
Gassed.
Lance Cpl.
J. Levack
2O0IO4
,,
H. R. Munro
Piper
G. Alves
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
21487
,,
G. Cowie
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
9444
••
J. Coyle
A. Duncan
J. FiNDLAY
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
,,
T. Fraser
Gassed
14055
,,
W. Henderson
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
200252
>,
J. Hunter
THE CAMERON HIGHLANDERS
i35
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
201253
Piper
A. M'Donald
5545
,,
J. M'Donald
J. M'Intosh
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
13294
If
R. M'Kenzie
,,
M. M'Killop
Invalided.
M
M. MACKINNON
43209
,,
J. MUNRO
13442
,,
A. Shand
,,
A. Smart
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
M
F. Stewart
Wounded, Loos 25/9/15,
14369
,,
W. Williamson
THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS
ist Battalion
Early in the war pipers were used in action, but, on account of casualties
being very heavy among them, the practice was given up.
REG.
NO. RANK.
name.
Pipe Major
R. Macfarlane
Piper
M'Kay
Kenealy
Campbell
Woodside
Corpl.
F. Ross
Piper
W. M'Intosh
C. Hay
J. Beattie,
W. Waddel
Stevenson
Lynch
Lance-Cpl.
Struthers
Wilson
Birrell
Piper
M'Fadyen
Hanlison
Bell
Hardie
M'Donald
Wounded.
Wounded.
Wounded.
Killed, St. Eloi, 16/2/15.
136
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO. RANK.
Piper
57°
NAME.
Campbell
Fraser
Robert Kennedy
Killed, 30/7/16, Somme.
2nd Battalion
During the first year of the war 3 pipers were killed, 3 were wounded
and 3 were taken prisoner, and the band was broken up, the survivors being
returned to the ranks. Throughout the war pipers have been employed as
orderlies, ammunition and ration carriers
EG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
William Gray
,,
John Mackintosh
I07I9
,,
Lawrie
672
,,
John Gray
8157
Piper
L. A. Planner
Alexander Steven
188
„
Alexander Sinclair
IO313
J. Black
IO295
Corpl.
J. P. M'Donald
522
Piper
Henry Jones
Lance
Cpl.
Milne
507
Piper
Peter M'Lintock
90
"
M'Kay
J. Gardner
974
Lance
Cpl.
A. Paterson
Piper
Peter Murray
1153
Sergt.
P. Dean, D.C.M.
9901
Lance
-Cpl.
A. Miller
660
Piper
R. Scott
58
• •
S. Duff
9279
Robert Ormiston
t
William Black
,
John Watt
,
David Blair
,
Richard Ansell
p
Donald Anderson
,
Alexander M'Donald
,
John MacCulloch
Killed, Oct. 1918.
Invalided.
Invalided.
Missing.
Killed, Armentieres, 27/11/15.
Killed, Armentieres, 27/11/15.
Wounded, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Wounded, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
Wounded, Le Cateau, 26/8/14.
D.C.M.
Prisoner of war ; wounded, Le
Cateau, 26/8/14.
Prisoner of war ; wounded, Ar-
mentieres, 27/11/15.
Prisoner of war ; wounded, Le
Cateau, 26/8/14.
Wounded, Somme, 13/7/16.
Wounded, 19/11/15 and 21/6/15.
ceosce Houston
BEN BUIDHE, ARGYLLSHIRE
brum the Water-colour Drawing by George Houston, A.R.S.A.
THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS 137
,. NO. RANK.
NAME.
Piper
Alexander Gray
,,
Gordon Innes
,,
Duncan Mackellar
5th Battalion
When in Gallipoli the full pipers were chiefly employed as messengers
and ammunition carriers. In the latter capacity they did excellent work
in the fighting on 12th July, 1915. The acting pipers were employed as
stretcher bearers. On the occasion of the 12th July attack a piper mounted
the parapet and played the battalion over. The pipers have been kept out
of action as far as possible.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
RECORD
2OI47I
Pipe Major
C. Hay
Wounded,
^4/n/i7
,,
Jas. Smith
Piper
Robert Smith
Thomas Macdonald
Robert Maclachlan
200129
,,
James Blair
200043
Lance
Cpl.
Fred Branwhite
Piper
Robert Macleod
Wounded,
25/12/15
20O3OO
Lance
Cpl.
Angus Macarthur
300620
Piper
John Macleod
200359
,,
James Murray
,
Malcolm Stewart
,
George Stirrat
325764
,
W. Hendry
Wounded,
29/7/18.
2OO325
,
William Lepick
201062
J. M'Callum
200357
,
Donald Matheson
202708
,
William Matheson
4304O
,
John Myles
2OO780
,
A. Neilson
200855
,
J. Oliver
201925
,
W. Ponton
6th Battalion
While in the trenches were employed as orderlies, messengers, etc.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
362 Pipe Major John M'Connacher
275321 ,, D. Finlayson
35 Corpl. Andrew Ferguson
record.
Transferred as C.Q.M.S.
138
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
538
Lance
Cpl.
Thomas Dournie
Wounded, Richebourg, May 1915.
I704
Piper
William Henderson
1365
Robert M'Aulay
Gassed, 25/4/18.
I560
David Gault
1507
Henry Murray
I506
William Park
Wounded, Festubert, 1 8/6/1 5.
1890
John Craig
Killed, Longueval, 27/7/16.
3037
James Pringle
Killed while trying to bring in
wounded man, 18/6/15.
3042
John M'Allister
Killed, Festubert, 18/6/15.
1653
James Gillan
Invalided.
3256
John M'Farlane
3162
William Carlyle
Killed, Festubert, 16/6/15 ; de-
spatches.
3166
William Ganson
Thomas Myron
250989
A. M'LlNTOCK
Wounded, 23/1 1/1 8.
250962
•H. Armstrong
8oi6
Lance
Cpl.
J. Stewart
251957
Piper
A. M'Askill
202120
N. Campbell
252567
F. M'Pherson
25OOI8
W. Corsan
252028
J. Lang
3OOO99
N. Crawford
250919
A. Gray
325262
M. Thomson
7TH Battalion
Pipers were employed as runners and orderlies.
277167
Piper
name.
John Walls, M.M.
Hugh M'Donald
Military Medal, 24/7/16.
Killed, Aug. 191 7, Ypres.
8th Battalion
Until the Somme fighting the pipers went into the trenches but did not
play. The battalion had a pipe band composed of officers, Capt. Alastair
M'Laren, Lieuts. Graham Campbell, Yr. of Shirvan, and Leslie Smith. The
drummers were the Adjutant, Major Lockie, the Quartermaster Lieut.
Disselduff and Lieut. Clark.
As far as possible pipers were kept out of the trenches.
THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS 139
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
Pipe Major W. Lawrie
„ J. Wilson
Lance-Cpl.
Piper
C. Jeffrey
J. M'Lellan, D.C.M.
N. Crawford
A. Currie
R. Ferguson
F. Fraser
D. Ferguson
D. Johnstone
A. Lauder
J. M'Callum
J. M'Dougall
J. M'DONALD
J. M'Farlane
J. M'Intyre
R. M'Lellan, M.M.
J. Orr
J. Risk
J. Shirlaw
J. Woodrow
N. Fletcher
T. Strathearn
R. Morrison
J. MacLeod
D. Robertson
D. Woods
T. Shearer
D. MacInnes
J. MacWilliams
T. Moffat
J. Hannon
Invalided home, and died of illness
contracted on service.
Received Certificate from Div.
Comdr. for gallant conduct, May
1916.
Wounded at Richebourg, May 1915.
Awarded D.C. Medal for gallantry
at Magersfontein, Dec. 1899;
wounded at Laventie, 1915.
Invalided, August 1916.
Time expired.
Wounded.
Invalided, 191 7.
Invalided, 191 5.
Wounded, Somme, July 1916.
Invalided, 1915.
Wounded, Somme, July 1916 ;
awarded Military Medal.
Wounded, La Boiselle, August 191 5.
Time expired.
Gassed.
Wounded Ypres.
Invalided.
Wounded twice.
Wounded.
Invalided.
9TH Battalion
Pipers were principally utilised, when in action, as stretcher-bearers,
orderlies, etc.
Great bravery was shown by pipers when acting as bearers,
140
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
Pipe Major
J. R. Garsewell
324
Corpl.
Alexander M'Allister
Missing since 10/5/15 ; 2nd Battle
Ypres.
I70O
Piper
David Panton
Wounded, 10/5/15, Ypres
266
George Shearer, D.C.M.
Awarded D.C.M.
I7II
,,
Alexander Russell
Killed, 8/4/15.
ioth Battalion
During the trench lighting the pipers were kept in the reserve lines in
order to avoid casualties. At Loos and on the Somrae, however, they were
employed with their companies, and at the taking of Longueval they behaved
with quite remarkable gallantry. On this occasion Pipe Major Aitken, a
man of sixty years of age, was awarded the D.C.M., and Pipers Wilson and
Dall were commended for playing through heavy machine gun fire. At the
same time Piper Donnachie greatly distinguished himself carrying despatches.
The commanding officer says the casualties on the Somrae have led
him to keep them out of action as far as possible, as he regards them as
invaluable to a regiment. It was, in the later stages, only under dire
necessity, that pipers were occasionally used as bearers.
record.
Superannuated ; D.C.M.
Killed, Longueval, Oct. 1916.
Wounded, Dickebusch ; invalided.
Military Medal.
Invalided.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Wounded, Longueval ; invalided.
Wounded, Longueval.
Wounded, Ypres, Nov. 1915.
Despatches.
Died of wounds, Longueval.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
Pipe Major
T. Aitken, D.C.M.
,,
J. Wright
9263
Lance-Sgt.
J. Mackenzie
1720
Corpl.
J. Donnachie
Piper
MacNeill
Corpl.
W. Laurie
8860
Lance
Cpl.
D. Campbell
569
,,
J. Gamack, M.M.
4512
Piper
W. Anderson
3205
J. Cullen
9835
J. Heatherington
30I4
J. Kennedy
1375
J. M'Donald
201 1
W. M'Gillivray
8656
D. M'Rae
6153
Lance
Sgt.
D. D. M' Sporran
IO39O
Piper
J. Smith
9339
,,
W. Pirrie
2616
D. Wilson
57°
,,
R. Kennedy
THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS 141
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
9256
Piper
A. M'Lean
Invalided.
619I
J. Dall
Wounded, Longueval.
5091
,,
J. Paterson
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Sergt.
J. F. Sword
805I
Alex. MacLeay
Killed, 12/10/17, Ypres.
3OO583
,,
John Sinclair
Severely wounded, Oct. 1917
302955
Piper
Walter Napier
William Sinclair
John Clark
Andrew Thomson
Killed, 12/10/17, Ypres.
iith Battalion
When the battalion was in support of the 44th Brigade at Loos the pipers
took a very prominent share in the glory and the losses of the day. One,
Charles Cameron, stood out in the open and played as a rallying point, and
the battalion called him " The Piper of Loos." Other pipers were employed
as runners, or in the ranks.
The casualties during this part of the campaign were so heavy that the
pipe band was kept, as far as possible, out of the front line.
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
RECORD.
Pipe Major
Donald Macfarlane
Wounded, Loos, 25-27/9/15.
Sergt.
James Ritchie
Killed, Loos, 26/9/15.
John M'Millan,
D.C.M.
D CM., 25/9/15, Loos.
Piper
Chas. Cameron
Chas. Hoey
J. Barnett
Killed on Hill 70.
T. Wallace
A. Gillespie
F. M'Diarmid
Wounded, July 1915 ; killed, July
1916.
Corpl.
M. W. M'Callum
Piper
D. Wood
Wounded, May 1916.
D. Macpherson
Wounded.
F. Harper
Wounded, Somme.
J. Bennet
A. M'Diarmid
Hamilton
Campbell
Ferguson
Died Dec. 1916.
M'Kellar
Corpl.
J. Gray
142
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
12TH Battalion
Were often employed as runners. When the battalion was due to go
into support the pipers were sent on to meet the companies and bring them
in. The officers value the band so highly that they consider they should not
be sent into the front line if it can possibly be avoided.
During actual offensive operations pipers were also employed as runners
or on forward trench dumps, etc., and sometimes in the ranks.
Marches in Macedonia were often very arduous " and the pipers made
an amazing difference on the men's spirits."
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
4492
Pipe Major
J. Douglas
275286
„
J. M'Ewan
598
Sergt.
R. Stevenson, M.M.
6829
Piper
John M'Coll
284
Corpl.
J. Beattie
W. Stirling
5660
,,
D. Robertson
409
,,
W. M'Kay
IOI38
Piper
D. Wilson, D.C.M.
20022
,,
W. Norrie
203267
,,
W. PlRRIE
4564
,,
M. Connelly
5808
„
A. Donnelly
4738
,,
F. Hinton
6468
,,
J. Traill
5388
,,
A. Davidson
5896
,,
J. Linton
14389
,,
D. Kelly
5705
,,
M. Harper
279048
"
T. Philliban
T. Hill
4927
„
L. M'Con
5813
,,
A. Strathearn
5706
,,
J. M'Kerrow
Wounded.
Twice wounded ; Military Medal .
Died of disease, Salonika, 16/2/17.
Wounded.
Killed, Oct. 1916.
Killed, 8/5/17.
D.C.M.
Killed in action, 8/5/17.
14TH Battalion
Owing to their value to the battalion the pipers were not employed in
the front line.
THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS 143
REG. NO. RANK.
Pipe Major
Piper
NAME.
Henry Forsyth
Donald Cameron
Philip Melville
William Adams
David Dean
William M' Donald
John M'Donald
David Gibson
Joseph Thomson
John Kennedy
James MTsaac
Charles Burness
Alex. M'Kenzie
James M'Arthur
David Blyth
Alexander Yule
William Corson
William Campbell
William Maxwell
Duncan Grant
THE LONDON SCOTTISH
ist Battalion
During the earlier part of the war the pipers served in the ranks and
suffered heavy casualties. In the fighting at Messines on 31st October, 1914,
and the subsequent operations at Zillebeke, 4 were killed and 2 were wounded,
and of the original pipe band only one remained after six months. All
these casualties occurred while the men were acting as observers. Several
pipers were subsequently given commissions in other regiments.
Owing to the great difficulty of replacement every effort has been made,
during the last two years of the war, to keep pipers out of the front line.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
Pipe Major K. Greig
142 Corpl. J. Carey
139 Lance-Cpl. M. G. Latham
Piper Nicol
Lt. Army Ordnance Dept.
Killed at Messines, 1/11/14, when
acting as observer.
Despatches ; killed at Zillebeke,
while sniping, 16/11/14.
144
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO. RANK.
NAME.
Piper
R. PORTEOUS
"45
W. PORTEOUS
I341
D. Parkyn
C. W. D. Mackay
1870
J. F. Bennie
R. F. Gordon Forbes
G. Oram
A. Joss
4167
D. S. Pinnington
J. Henderson
A. Sutherland-Graeme
W. Gordon
3599
A. A. Cornell
••
Robert Morrison
..
A. Cairns Wilson
Simon Campbell
5i°53i
A. B. Paton
511874
M. W. Davidson
R. S. D. Grant Crawford
record.
Wounded at Messines, 31/10/14-
1/11/14.
Wounded at Messines, 31/10/14-
1/11/14.
Missing since Messines, 31/10/14-
1/11/14.
Lieut. 5th Camerons ; wounded
and missing, 1 7/8/1 6.
Killed at Zillebeke, 9/11/14.
Lieut. Army Ordnance Dept.
Wounded, Loos, 25/9/15.
Died of wounds, Somme, 2/10/16.
Transferred to RE. ; got D.C.M.
and Military Medal.
Formerly piper ; 2nd Lieut. ;
killed ; Military Cross.
Killed, 1 3/5/ 1 7, Arras.
Killed, 13/5/17, Arras.
Wounded.
Transferred to A.O.D., Lieut.
2nd Battalion
The pipers of this battalion have served in three theatres of war. They
have played through Flanders and France, across the desert and in Palestine.
They led the battalion into Jerusalem on 9th Dec, 1917, and thereafter
on across the Jordan, through the hills of Gilead, and in Jericho, and
Bethlehem. Again in Salonika and among the Macedonian hills they
carried the music of the Highlands. In the desert difficulties were experienced
with the reeds and with the drought ; and the men often had to keep the
bags going out of their own scanty ration of water.
From the nature of the operations against the Turks, in which surprise
played so important a part, pipers had no opportunity of playing their
companies into action. So invaluable were they in keeping the men up in
the long desert marches that they were, as far as possible, reserved for that
duty.
THE LONDON SCOTTISH
i45
REG. NO.
UNK.
NAME.
record
Pipe Major
D. C. Wills
Invalided.
5I002I
,,
J. A. M'GlLVRAY
5IOOI3
Corpl.
C. Oram
Piper
C. W. Cummins
Invalided.
513953
D. K. Pullar
510759
E. J. Horniblow
M. Mills
5III7O
D. A. Matheson
5"45°
C. A. Stewart
5IO264
O. Machell-Varise
5I3865
J. W. Macmillan
5I3650
D. Hay
Invalided.
S/1894I
F. A. W. Gillies
S/4III4
A. MacFadyen
290381
A. Ewen
THE TYNESIDE SCOTTISH
ist Battalion
In the Somme fighting on ist July, 1916, the battalion was played
into action by its pipers and had 5 killed and 2 wounded ; the survivors,
Pipe Major John Wilson and Piper George Taylor, were awarded the
Military Medal.
SG. NO
RANK.
name.
RECOR
290
Pipe Major
John Wilson, M.M.
Military Medal.
237
Lance-Cpl.
Garnet W. Fyfe
Killed, 1/7/16.
Piper
Alex. Boyd
Wounded, 1/7/16.
223
E. Boyce
Killed, ? 1/7 /i 6.
E. Scott
Wounded, 1/7/16.
Stephens
Wounded, 1/7/16.
1585
William Fellows
Missing.
154
James Downie
Missing.
84O
Charles M'Lean
Wounded, 1/7/16.
1594
Robert Davidson .
Missing.
1485
William Inglis
Wounded, 1/7/16.
1525
George Taylor, M.M.
Military Medal.
2nd Battalion
On the same occasion this battalion was played into action by its pipers.
1525 Piper James Phillips was mentioned in despatches.
146
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
II47
Pipe Major
Munro Strachan
1 149
Piper
John Strachan
II50
,,
Alex. Scott
I230
„
Willie Scott
Il88
Lance-Cpl.
VV. Clark
558
Piper
G. C. Griffiths
II5I
,,
James Phillips
1225
J. M. Phillips, M.M
1228
,,
James Carnegie
Wounded, 1/7/16.
Killed, 1/7/16.
Killed, 1/7/16.
Military Medal.
Wounded, 28/6/16.
3RD Battalion
On the same occasion this battalion was played into action, but the whole
of the pipers were killed or wounded.
Piper
A. Boyd
J. Stephens
D. Steele
E. Finley
F>. Greaves
T. Wilson
Wounded, 1/7 /16.
Wounded, 1/7/16.
Missing, 1/7/16.
Killed, 1/7/16.
Died of wounds, 1/7/16.
Wounded and missing, 1/7/16.
THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT
i6th Battalion
This was the first English regiment to have a pipe band, the men
being recruited for the purpose from Glasgow.
REG. NO
RANK.
1152
Pipe Major
II49
Corpl.
1 144
Piper
2530
,.
"45
,
1148
,
1350
"54
"51
,
1930
,
"53
,
Charles Stewart
Thomas Gibson
John Grant
William Sloan
Fred Carruthers
Norman M'Donald
Dugald M'Farlane
Henry Mitchelson
Thomas Latham
James Gilchrist
John Kerr
Wounded, Oct. 191 6, Somme.
Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
THE LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH
i47
THE LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH
At Bois Grenier, Piper Thomas Wilson played his company over the top.
Mostly employed as stretcher-bearers, but in 1914 the pipers of 1st Batt.
also served in ranks. Piper Sydney Wilson was three times awarded certifi-
cate of gallantry.
ist Battalion
REG. NO. RANK. NAME. RECORD.
Pipe Major John Stoddart Killed, Poperinghe, July 1917.
,, John Stoddart (Junior)
Lance-Cpl. John White Invalided.
Sergt. E. J. Ogilvie
Piper James Rogers
John Graham
Thomas Wilson
Sydney Wilson
William Barclay
Charles Copland
Twice wounded.
2nd Battalion
358269 Piper
Thomas Wilson
James Gilfillan
Henry Forrester
Robert Johnson
Thomas Carlyle
Stanley Rae
Archibald Service
Don. Fowler
James Martin
Sydney Rogers
Wounded (gas).
Twice wounded.
Twice gassed.
Wounded.
Twice wounded.
Wounded.
THE ROYAL FUSILIERS
23RD Battalion
(ist Sportsman's Batt.)
The pipers, during the period of trench warfare, were employed behind
the lines. The CO. considers they were of the greatest value in keeping
148
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
up the men's morale, on marches and in bringing companies out of the
trenches.
REG. NO. RANK. NAME. RECORD.
1339 Pipe Major D.F.Robertson
Lance-Cpl. T. M'Clunie Wounded.
Piper W. Johnstone
W. Foreman
W. F. Suttie Killed, 16/3/16.
Alex. M'Lennan
David Seath
John Adamson
William Mackenzie Killed, 16/3/16.
D. Leath
THE ARGYLLSHIRE MOUNTAIN BATTERY
The pipers in this Battery all served as gunners.
Pipe Major William MacNeill
Corpl. Neil Smith
James MacPhee
Died, pneumonia, 18/8/15.
Accidentally killed, 1/3/16.
THE ROSS AND CROMARTY BATTERY
REG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
record.
4403
Piper
John Macdonald
Wounded, 14/5/15 ;
wounds.
died
of
5035
,,
Jas. Mackay
Wounded, 14/5/15.
4323
,,
Angus Macdonald
Wounded, 23/6/15.
MISCELLANEOUS
REG. NO. RANK.
318411 Pte.
931 10 Piper
name.
William Scott
Andrew M'Intosh
nth F.A., R.A.M.C. ; Military
Medal.
2 /2nd Lothian Field Ambulance ;
severely wounded.
BAND OF 52nd LOWLAND DIVISION 149
THE PIPE BAND OF THE 52ND (LOWLAND)
DIVISION
This band was formed in Gallipoli in October, 1915.
It was understood then that a dull and dreary winter campaign was in
front of the troops. A committee of officers was formed to find some sort
of entertainment to keep the men as cheery as possible. It was decided
that both a Military and a Pipe Band should be raised. This job was left
entirely in the hands of Colonel C. A. H. Maclean of Pennycross, a critical
and enthusiastic lover of music, who, being a Highlander and an accomplished
piper, naturally insisted on the Pipe Band being a good one.
Practically all that was left of the pipers in the different regiments of
the Division were used to form the band, which consisted of twelve pipers
and six drummers, all having taken part in the severe fighting prior to this
duty. Good players and members of some of the finest bands in Scotland,
under the leadership of Pipe-Major Wm. Fergusson, i/7th Battn. Highland
Light Infantry, a well-known piper and exponent of " Ceol Mhor," the
band made steady progress, and soon was in grand fettle. The way both
bands were appreciated testifies to the sound judgment of the committee
and the able management of the Colonel.
The Division, being entirely composed of Scots, hailed with delight the
skirl of the pipes, which had been heard but too seldom since the Division
landed.
The band had exceptional luck while on Gallipoli, never having had a
casualty after it was raised, although often playing under heavy shell fire.
They played and warmed the hearts of all true Scots, and must have given
the wily Turk quite a shock with " Hey Johnnie Cope," which could be
heard quite distinctly on a quiet morning in the firing-line, right up till
within a few days of the final evacuation of the peninsula.
After sojourning for a month on the Island of Mudros, they sailed with
the rest of the Division for Egypt. From Abbassia (Cairo) they moved
to the desert front, and have been with the Division in the trek across Sinai.
150
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
From El Arish the band accompanied the Division right into Palestine,
and is believed to be the first pipe band to play in the " Holy Land."
PRISONERS OF WAR BAND
One of the most remarkable of military pipe bands was one organised
in the British prisoners' internment camps in Holland. At one time this
band consisted of 13 pipers of different units, including two pipe majors,
under Pipe Major Duff, 2nd Royal Scots.
OVERSEAS BATTALIONS
PRINCESS PATRICIA'S CANADIAN LIGHT
INFANTRY
The pipers were mainly employed as bearers.
In the attack on the Vimy Ridge on 9th April, 1917, the battalion was
played over by the nine pipers.
Pipers were also employed as runners.
EG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
667
Pipe Major
John Colville
Invalided ; despatches.
I2942
„
W. Campbell
Sergt.
John Macdonald, D.C.M.
Died of wounds, 1 7/9/1 6 ; D.C.M
262
,,
H. Laing
Wounded, 8/5/15 ; despatches.
672
Corpl.
D. M'Intosh
Invalided.
1770
Lance-Cpl.
J. Hunter
Wounded, Oct. 1918.
264
Piper
J. Ritchie
Wounded, 22/3/15.
676
J. M'Loy
Wounded, 28/2/15.
265
W. Robertson
Died of wounds, 25/3/15.
I296
J. M. Robertson, D.C.M.
Wounded, 8/5/15, D.C.M.
679
J. Wood
Wounded, 17/5/15-
1772
G. Miller
Invalided.
266
C. M'Lean
1771
G. Harvey
THE CANADIAN LIGHT INFANTRY
151
REG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
1174
Piper
H. Logan
21499
A. G. M'Donald
432938
J. Laing
432013
R. Ritchie
432966
W. Adamson
432862
L. Smith
432137
J. Wood
432812
G. Dunbar
433130
G. Thomson
432312
G. Murray
RECORD.
Wounded, 1 5/3/1 5.
Wounded, March, 1916.
THE ROYAL HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA
13TH Battalion
In the Ypres fighting in April 1915 the pipers suffered heavily, 3 of
them being killed and 5 wounded. Some of them were employed as
runners, others in the ranks.
At the recapture of Hill 70 in August 1917 the companies were led to
the attack by their pipers.
[EG. NO
l
iANK.
NAME.
24OO2
Pipe Major
D. Manson
24962
Piper
D. A. M' Arthur
24OIO
,,
J. Burns
24OII
Lance-Cpl.
J. Dyce
24012
Piper
W. Lawson
24OI3
A. J. Macdonald
24OI4
N. Sinclair
24OI5
A. Singer
24392
H. Robertson
24155
N. Macdonald
24704
D. Campbell
25045
J. W. Macdonald
8004
C. S. Macdonald
I IO95
A. Eden
12942
W. Campbell
46636
J. Connacher
14536
G. B. Macpherson
Wounded, Ypres, 23/4/15.
Wounded, Ypres, 23/4/15.
Died of wounds, Fleurbaix,
I6/3/I5-
Killed, 24/4/15.
Wounded, 3/5/15, Ypres.
Killed, Ypres, 2/5/15.
Killed, Ypres, 24/4/15.
Wounded, 22/4/15.
152
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
THE 48th HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA
15TH Battalion
The battalion took out 19 pipers. At the battle of Amiens, 5th-8th
August, 1918, their pipers played in the front line. They were fortunate
as regards casualties during the war, having lost only one man killed.
27221
27386
27548
27925
27659
27058
27883
27023
2709
13611
30207
152
43212
3745i
41587
58456
I355M
192071
193489
799915
1045162
1045069
1045923
1045177
192170
1045779
192270
799627
799248
799041
799255
799704
799258
799256
239338i
2393526
Pipe Major
Lance-Sgt.
Corpl.
Lance-Cpl.
Piper
NAME.
A. R. Keith, M.M.
A. A. Newlands
J. Thompson
A. M'Donald
K. Crosbie
F. A. Cowen
A. Donaldson
K. Miller
W. H. Wick
D. Braidwood
A. Gordon
J. A. MACKINNON, M.C.
A. Sturrock
W. Macdonald
N. A. Ross
G. C. Henderson
A. M. MacDonald
D. MacDonald
J. HlNSHELWOOD
A. MacDonald
T. Hamilton
J. M'Neill
H. E. Mathews
R. B. MacWilliam
T. Martin
W. Hynd
W. Mair
R. Smith
R. Anderson
W. G. Watson
W. Lawrie
A. Maclachlan
D. MacPherson
P. T. Lamb
F. M'Dowall
J. Cant
Died of disease.
Obtained commission in R.A.
Gassed, Ypres, 22/4/15; invalided.
Obtained commission.
Obtained commission
THE CANADIAN SCOTTISH
i53
THE CANADIAN SCOTTISH
i6th Battalion
At Ypres (April 1915) two pipers, Jas. Thomson and W. MTvor, were
killed while playing the charge ; and at Festubert in May, G. Birnie and
A. Morrison were killed in the same way. Some of the pipers were employed
as bearers, runners, etc., but, the casualties continuing, it was found necessary
for a time to withdraw them from the firing line. During the Somme
fighting, however, they were again used as pipers. In the attack of 8th
October, 1916, Pipers Richardson, Park, Paul and M'Kellar played through
very heavy fire for over half a mile, and Richardson and Park were killed.
Piper Richardson was awarded the V.C. posthumously. On another
occasion, in the attack on the Quirique Rue position, Pipers Birnie and
Morrison stood on a ruined farmhouse and played until they were both killed.
In the attack on the Vimy Ridge on 9th April, 1917, the battalion was
again led to their objective by the Pipe Major, Groat and five pipers for a
distance of over a mile ; Pipe Major Groat got the Military Medal.
For bravery at Paschendaele, Aug. 1917, Lance-Cpl. M'Gillivray — who
was killed — got the Military Medal, and Piper Paul received the same
distinction.
The CO. regards the pipes as invaluable in action. Of the pipers one
got the V.C, one the D.C.M. and nine the Military Medal. No man was
recommended for a distinction unless he had twice played his company to
an attack.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record. ,
28556
Pipe Major
Donald M'Leod
Invalided, 1915.
28558
,,
Ronald M'Donald
29327
,,
James Groat, D.C.M.,
Pipe Major, Nov. 1915 ; D.C.M.
M.M.
Military Medal and Bar.
28812
Piper
C. Wilson
Wounded, Ypres, 22-28/4/15 ; in-
valided.
28694
,,
James Thomson
Died of wounds, Ypres, 23/4/15.
28779
„
William M'Ivor
Died of wounds, 1 0/5/1 5.
29236
"
James Lowe
Wounded, Ypres, 22-28/4/15 ; in-
valided.
154
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
record.
28595
George Birnie
Killed, Festubert, 20/5/15.
29468 ,,
Angus Morrison
Killed, Festubert, 20/5/15.
28557
Alec M'Gillivray (?),
M.M.
Killed, 15/8/17; Military Medal,
29048
Alan M'Nab, M.M.
Military Medal.
28559
Hugh M'Donald
29336
George Inglis
29149
Gordon Ross
28930
James Richardson, V.C.
Killed, 8/10/16; V.C,
28561
John Parks
Killed, 8/10/16.
28560
Hugh M'Kellar
Invalided, 1917.
859495
J. Lightheart
429603
G. Paul, M.M.
Killed, Amiens, 8/8/18 ; Militai
Medal.
467573
Alex. Robertson, M.M.
Military Medal.
466703
John M'Allister, M.M.
Military Medal.
183188
William Buchanan
183192
Hugh M'Beth
736522
David Horn
737176
John J. M'Lean
Wounded, Amiens, 8/8/18.
736406
William Goldie
160387
Norman M'Iver
859059
Arthur Duncan
603174
Gordon Cruickshank, M.M.
Military Medal.
633237
Duncan M'Kinnon
Wounded, Oct. 1918.
633179
Archibald M'Donell, M.M
. Military Medal.
633524
Lawrence M'Gillivray
189348
Harry M'Lean
603269
Willie Darlow
859498
John Lightheart
860095
John Reid
85959
John M'Donald
Wounded, Sept. 1918.
959196
David Hunter
85994I
William M'Gregor
693164
Arthur Robertson
Wounded, Oct. 1918.
859IOO
Robert M'Donald
779259
George M'Leod
859454
Donald M'Kenzie
THE CAMERON HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA
REG. NO. RANK. NAME.
Pipe Major John Duke
Piper James G. Munro
Taken prisoner, Somme, ? Sept.
1916.
THE 21st CANADIANS
i55
THE 2ist CANADIANS
(Eastern Ontario Regiment)
It is considered in this battalion that pipers are quite indispensable,
and should be spared as far as possible.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
RECORD.
Pipe Major
Ian Mackenzie
Killed, Cambrai, 11/10/18.
59224
Corpl.
William Currie, M.M.,
Wounded, 23/4/16 ; Military
M.C.
Medal ; promoted Lieut. ; got
Military Cross.
59937
Sergt.
William Sutherland
Wounded, 27/11/15.
60115
Piper
Hugh Mackenzie, M.M.
Military Medal.
59320
C. Fyfe
Wounded, 28/10/15.
5931 1
J. Ewart
Invalided .
59620
H. M'Keachen
Invalided.
633985
W. Grant
Invalided.
401191
Macdougall
Wounded, 19/6/16.
59618
Pipe Major
J. M'DOUGALL
59181
Corpl.
J. R. Coghill, M.M.
Military Medal.
675268
Piper
W. H. Collins
633879
,,
W. Alexander
«
675274
,,
J. Little
633643
,,
D. M'Donald
THE 25TH CANADIANS
Piper Telfer played his company into action at Vimy Ridge until
wounded. He was awarded the Military Medal ; Piper W. Brand also got
the same distinction. Again, at Amiens, August 1918, the battalion was
played over. There was great competition among the men to be allowed
to perform this duty. Frequently they were employed as bearers.
REG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
record.
Pipe Major
Carson
Meritorious Service Medal ;
wounded, 13/8/18 ; Mons Medal
Corpl.
Cant
Morrison
Invalided.
Piper
W. Telfer
Military Medal ; wounded, 9/4/18.
„
W. Brand
Military Medal.
156
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
REG. NO. RANK.
Piper
NAME.
D. Brand
A. Campbell
M. M'Dougall
G. Hooper
P. Kitchenham
G. Thomas
H. O'Connell
E. Stewart
T. H. M'Kinnon
J. H. Shirley
E. B. Thurlow
W. Fyffe
A. Ritchie
H. M'Culloch
N. M'Leod
J. Macintosh
A. Lavrey
W. Buchanan
F. MacBean
Hector Maclean Angus
Invalided.
Invalided.
Wounded, 9/4/18.
Wounded, 9/4/18.
Killed, 9/4/18.
Wounded.
Wounded.
Invalided.
THE 29th CANADIANS
(Vancouver Regiment)
Pipers were employed as bearers.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
record.
75582
Pipe Major
W. Montgomery
Invalided.
75132
D. M'Culloch
75297
Corpl.
D. May
Wounded, 13/11/17 ; invalided
75599
Piper
W. S. Grant
Killed, 6/1 1 /1 7.
76216
,,
W. Burnside
Killed, 6/1 1 /i 7.
76484
,
J. R. Davidson
76186
,
A. Robertson
Invalided.
73583
,
A. M. Bayne
Wounded, 20/4/16.
76482
,
J. Clark
75848
R. M'Donald
75673
A. M'Lachlan
76180
A. M'Rae
75298
,
W. A. Robertson
76481
,
A. Dunsmuir
30173
,
A. Wilson
THE 236th CANADIANS
157
THE 236TH CANADIANS
(The Mac Lean Regiment)
REG. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
IO303I9
Piper
E. Barton.
IO3OO99
W. H. Blair
IO30239
W. W. Bradford
IO3OO98
Cecil Brewer
IO30225
Douglas Burbridge
IO3OI52
John Campbell.
IO3OO76
George Clarke
IO3OO20
W. H. Collins.
IO3O328
Lance-Cpl.
Charles Cromwell.
IO30253
Piper
Andrew Dodds
IO3OO08
Corpl.
Richard Ferrie
IO303I2
Piper
Donald Grant
IO30513
Kenneth Gregory
IO3OOIO
Sergt.
Fred Hayter
IO3OO43
Piper
Fred Harris
IO3OOI2
John M'Fadgen
IO3O5II
William M'Ewan
IO30326
John M'Namee
IO30581
James Mack
74263O
Walter Morrell
IO3OI96
Harold Miles
IO3OO45
Edward Ralsten
IO30O30
A. Regan
743°4°
Charles Ross
IO3OOI6
Pipe Sgt.
W. H. Ross
IO3O323
Piper
J. Benson Robinson
IO3OO52
,,
Gordon Scott
IO3OI42
,,
E. J. Sloane
IO3OO66
James Smith
IO3OOI4
Corpl.
Alex. Stewart
IO3O184
Piper
Douglas Stewart
291928
J. Simpson
1030545
William Stewart
1030217
George Tandy
IO3OO26
A. E. Walker
IO3OO93
George White
IO3OIIO
E. Willis
IO3OO6I
James Wilson
467264
George Walker
IO3OI43
Robert Jamerison
158
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
THE CANADIAN PIONEERS
ist Battalion
Owing to the nature of the employment of this battalion on railway
construction the pipers were principally in the ranks as sappers.
REG. NO
RANK.
NAME.
recor
154580
Pipe Major
H. M'Kenzie
154492
Piper (Sapper)
William Henry
154589
F. Macdonald
Wounded, 7/5/16.
I54184
J. Grant
Killed, 1 3/6/1 6.
I55°l6
William Gray
Wounded, 4/6/16.
154*21
R. Kell
154027
G. Mars
Wounded, 1 7/8/1 8.
491353
W. G. Richardson
I5423I
P. Hyndman
Wounded, 17/9/17.
THE 2nd AUCKLAND REGIMENT
The band was started in Egypt in 1915 with 4 pipers, and gradually
a few more were added. The pipers were not allowed to go into action
as such. Pipe Major J. F. Robertson was given the Military Medal for
gallantry during the operations round Bapaume in 1918.
Piper
H. Cameron
J. F. Robertson
H. M. Kennedy
J. Stevenson
J. Brown
D. M'Kinley
A. Lambie
F. Barry
F. M'Lean
J. Clothier
B. Johns
Awarded Military Medal, Bapaume, 191 8.
THE 42nd AUSTRALIANS
i59
THE 42nd AUSTRALIANS
This battalion raised a band of 8 pipers when they left Australia in
1916. They were largely employed as scouts, runners, etc.
The battalion was subsequently merged into the 41st.
Pipers A. Aitken and R. Gillespie were awarded Military Medals for
valuable scouting work carried out prior to the action at Messines in June
1917.
. NO.
RANK.
NAME.
record.
Pipe Major
A. R. M'Coll
Corpl.
A. S. MacNaught
Piper
A. Aitken, M.M.
Wounded ; Military Medal
R. Gillespie, M.M.
Military Medal.
J. A. Murray
A. M'Pherson
Wounded.
J. M'Coll
Wounded.
J. Robertson
Wounded.
A. Murray
Wounded.
M. H. Fraser
Killed.
D. Lathangie
T. A. Fraser
Wounded.
A. S. Chaplin
W. Reid
W. Milne
A. M'Pherson
J. Clarke
A. Howie
Wounded.
THE SOUTH AFRICAN SCOTTISH
The pipers proved quite invaluable on the long marches in the
operations against the Senussi, in keeping the men going, under the most
trying climatic conditions.
The pipers were sometimes employed as bearers, or as carriers of stores,
ammunition, etc., and as runners.
In the Cambrai advance by the Germans they had to serve in the ranks.
At Houdincourt, having piled their pipes and taken up rifles, nearly all their
instruments were destroyed by a shell.
i6o
REGIMENTAL RECORDS
Pipe Major
Lance-Cpl.
Piper
D. Cameron, D.C.M.
Alexander Grieve
R. Hay
T. Scott
A. Gray, M.M.
J. Waterhouse, M.M.
J. Matheson
D. A. CUMMINGS
F. Fraser
C. Gordon
R. Lindsay
M. M'Neil
J. M'Calman
J. Munro
M. Strang
G. Collier
W. Irons
M'Gregor
M'Coll
W. Strang
Became C. Sergt. -Major ; wounded.
Gassed, March 191 8.
Killed, Arras, 9/4/17.
Military Medal.
Military Medal.
Invalided.
Wounded, Oct. 191 6 ; invalided.
IRoll of Donouu
1914*1918
Cba till, cba till, cba till /Ibac Criomafn,
En cogaob no sitb cba till e tuille ;
Xe airgioo no nt cba till flDac Cdomatn,
Cba till e gu bratb gu la na cruinne.
Son epee an TRoi,
Son cceuv a sa Dame,
Ses bonneurs a soi,
—a oien son ante.
ROLL OF HONOUR. 1914-1918
ist SCOTS GUARDS.
3707 Sergt. Samuel Richardson Died of wounds, Aisne, 14/9/14.
8543 Piper James Mackenzie Killed, Ypres, 31/10/14.
991 ,, Alexander Martin, D.C.M. Killed, 19/2/16.
Malcolm Mackenzie Killed, 1914.
,, A. Carmichael Killed, 1915.
2ND SCOTS GUARDS.
Lance -Cpl.
Piper
Hector M'Kimm
Charles M'Guire
Killed, Zonnebeke, 26/10/14.
Died of wounds, Ypres, 29/10/14.
ist ROYAL SCOTS.
48594 Piper D. M'Donald Died, Bulgaria, Oct. 1918.
2ND ROYAL SCOTS.
13459
8516
8450
1 1484
441 1 8
3190
10536
Piper
William Fisher
J. Robertson
James Drummond
D. Lindsay
A. M'Kinlay
A. Cruickshanks
J. Thompson
E. Duguid
Killed, 15/4/16.
Killed, Croix Barbes, 13/10/14.
Killed, The Bluff, 23/1/16.
Killed, 4/5/17.
Killed, 9/4/18.
Killed, 27/9/18.
Died, 30/9/15-
Died of gas, 10/5/18.
4th ROYAL SCOTS.
Pipe Major Andrew Buchan
Piper Charles Rutherford
Killed, Gallipoli, 28/6/15.
Died, dysentery, Gallipoli.
5th ROYAL SCOTS.
1303 Piper George Hardie
766 „ Alexander Lawson
1824 „ George W. Downie
Killed, Gallipoli, 2/5/15.
Killed, Gallipoli, 28/4/15.
Killed, Gallipoli, 7/5/15.
i64 THE PIPES OF WAR
1235 Piper William Sinclair Diedof wounds, Gallipoli, 8/5/15.
8109 ,, David Ross Killed, July 1916.
Lieut. Tom Bartleman (formerly Piper), Seaforth Highlanders, killed,
Sept. 1917.
6th ROYAL SCOTS.
Piper Murdoch Bethune Died of wounds, Somme, 2/7/16.
„ Thomas Leake Died of disease.
7TH ROYAL SCOTS.
Pipe Major James Gear Killed in railway accident.
Piper George Smeaton Killed in railway accident.
Piper Alexander Nicol Killed in railway accident.
Fred Turner Killed, 12/7/15, Gallipoli.
251141 ,, Peter M'Neill Killed, 6/11/17, Palestine.
9TH ROYAL SCOTS.
Lance-Cpl. A. L. Forsyth, M.M. Killed, 23/4/17.
Corpl. G. Lauder Killed, 23/5/17.
iith ROYAL SCOTS.
Piper John Kane Killed, 14/7/16.
12TH ROYAL SCOTS.
12991 Piper
Thomas Hislop
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
00737 Lance-Cpl,
Peter West
Died of wounds.
13459 Piper
William Fisher
Killed, 15/4/16.
i3th ROYAL SCOTS.
Pipe Major
Murdoch Macdonald
Died of disease, 9/2/16.
Piper
Thomas Flood
Killed, 26/8/18.
"
Robert Campbell
Died as prisoner of war. Sept
1915-
,,
Robert Mitchell
Died of wounds, 26/8/18.
1 6th ROYAL SCOTS.
Piper M. Bethune Killed, Somme, July 1916.
H. Grey Killed, Arras, April 1917.
,, A. Noon Killed, Arras, April 191 7.
17TH ROYAL SCOTS.
Pipe Major Donald M'Lean Killed, 1 4/7/1 8 (Lieut. 1st
Gordons).
ROLL OF HONOUR 165
2ND ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS.
Corpl.
A. W. Richardson
KiUed.
Piper
W. BUTTERWORTH
Killed.
,,
W. M'Lean
Killed, Messines, 191 7.
,,
W. Moore
Died after discharge.
4TH ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS.
Pipe Major N. Shaw Died of wounds, Palestine,
21/4/17.
Lance-Cpl. J. M'Allister Killed, Gallipoli, 1 2/7/15.
Piper P. Greig Killed, Gallipoli, 12/7/15.
,, J. Milner Killed, Gallipoli, 12/7/15.
5TH ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS.
7797 Lance-Cpl. John Murdoch Killed, 13/7/15.
ist KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS.
9884
1315
Piper
Higginson
Maitland
Died of wounds,
26/4/15.
Killed, Paschendaele,
Gallipoli,
27/4/17.
4TH
KING'S OWN SCOTTISH
BORDERERS.
778
779
306
822
Piper
Thomas Lunham
J. Kerr
C. Street
Alex. Hendry
Died of wounds.
Died of wounds.
5TH
KING'S OWN SCOTTISH
BORDERERS.
308
1760
Piper
R. Brown
Thomas Martin
James Gorman
Killed, 12/7/15.
Killed, 12/7/15.
KiUed.
6th KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS.
14851 Pipe Major Robert Mackenzie Died of wounds, Loos, 25/9/15.
Lance-Cpl. J. Lomas KiUed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Piper J. Simes KiUed, Loos, 25/9/15.
P. Moffat KiUed, Loos, 25/9/15.
„ J. Pringle KiUed, Somme, Oct. 1916.
7TH KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS.
Piper J. Taylor KiUed, Arras.
166 THE PIPES OF WAR
8th KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS.
14277 Lance-
Cpl
A. M'VlTTIE
Piper
C. Reid
G. SURRITON
ist SCOTTI:
9429 Piper
T. Best
9441
R. Black
10924
P. Robertson
2ND SCOTTI
Pipe Maj
or
Alex. Cameron
Corpl.
A. HORNE
Corpl.
James Campbell
Piper
A. Macdonald
Forsyth
Clark
Lauder
Killed, Arras.
Killed, Somme, July 191 6.
Killed, Arras.
Killed, 10/2/15, Laventie.
Killed, 3I/7/I7-
Killed, 1 6/5/1 5, La Bassee.
Killed, 10/2/15, Laventie.
Killed, July 15, Bois Grenier.
Killed, 10/3/15, Neuve Chapelle.
Died of wounds, March 191 8.
5TH SCOTTISH RIFLES.
Pipe Major Paterson Accidentally killed.
5/6TH SCOTTISH RIFLES.
201 1 24 Pipe Major J. C. Purdie Killed.
7th SCOTTISH RIFLES.
1 106
Piper
Archibald Ramage
868
,,
Archibald Shearer
1 1 78
,,
William Deans
265958
,,
J. MTver
1817
J. Strachan
8th SCOTTISH
Pipe Major Neil Macleod
Piper
John MacIntyre
James Ferguson
James M'Indoe
Robert Whitelaw
Killed, 28/6/15, Dardanelles.
Killed, 23/7/15, Dardanelles.
Killed, June, 1615, Dardanelles.
Killed, 12/11/17, Palestine.
Killed, 4/1 1 /i 7, Palestine.
Killed, 12/7/15, Dardanelles.
Killed, 28/6/15, Dardanelles.
Killed, 28/6/15, Dardanelles.
Killed, 29/7/18, France.
Killed, 28/6/15.
9th SCOTTISH RIFLES.
30503 Piper Hugh Macara Killed, March 191 7.
ROLL OF HONOUR 167
ioth SCOTTISH RIFLES.
Piper Robert Black Killed, 28/1 /16.
„ Duncan Mackenzie Killed, 17/11/15.
Alex. Harris Killed, 27/1 /16.
lira SCOTTISH RIFLES.
14631 Piper Alexander Stevenson Killed, 28/4/17.
ist BLACK WATCH.
9617 Pipe Major D. M'Leod Killed, 21 /8/1 6.
1956 Piper T. MTntyre Missing, 14/8/14.
2ND BLACK WATCH.
1 871 Piper James Galloway Killed, 8/10/15, Givenchy.
9908 Lance-Cpl. James Wann Died of wounds, 10/2/15, Neuve
Chapelle.
1449 Piper James Davis Killed, 25/9/15, Mauquissart.
736 ,, David Simpson Killed, 25/9/15, Mauquissart.
941 Lance-Cpl. Peter M'Nee Died of wounds, 25/9/15, Meso-
potamia.
Piper Mackay Died of wounds, 10/3/15, Neuve
Chapelle.
,, William Mathieson Killed, 25/9/15, Mauquissart.
1539 „ Alex. Macdonald, Discharged ; subsequently died,
D.C.M. 26/3/17.
5TH BLACK WATCH.
1568 Piper Alexander Howie Killed, 10/3/1 5, Neuve Chapelle.
406 Lance-Cpl. Fred Reid Killed, 13/3/15, Neuve Chapelle.
6th BLACK WATCH.
Killed, Somme, Oct. 1916.
Died, July 1915.
Killed, Festubert, May 1915.
Killed, La Boiselle, Aug. 191 6.
Killed, Fremicourt, 23/12/17.
Killed, Fremicourt, 23/12/17.
Killed, Fremicourt, 23/12/17.
Killed, Fremicourt, 23/12/17.
Killed, June 1915.
4470 Piper James Johnston Killed, 7/1 /i 7, Somme.
Killed, Dec. 1916, Somme.
Killed, Dec. 1916, Somme.
Alexander Wilkie Killed, Dec. 1916, Somme.
Piper
L. Massie
Donald Gillies
P. Fallon
J. Ferguson
J. Harper
A. Tainsh
A. Forbes
A. Myles
A. Paton
7th BLAC
Piper
James Johnst<
Lance
Piper
■Cpl
G. Swan
James Ross
1 68
THE PIPES OF WAR
8th BLACK WATCH.
3014
Piper
Donald Wilson
Killed, Loos, 1915.
265912
,,
R. Menzies
Killed, Meteren, July 191
3019
,,
D. Simpson
Killed, Somme, 1916.
3375
,,
W. Reilly
Killed, Loos, 191 5.
9TH BLACK WATCH.
Piper J. Johnstone Killed, March, 1918.
ist HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
6894
Sergt.
D. BUCHAN
9615
Piper
C. Stewart
10107
F. Burns
9860
Thomas James
901 1
J. Morrison
1 1 499
J. M'Naught
1 1470
J. Smith
Lance
■Cpl.
Mitchell
1 1468 Corpl. (acting Pipe Major) J. Smith
Killed, 20/1 1 /14, Festubert.
Killed, 1/5/15, Ypres.
Killed, 20/11/14, Festubert.
Killed, 20/1 1 /14, Festubert.
Killed, 20/1 1 /14, Festubert.
Killed, 20/1 1 /14, Festubert.
Killed, 7/9/16, Somme.
Killed, 18/9/14, Vermeuil.
Died enteric, Mesopotamia.
2ND HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
10264 Sergt.
10976 Piper
9272 Corpl.
T. Findlay
J. Irving
J. Mackenzie
Killed, 14/3/15, Neuve Chapelle.
Killed, 3/1 1 /14.
Killed, 21/10/14.
4TH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
Piper Charles Stewart Killed.
5TH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
Pipe Major John Thomson Killed, 12/7/15, Dardanelles.
6th HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
1237 Piper Peter M'Niven Killed, 12/7/15.
9TH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
1666 Piper John Drummond
333792 >> T. Crawford
333138 „ J. M'Creath
Killed, 3/6/15, Vermelles.
Died of wounds.
Died of wounds, Oct. 1918.
ROLL OF HONOUR
ioth HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
169
12562 Piper Alex. Whitefield
902 Lance-Cpl. David Donaldson
17505 Piper Peter MTntyre.
Killed, 25/9/15, Cambrin.
Killed, 9/7/15, Festubert.
Gassed, Cambrai ; died, 8/ii/i{
12TH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
Piper William Thompson
,, John M'Kean
Sergt. William Pierce
Killed, Arras, 9/4/17.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Somme, Sept. 1916.
i4th HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
Piper Peter Thomson Killed, 24/4/17.
i5th HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
353152 Piper D. M'Kenzie Killed, Ayette, 13/4/18.
i6th HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
15032 Lance-Cpl.
14699 Piper
Walter Orr
Archibald Rankin
Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
Killed, 1/7/16, Thiepval.
Piper
17TH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
Archibald Forrest Died.
20TH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
26650 Lance-Cpl.
30503 Piper
Devlin
Hugh Macara
Killed, Ypres, 25/9/17.
Killed, March 1917.
ist SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS.
Lance-Cpl. Hearne
709 Piper J. Wilkinson
7900 ,, William Cowans
9291 ,, J. Pratt
479
,,
D. Black
788
,,
T. Urquhart
9158
Actg. Pipe Major J. MacLellan
10457
Lance-Sgt.
Stewart
3ii
Lance-Cpl.
D. Campbell
529
Sergt.
C. M'Kay
Cook
Smith
Died of disease.
Killed, France.
Killed, 7/11/14, " Port Arthur."
Died of wounds, 9/5/15, Neuve
Chapelle.
Killed, 3/1 1 /14, " Port Arthur."
Killed, 20/12/14, Givenchy.
Killed, 2 1 /4/1 7, Mesopotamia.
Killed, 1 91 7.
Killed, Mesopotamia, Oct. 191 7.
Died of wounds, Baghdad, 1916.
Killed, Mesopotamia, 1916.
Killed, France.
170
THE PIPES OF WAR
2nd SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS.
9106
Lance
-Cpl.
William Ross
Killed,
/6/I5-
9223
Lance
-Cpl.
John Grant
Killed,
/10/14.
283
Lance
-Cpl.
Dougal MacMillan
Died,
/2/I5-
Piper
David Macrae
Killed,
/2/I5-
,,
Kenneth Mackenzie
Killed,
/5/I5-
,,
Robert Rennie
Killed,
/5/I5-
,,
Alex. Clark
Killed,
/5/I5-
9494
,,
James Rennie
Killed,
Loos, 3/10/15.
3
,,
Robert Hall
Killed,
1/7/16.
9132
,,
N. Johnstone
Wounded, 25/4/15 ; killed
26/1/
i7-
0456
Lance
-Sgt.
James Stewart
Killed,
Somme, 191 7.
4TH SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS.
24316 Piper
Donald M'Kenzie
J. Kemp
A. M'Aulay
J. M'Kenzie
A. M'Lennan
Prisoner ; died of wounds, May
1918.
Died of wounds, Neuve Cha-
pelle, 1915.
Died of wounds, Valenciennes,
1918.
Died of wounds, Neuve Cha-
pelle, 1915.
Killed, Neuve Chapelle, 1915.
5th SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS.
422 Lance-Cpl. G. Ross
Killed, 21/7/15, Fauquissart.
251 Piper R. Ross
Killed, 21/7/15, Fauquissart.
599 „ Donald M'Kay
Killed, 13/11/16, Beaumont
Hamel.
6ih SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS.
Lieut, (formerly Piper) J. Hector Ross Killed, 23/4/17.
Piper
W. Sutherland
Roclincourt, 9/4/17.
Sergt.
William M'Leod
Killed, May 1916.
"
C. D. Macdonald
Killed, 13/11/16, Beaumont
Hamel.
"
H. Mackie
Killed, 1 3/1 1 /i 6, Beaumont
Hamel.
,,
J. Brown
Killed, May 191 7, Arras.
Piper
J. Alexander
Killed, April 1918, La Bassee.
,,
A. Mackay
Killed, 9/4/17, Roclincourt.
.,
J. Robertson
Killed, July 1915.
ROLL OF HONOUR
171
7th SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS.
40417
Lance
Cpl.
O'Kain M'Lennan
1456
Piper
D. Fraser
4181
R. Galbraith
9070
G. Grant
2177
B. Halliday
3843
K. Thyne
4661
B. Hamilton
8th SEAFORTH HIGF
5721
Piper
Charles Anderson
6567
,,
George Spence
6400
,,
William Mackay
6546
Lance
-Cpl.
Duncan MacGregor
Piper
Hugh Sutherland
Andrew Clark
Died of wounds, 11/4/17.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Died of wounds, 30/6/16.
Died of wounds, at Loos.
Killed, Somme, 1 4/7/1 6.
Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Killed, 25/9/15, Loos.
Killed, 25/9/15, Loos.
Killed, 25/9/15, Loos.
Killed, 25/9/15, Loos.
Died of disease, France.
Killed, 25/9/15, Loos.
267336 Piper
240018 ,,
3964
23879
9TH SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS.
James Sutherland
Robert Ross
William M'Mahon
William Duncan
Killed, 1 9/4/1 7.
Killed, 11/4/18.
Killed.
Killed.
ist GORDON HIGHLANDERS.
Piper Frederick Paterson
Lance-Cpl. W. M'Fall
Piper W. Howie
A. M'Kay
,, W. Allan
Hector Ross
Killed, 26/8/14, Mons.
Killed, 24/10/14.
Killed, 24/10/14.
Died of wounds,
Killed, 14/12/14.
Killed, /3/16.
/I/I5-
430
Piper
J. Robertson
10655
R. Grant
10639
,,
J. Grant
no
,,
R. Wilson
219
W. Bruce
10653
Corpl.
J. M'Kenzie
205
Piper
J. Ledingham
10139
"
J. Ram age
D. White
7383
»
A. Cassie
P. Brown
2nd GORDON HIGHLANDERS.
Killed,
Killed,
Killed,
Killed,
Killed,
Killed,
Killed,
Killed,
Killed,
Killed,
Killed,
Ypres, 30/10/14.
Loos, 25/9/15.
Loos, 25/9/15.
Loos, 25/9/15.
Loos, 25/9/15.
Loos, 25/9/15.
Loos, 25/9/15.
Loos, 25/9/15.
Loos, 1915.
Loos, 25/9/15.
Ypres, 5/10/17.
i72 THE PIPES OF WAR
Piper J. Bissett Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
10296 ,, W. Sinclair Died of wounds, Loos, 25/9/15.
7375 Corpl. A. Smith Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
6853 Sergt. R. Stewart, D.C.M. Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
8390 Piper J. Scott Killed, Somme, 1916.
335 ,, J. M'Crimmon Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
4th GORDON HIGHLANDERS.
Piper A. Thomson Killed while serving with R.F.C.
5TH GORDON HIGHLANDERS.
1156 Piper William Graham Killed, 3/6/15, Festubert.
11586 ,, Alexander Willox Killed, 31/7/16, High Wood.
,, Andrew Brown, M.M. Killed, 31/7/16, High Wood.
6th GORDON HIGHLANDERS.
62 Piper George Milton Killed, 10/3/15, Neuve Chapelle.
9th GORDON HIGHLANDERS.
9023 Piper C. Campbell Killed, Somme, 1916.
ist CAMERON HIGHLANDERS.
6720 Sergt. G. Selby Killed, 22/10/14.
5173 Piper H. Barrie Killed, 5/11/14, Ypres.
8535 ,, Gilbert M'Calman Died of wounds, Feb. 1918.
L. M'Bean Died of wounds, Arras, Aug.
1918.
2ND CAMERON HIGHLANDERS.
Piper John MacAskil Killed, Hill 60, April 191 6.
Donnachie Killed, 1915.
John M'Cabe Died.
',, Thompson Died, 1918.
,, Archibald M'Kenzie Killed, Hill 60, April 1916.
Lachlan M'Bean Died of wounds, St. Eloi,
10/5/15.
,, William Stewart Died, Salonika, 18/10/17.
4th CAMERON HIGHLANDERS.
1120 Piper J. Cheyne Killed, Festubert, 17/5/15.
645 Lance-Cpl. D. Paterson Killed, Festubert, 1 7/5/15.
200120 Piper William Macdonald Died of wounds, 14/10/17.
9345
ROLL OF HONOUR 173
5TH CAMERON HIGHLANDERS.
5497 Piper Alex. MacEachern Died of wounds. Loos, 25/9/15.
5113 Lance-Cpl. A. J. M'Donald Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
3931 Piper Neil Wilson Killed, Loos, 27/9/15.
John MacLellan Killed, Sorel, 21/3/18.
Alexander Clunie Killed, Arras, 3/5/17.
Archibald Crawford Killed, Sorel, 21/3/18.
James Porteous Killed, Oct. igi8.
6th CAMERON HIGHLANDERS.
22461 Piper James Walker Killed, 26/4/17.
7TH CAMERON HIGHLANDERS.
Piper G. Alves Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
„ A. Smart Killed, Loos, 25/9/15.
Pipe Major Kenneth Macleod Died.
ist ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.
Piper Woodside Killed, 16/2/15, St. Eloi.
570 ,, Robert Kennedy Killed, 30/7/16, Somme.
2ND ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.
567 Piper Peter M'Lintock Killed, Armentieres, 27/11/15.
Lance-Cpl. Milne Killed, Armentieres, 27/1 1/15.
90 Piper M'Kay Rilled, Armentieres, 27/11/15.
J157 „ L. Planner Killed, October 1918.
6th ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.
3037 Piper James Pringle Killed, 18/6/15, Festubert.
3042 ,, John M'Allister Killed, 18/6/15, Festubert.
3162 ,, William Carlyle Killed, 16/6/15, Festubert.
1890 „ John Craig Rilled, 27/7/16, Longueval.
7TH ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.
277167 Piper Hugh M'Donald Killed, Aug. 1917, Ypres.
8th ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.
Pipe Major William Lawrie Died, Nov. 1916.
174 THE PIPES OF WAR
9TH ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.
324 Corpl. Alex. M'Allister Killed, 10/5/15, Ypres.
1 71 1 Piper Alex. Russell Killed, 8/4/15.
ioth ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.
Piper MacNeill Killed, Oct. 191 6, Longueval.
570 ,, R. Kennedy Died of wounds, Longueval.
8051 ;, Alex. Kennedy Died of wounds, Ypres, 12/10/17.
302955 .. Walter Napier Killed, 12/10/17, Ypres.
iith ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.
Sergt. Jas. Ritchie Killed, 26/9/15, Loos.
Piper Jas. Barnett Killed, 26/9/15, Hill 70.
,, F. M'Diarmaid Killed, July 1916, Somme.
,, Ferguson Died, Dec. 1916, Somme.
12TH ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.
Corpl. W. Stirling Killed, Oct. 1916.
6829 Piper John M'Coll Died of disease, Salonika,
1 6/2 /i 7.
5660 ,, D. Robertson Killed, 8/5/17.
4927 .. L. M'Con Killed, 8/5/17.
LONDON SCOTTISH.
Corpl. T. Carey Killed, 1/11/14, Messines.
139 Lance-Cpl. H. Leatham Killed, 16/11/14, Zillebeke.
? 1341 Piper D. Parkyn Killed, 1/11/14, Messines.
C. W. Mackay Killed, 1 7/8/16, Somme (Lieut.
5th Camerons).
1870 „ J. Binnie Killed, 9/11/14, Zillebeke.
3509 ,, A. Cornell Died of wounds, 2/10/16,
Somme.
Lieut. A. Cairns Wilson Killed, 1917 ; Military Medal,
(formerly Piper)
513657 Piper Simon Campbell Killed, 13/5/17, Arras.
510531 ,, A. B. Paton Killed, 13/5/17.
Woodcock Killed.
ist TYNESIDE SCOTTISH.
237 Lance-Cpl. Garnet Fyfe Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
223 Piper E. Boyce Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
1585 ,, William Fellows Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
154 .. James Downie Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
1485 ,, William Inglis Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
ROLL OF HONOUR 175
2ND TYNESIDE SCOTTISH.
1230 Piper William Scott Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
1151 ,, James Phillips Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
3RD TYNESIDE SCOTTISH.
Piper J. Steele Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
„ E. Finlay Killed, 1/7/16, Somme
T. Wilson Killed, 1/7/16, Somme.
R. Greaves Died of wounds, 1/7/16, Somme.
i6th MIDDLESEX.
1151 Piper Thomas Latham Killed, 1/7/16, Somme. ..
Sergt. George Kirkland (formerly *^
Piper, nth Middlesex) Killed, Ypres, 17/2/17.
ist LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH.
Pipe Major John Stoddart Killed, Poperinghe, July 1916.
23RD ROYAL FUSILIERS (ist SPORTSMAN'S BATT.).
Piper W. Suttie Killed, 16/3/16.
„ William Mackenzie Killed, 16/3/ 16.
ARGYLL MOUNTAIN BATTERY.
Pipe Major William MacNeill Died, 18/8/15.
Corpl. Neil Smith Accidentally killed, 1/3/16.
ROSS AND CROMARTY BATTERY.
4403 Gunner John Macdonald Died of wounds, 14/5/15.
OVERSEAS BATTALIONS
PRINCESS PATRICIA'S CANADIAN LIGHT INFANTRY.
265 Piper J. M. Robertson, D. CM. Died of wounds, 25/3/15.
Sergt. John M'Donald, D.C.M. Died of wounds, 17/9/16.
ROYAL HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA, 13TH BATTALION.
24013 Piper A. J. Macdonald Died of wounds, 16/3/15, Fleurbaix.
24012 ,, W. Lawson Died of wounds, 16/3/15, Fleurbaix.
24392 ,, H. Robertson Killed, 2/5/15, Ypres.
24704 ,, N. Macdonald Killed, 24/4/15, Ypres.
i76 THE PIPES OF WAR
48th HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA, i5th BATTALION.
27548 Corpl. J. Thompson Died.
CANADIAN SCOTTISH, i6th BATTALION.
28694 Piper James Thomson
28779
, William MTvor
28595
, George Birnie
29468
, Angus Morrison
28930
James Richardson,
28561
, John Parks
28557
Alec M'Gillivray
429803
, George Paul
Died of wounds, 23/4/15, Ypres.
Died of wounds, 10/5/15, Ypres.
Killed, 20/5/15, Festubert.
Killed, 20/5/15, Festubert.
V.C. Killed, 8/10/16, Somme.
Killed, 8/10/16, Somme.
Killed, 1 5/8/1 7, Paschendaele.
Killed, 8/8/18, Amiens.
21ST CANADIANS (EASTERN ONTARIO REGIMENT).
Pipe Major Ian Mackenzie Killed, Cambrai, 11/10/18.
25TH CANADIANS.
Piper E. Stewart Killed, 9/4/18.
29TH CANADIANS (VANCOUVER REGIMENT).
75599 Piper W. Grant Killed, 6/11/17.
76126
,,
W. Burnside
Killed,
6/1 1/ 1 7.
76484
J. R. Davidson
ist CANADIAN
Killed,
PIONEERS.
6/11/17.
54184
Piper
John Grant
Killed,
13/6/16.
42ND AUSTRALIANS.
Piper M. H. Fraser Killed.
5th VICTORIAN INFANTRY.
32 Corpl. Gordon Inglis Died of wounds, 24/1/16, Gallipoli.
SOUTH AFRICAN SCOTTISH.
Lieut, (formerly Pipe Major) Robert Thorburn Killed, 20/7/16, Somme.
Piper Thomas Scott Killed, Arras, 9/4/1 7.
NEW ZEAL ANDERS (OTAGO REGIMENT).
8/2519 Corpl. Piper Neil MacDonai.d Killed, 1 5/7/16, Somme.
' So be passeo over. Hno all tbe trumpets sounoeo
for btm on tbe otber stoe."
.
CANNTAIREACHD
By Major J. P. Grant, M.C., Yr. of Rothiemurchus
It is related l by Sir John Graham Dalyell how in 1818, one John Campbell
from Nether Lorn, brought " a folio in MS., said to contain numerous
compositions," for the inspection of the judges at the annual piping com-
petition held in Edinburgh under the auspices of the Highland Society :
the story goes on, " but the contents merely resembling a written narrative
in an unknown language, nor bearing any resemblance to Gaelic, they
proved utterly unintelligible. Amidst many conjectures relative both to
the subject and the language, nobody adventured so far as to guess at either
airs or pibrochs." It is believed that this is the earliest authentic reference
to the pipers notation known as Canntaireachd, and it is of interest
to note that even as early as 1818, 2 among the class of Highland gentlemen
who acted as judges at the biggest competition in the country, the very
existence of the notation was unknown. Sir John mentions also that
he made later attempts to acquire this MS. volume and to trace two others
in the possession of John Campbell's father : his attempts were unsuccessful.
In 1828 Captain Macleod of Gesto published some pipe tunes in Cann-
taireachd as taught by the MacCrimmons in Skye. The merits of this
publication have been made the subject of controversy among pipers and
others ; this controversy has no place in this paper. The late John Campbell
(Iain Ileach) of Tales of the West Highlands, wrote a monograph on Cann-
taireachd in 1880, in which he reviewed Gesto's book : the monograph,
interesting as it is and written in Iain Ileach's easy flowing style
1 Musical Memoirs of Scotland, 1 849, p. 9.
9 Sir John was wrong in his date : this incident happened in 1S16.
'79
i8o THE PIPES OF WAR
is extraordinarily disappointing. In spite of his comprehensive know-
ledge of folk-lore — more particularly of Gaelic folk-lore — he fails to indicate
any probable source of this notation— probably no one in Europe was,
or is better fitted to make conjectures on the point. However, he made two
statements of interest in the late history of the notation, (i) that he had
" often seen my nurse John Piper reading and practising music from an old
paper manuscript, and silently fingering tunes. I have tried to recover this
writing, but hitherto in vain," and (2) that there were three local varieties
of the notation (a) MacCrimmon (b) MacArthur, and (c) Campbell of Nether
Lorn. Now " John Piper " was this same John Campbell of the family of
Nether Lorn, which possessed three MS. volumes of Canntaireachd.
Among the older-fashioned pipers in Scotland, even just before the war,
one constantly heard syllables (hodroho, hiodro, etc., etc.) being used, gener-
ally at haphazard, seldom in their correct place. The astounding thing is
that even fragments of a notation, the system of which had been out of
use for so long, should have survived to this day.
About 1912 two of the Nether Lorn MS. books were rediscovered, and
from them it has not been hard to reconstruct the system of notation. Those
tunes with recognisably the same names as we know them by to-day, fur-
nished the first step in the problem : after that it became easy to identify
other tunes with different names, and finally to rediscover a number of
tunes which have been lost for an undetermined period.
One word of caution will be necessary to certain pipers before going
further into this subject. This notation, invented for and suitable only to
piobaireachd, is not going to teach pipers how to play piobaireachd. There
is and always has been, one way and only one way to do that — to get in-
struction from a master ; once that is accomplished, a pupil may be fit to
learn more tunes by himself from books written in any intelligible notation.
This I take to be true of any musicians and any music.
The piobaireachd pupil might well get his instruction through the medium
of canntaireachd, for it has been made solely for this music, and is in point
of fact very suitable for the purpose. To begin with, if the few master-
instructors of piobaireachd will take the trouble (and assuredly
CANNTAIREACHD 181
it will not be great to them) to become familiar with canntaireachd, and
to use it as a medium of instruction, it is a matter of certainty that they
will realise its use for this end — for instead of a perplexing maze of notes
and grace-notes in staff notation to correspond to any movement which
they are trying to teach their pupil, they will have pronounceable vocables
which will act as memoria technica to the pupil : the pupil will, at first,
learn these parrot style, until he gets to a certain length, when, unaided,
he will begin to see that these vocables he has learnt convey a definite
meaning — a definite combination of note and grace note, in a form which
can be crooned to the air. I have found that for the purposes of learning
new tunes, staff notation compared with canntaireachd is cumbrous and
misleading : and even when written in an abbreviated form (as in General
Thomason's great book, Ceol Mor) it appeals mainly to the eye, while cann-
taireachd appeals to the ear.
For some years now I have found it invaluable as a kind of musical
shorthand, and with a certain amount of practice it becomes possible to
write down a tune in canntaireachd while it is being played, and then to
learn it at leisure. I had the triumph of converting a brother piper a few
years ago. He was inclined to be sceptical about the whole system, so
to test me and it he played me a tune which I had never heard and I wrote
it down as he played it. After he had finished he said, " Now we shall
see what is in it, for I made two mistakes : play what you have got and we
shall see." I played on the practice chanter just what I had written, with
the mistakes, of course, included.
Again, when one is judging piobaireachd competitions, it is valuable as
shorthand to jot down notes of mistakes, etc.
Before coming to the notation itself, it should be explained that it is
not maintained for a moment that this variety (the Nether Lorn) is superior
in any way to the MacCrimmon or MacArthur varieties. It is merely given
and suggested for use, because it is this variety which has become once more
available to pipers at large. There are people who undoubtedly can do the
same for the MacCrimmon variety also, and it is sincerely hoped that they
will do so. That all three varieties are first cousins to each other is beyond
i82 THE PIPES OF WAR
doubt to any one who compares them ; perhaps at a later date, when more
knowledge of canntaireachd becomes available, it may be possible to point
to one as the original, or to find a common ancestor to all.
Coming now to the actual notation, the following paragraphs should
be read, subject to this note that the pronunciation of the vocables must
be largely a matter of conjecture, but it is reasonable to suppose that, as
they were written in the manuscript and used by Gaelic-speaking pipers,1
the pronunciation should have at least some reference to Gaelic pronunciation
— thus the vowels, when occurring as the last letter of the syllable, would
be pronounced
a ' as in English hard
e ' ,, hay
i ' ,, heed
o ' ,, home
and probably the consonants should be given their Gaelic equivalents also
(all which can best be obtained verbally from a Gaelic speaker).
In addition to the simple vowels, combinations occur which require to
be sounded as diphthongs :
, -as in English yoke, e.g. hioeo
' ea ' ,, yard, e.g. haea.
1 The names of the tunes are largely written in rather badly spelt Gaelic, including in some cases
the letter 'v,' ?.;., Vuirlin instead of A Bhirlinn, and h is the commonest consonant in the vocables —
neither v ' nor ' h ' alone being used in correct Gaelic.
CANNTAIREACHD
183
KEY TO NETHER LORN CANNTAIREACHD.
0
a
0
0
cd
s>
0
ft
bo
%
JH
0
00
6
0
a
<u
nj
So
Q
x)
1
a
0
O
C
0
O
w
XI
'?
"3
0
CO
0
a
u
SO
O
C
Xj
'%
"5
co
X>
_3
lo
_S
'3
a
(a
CO
13
Xi
XI
3
i/5
W
0
XI
13
3
1
0>
<!
•s
_o
0
xl
~a
_3
O
H
xi
XI
pq
xl
C3
_3
"u
0
H
0
so
a
Q<
H
3
C
low G
him
dam or
bam
em
em
himen
himem
himbare
himdarid
himbabem
himbandrc
low A
hin
dan
en
en
hinen
hinen
hinbare
hindarid
hindaen
hinbandre
B
hio
to
eo
0
hioen
hioeo
hiobare
hiodand
hiotoeo
hiobandre
C
ho
do
eo
0
hoen
hoeo
hobare
hodarid
hodoeo
hobandrc
D
ha
-
ea
a or
da
haen
haea
habare
or
harodde
hadarid
-
habandre
or
haroddre
E
che
-
-
e or
de
che-
hin
cheche
chebare
chedarid
-
chebandre
F
he
-
-
ve or
dhe
hehin
hehe
hebare
hedarid
-
hebandre
G
hi or
chi (high
Ag-n.)
-
-
di
hihin
hihi
hibare
hidarid
-
hibandre
A
-
-
-
I
Ien
no
example
I bare
I darid
-
Ibandre
The nomenclature of most of the different movements has for convenience been taken from the
Viobaireachd exercises in Logan's Tutor, price Is., and the examples here given refer to the staff notation
examples given there and should be compared with them.
i84 THE PIPES OF WAR
PIOBAIREACHD EXERCISES
(Cf. Logan's Tutor.)
ist Scale of Instructions, pp. 34 and 35. On the Urlar.
Chedari, hiriri, herere, cherede, hiharara, hihodro, hihorodo,
hiharin. (See Cadences, p. 185.)
2nd Scale of Instructions.
Enbari (should be embari, i.e. from low G), endare, endre
(note : if this shake on F or E is approached from a higher note
the vocables become vedare and edre respectively ; thus one gets
Ivedare, but hiodare, heedre but hiodre) tradarodo (tra being the
usual throw on D, e.g. hiotra), p. 36, hihorodin, hodrodin, hiotrodin.
3rd Scale of Instructions. On Crunluath.
Hinban or hinbain, dre — together hinbandre, Ibandre.
4th Scale, p. 37. On Crunluath Brcabach.
Hinbandreendi.
IbandreenI hibandreendi, hibandreendhe chebandreende, hab-
andreenda hobandreendo, hiobandreemto hinbandreendan.
5th Scale. On Crunluath Fosgailte.
Hindodre.
No examples of open : closed, himdandre hintodre, hindodre
hindadre, twice over.
6th Scale. On Crunluath Mach.
Hiotradre hodrodre, hiotrodre himbamdre, twice over.
7th Scale. The Exercise on Accidentals.
Ibarl dibari (no example known), vebarhe edre, adeda odro,
otro enban or enbain, twice over.
CHA TILL MACCRUIMEIN 185
CHA TILL MACCRUIMEIN
1st. Dreve hiove, cheve cheento, dreve hiove, cheve cheemto, dreve
hioe, trae haento,
2nd. Dreve hiove, cheve cheemto, dreve hioe, trae haemto, dreve
hioe, trae haento,
3rd. Dreve hiove, cheve cheemto, dreve hioe, trae haento.
Var. 1st.
1st. Drel ove, chel deento, drel ove, chel deemto, drel oe, tral
aento, etc.
Var. 2nd.
1st. Cheve hiove, cheve cheento, cheve hiove, cheve cheemto, cheve
hioe, trae haento, etc.
Doubling of Var. 2nd.
1st. Chea cheo, cheve cheento, chea cheo, cheve cheemto, chea cheo,
trae haento, etc.
Various Vocables not previously included.
Throw on high A dili.
Taorluath to low G hiodarem, chedarem, etc.
Low A with low G grace-note before -din (e.g. hiodin).
D or C followed by B grace-note on
low G grace-note followed by A
with low G grace-note before harodin or horodin.
Taorluath mach hiotroeo, hodroeo, hiotraea.
Crunluath to low G. hiobamdre, or hiobaemdre
or (on D) haromdre.
Cadences
By cadences I mean those notes often printed as grace-notes, GED,
followed by C, B, low A, or low G melody notes, and GE followed by D,
low A, or low G melody notes. The prefix ' hi ' is in general terms used
186 THE PIPES OF WAR
for this, e.g. hiharin, hihorodin. Taking them in above order, examples of
the vocables used are, of the former, hihodin, hihioem, hihinbain, and hiham-
bam, and of the latter hiaen, hienem, hiemto. It is one of the remarkable
points in the MS. that these cadences are indicated to a far less extent
than is played by traditional players of modern times, and I am as yet
unable to make any deductions from the manner in which they appear
as to the style in which the MS. intends them to be played. To avoid con-
fusion between ' hi ' as cadence and high G with A grace-note, it would
be better to use the alternative ' chi ' for the latter.
General
A study of the key will reveal various noticeable points, some of which
I will touch on here. It will be seen that some of the composite vocables
can be pulled to pieces into their component parts, e.g., hiotroeo, hinbandre,
etc., while others can only be dissected to a lesser extent, e.g., hindaen in the
Tripling or Taorluath Breabach ; in this latter case the vocable must be read
in its context, for hindaento might be G low A, D, low A, DB, while standing by
itself, but in conjunction with a string of others it is undoubtedly meant to
be the Taorluath Breabach. Again there is liable to be confusion between
" en ' low A without any and with an E grace-note, and in some few cases it
is impossible to say definitely which is meant : on the other hand it is used
in the siubhal variation, and there can be no doubt in such a context :
hinen by itself is unambiguous, and in various combinations, e.g., hiaendre,
it is highly probable that no E grace-note is intended. The question of the
eo and o, B or C, is a little more difficult in theory, but in practice it will
be found to narrow down to one or two instances ; the most common instance
of this ambiguity is odro, which may be either B grip C, or C grip C. It
seems likely that this confusion is the origin of this difference in existing
settings of various tunes, e.g., An Daorach Mhor (The Big Spree) Var. 1st
and doubling, The Battle of Auldearn, The Carles of Sligachin and many
others. Campbell often writes ' ho ' for ' o,' obviously not intending a G
grace-note, but to avoid this ambiguity.
Time signature and rhythm are, I think, sufficiently shown to enable a
CHA TILL MACCRUIMEIN 187
trained player to find no difficulty in playing ; bar divisions are indicated
by commas, and each part of each tune is divided into lines numbered
1st, 2nd, etc. : and a repeat is written at the end of the line to be repeated,
thus : Two times or twice over. ' 3 times,' etc., is often used in the MS.
to refer back only to the last comma, not to the beginning of the line. The
smaller details of time, which I will call " pointing," is a matter of greater
doubt. I have said above why I think Gaelic standards should be applied
to the pronunciation of the vocables, and my opinion is that the same applies
to this question in general terms : it can be said that as a rule the vocables
are separated into distinct words, the accent or stress (and in this case the
longer note) being represented as the first syllable of the word (an almost
invariable rule in Gaelic). Thus one gets hodarid hiodarid — not daridho
daridhio darid. Many exceptions can be pointed out no doubt, but the
above will serve as a broad rule.
It should be made clear to any reader of this paper that it has been written
in haste. Most of it is written from memory after four and three-quarter years
separation from MSS., books and notes, and I have no doubt that mistakes
will be discovered later. Further, it does not profess to be complete, for there
are some vocables not included, the meaning of which is not yet clear to me.
The two volumes of the MS. contain 169 tunes of which I can trace in
no other collection, printed or MS., 65 tunes : moreover, many tunes which
exist already in printed collections are written in entirely different settings,
and under different names from those known by present day players. To
illustrate this I have included at the end of this paper the MS. style of
An Ceapadh Eucorach (translated as the "Unjust Incarceration"). This
setting, apart from smaller differences, contains one line in each part which,
so far as my knowledge goes, is unknown to-day, and which in my opinion
is an essential part of the theme, leading the 3rd line up to the musical
climax of the ordinarily accepted 4th line.1 The names of the tunes as
written in the Index or as headings in the MS. present a very difficult pro-
blem. Some are in English ; some are in recognisable Gaelic ; some are
1 Since this was written I have discovered this line in staff notation in an old MS. by Donald
Macdonald, son of the man who published the Collection of Piobaireachd in the early nineteenth century.
i88 THE PIPES OF WAR
in unrecognisable Gaelic, some give the first few notes of the tune, and some
are ludicrous mistranslations of Gaelic into English. Only approximately
42 out of the total have anything like the names by which the tunes are
known to-day.
It is to be hoped that some day soon the whole MS. will be printed,
so that enthusiasts who have the time may really get to work and unravel
some of the conundrums which still remain so. I have a feeling that the
vocables used in so many Gaelic songs are distantly related to canntaireachd,
and research into this might conceivably throw light on the larger question
of the origin of canntaireachd. It would also be interesting to know of any
examples of similar notations in foreign countries. But the main thing
to be done by all pipers at the present day is to make real attempts to
discover other canntaireachd manuscripts : and the ideal should be that
all MSS. now known to exist or discovered at a later date should be made
available for comparison and information of other players ; this is best
done by publication in as near the original form as possible, and failing that
by loan or gift to some responsible piping society, such as the Scottish
Pipers Society, The Piobaireachd Society, the Caledonian Pipers Society,
London, The Inverness Pipers Society, The Highland Pipers Society, Edin-
burgh, or any other well-known society. This would ensure that the informa-
tion would get into the hands of those who can most easily disseminate it.
AN CEAPADH EUCORACH
(From the Campbell MS. vol. i. p. 1.)
1st called Kcpper Eggarich.
Hiharin hioen1, hodrooen, himen hoen, hiotroenem, hihodrooen, hio-
troenem hihodroen hioem hiharinen
2nd Hiharin hioen hodrooen, himotrao hoen, hiotroenem, hihodrooen
hiotroenem, hihodroen, hioem hiharinen
3rd Hihodrotra, cheredea hoen, hadrea hoen, hihorodoenem, hihodrotra,
cherededea2 hihodroen hioem, hiharinen
1 The commas are thrown about haphazard in this tune. a Something is omitted here — probably ' a. '
AN CEAPADH EUCORACH 189
4th Hihararache, hivedareve1 cheho, haem, barivecheho, hiharara2hohic,
hihodrotraem, barivedarevechea,1 hihodroen, hioem, hiharinen
5th Chedari Ie, hiririeha diliedrehia, cheredeaho himbarihia, cheho, hadre
himbaria, chedaria, hioem hiharinen.
The First Motion
1st Hinen hinen hioen, hoen, hoen, hinen, himen, hinen, hoen, hioen, hioen,
liimen, hoen hoen hinen hioen, hioen, himen hoen hoen hioem, hinen
hinen hinen
2nd Hinen hinen hioen hihoen3 hoen hinen himen haen hoen, hioen hioen,
himen hoen hoen hinen hioen hioen himen hoen hoen hioem, hinen
three times.
3rd Hoen hoen haem, chehin chehin, hoen haem, chehin hoen hioen hioen,
himen hoen hoen haem, chehin chehin chehin hoen hoen hioem,
hinen three times.
4th Haen haem, chehin hien Men chehin haem hien chehin haen haen hioem,
hoen hoen haem hien hien chehin hoen hoen hioem, hinen three times.
5th Chehin hien, dilien hien Men, haen dilien, chehin hien, chehin chehin,
hoen hien hien, chehin haem, chehin hien, chehin hien, hioem, hinen
three times.
The 2nd Motion, called Tolive
1st Hindarid Mndarid hiodarid hodarid hodarid Mndarid himdarid hindarid
hodarid hiodarid hiodarid Mmdarid hodarid hodarid hindarid hiodarid
hiodarid himdarid hodarid hodarid Modarem, hindarid three times.
2nd Hindarid hindarid hiodarid hodarid hodarid hindarid himdarid hadarid
hodarid hiodarid hiodarid himdarid hodarid hodarid hindarid hiodarid
Modarid Mmdarid hodarid hodarid Modarem hindarid three times.
1 It is not easy to see what ' vedare ' means here : comparing it with same point in First, Second
and Third Motions, it should probably be ' dari ' instead of vedare or ' vedari ' perhaps. As
written in D. Macdonald, Jr's. MS. it would be 'dari.'
2 ' h ' is probably inserted here to show that C and not B is meant.
3 Perhaps this cadence is a clerical error.
igo THE PIPES OF WAR
3rd Hodarid hodarid hadarem, chedarid chedarid, hodarid hadarem, ched-
arid hodarid, hiodarid hiodarid, himdarid hodarid hodarid, hadarem,
chedarid three times, hodarid hodarid, hiodarem hindarid three times.
4th Hadarid hadarem, chedarid hidarid hidarid chedarid hadarem hidarid,
chedarid hadarid hadarid hiodarem, hodarid hodarid hadarem
hidarid hidarid chedarid hodarid hodarid hiodarem, hindarid three
times.
5th Chedarid hidarid Idarid hidarid hidarid hadarid Idarid chedarid hidarid
chedarid chedarid hodarid hidarid hidarid chedarid hadrem,1 chedarid
hidarid chedarid hidarid hiodarem, hindarid three times.
Part yr&, Crolive
1st Hinbandre hinbandre, hiobandre hobandre hobandre hinbandre him-
bandre hinbandre hobandre hiobandre hiobandre himbandre hobandre
hobandre hinbandre hiobandre hiobandre himbandre hobandre ho-
bandre hiobaemdre hinbandre hinbandre hinbandre hinbandre.
2nd Hinbandre hinbandre hiobandre hobandre hobandre hinbandre him-
bandre habandre hobandre hiobandre hiobandre himbandre hobandre
hobandre hinbandre hiobandre hiobandre himbandre hobandre
hobandre hiobaemdre, hinbandre hinbandre hinbandre.
3rd Hobandre hobandre habamdre chebandre chebandre hobandre habamdre
chebandre hobandre hiobandre hiobandre himbandre hobandre
hobandre habaemdre, chebandre three times, hobandre hobandre
hiobamdre hinbandre hinbandre hinbandre.
4th Habandre habaemdre chebandre hibandre hibandre chebandre ha-
baemdre hibandre chebandre habandre habandre hiobaemdre hobandre
hobandre habaemdre hibandre hibandre chebandre hobandre ho-
bandre hiobaemdre, hinbandre three times.
5th Chebandre hibandre Ibandre hibandre hibandre habandre Ibandre
chebandre hibandre chebandre chebandre hobandre hibandre hi-
bandre chebandre habaemdre chebandre liibandre chebandre hibandre
hiobaemdre hinbandre three times.
1 Probably a clerical error for hadarem.
THE IRISH PIPES:
THEIR HISTORY, DEVELOPMENT, AND DIVERGENCE FROM THE
SIMPLE HIGHLAND TYPE
By W. H. Grattan Flood, Mus.D., K.S.G.
There is ample evidence that the bagpipe was used in pre-Christian Ireland,
whence it was brought to Scotland. It is referred to in the Brehon Laws
of the fifth century. Irish writers allude to it as Cuisle and as Piob mor —
and this is the warlike instrument which was adopted by our Scottish
brethren and became the national instrument of Scotland.
During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries Irish pipers accompanied
the Irish troops that fought in Gascony and Flanders under King Edward I.
Strange, too, that Irish pipers were heard, in opposition to the Scots, at the
battle of Falkirk (July 22, 1298), and it is surmised that the strident tones
of the Irish piob mor suggested to the Scotch the employment of this warlike
instrument in battle. At Crecy (August 26, 1346) the Irish pipes were also
in evidence, and again at Harfleur (1418) and at Rouen (1419). Incidentally,
it may be stated that there is no sound historical evidence for the Scotch
bagpipes in battle at Harlaw (1411), but it would appear that they were
employed at the battle of Inverlochy (1431). Irish pipers were heard to
advantage in Henry VIII. 's Toumay campaign (1513) and also at the
siege of Boulogne (1544). This association of Irish pipers leading the charge
is strikingly pourtrayed in the Mask of Irishmen played before Queen Mary
at the English Court, on April 25, 1557, in which there were six Irish Kerne
and two Bagpipers.
Here is Stanihurst's description of the Irish piob mor, in 1575 : " The
Irish, likewise, instead of the trumpet, make use of a wooden pipe of the
i92 THE PIPES OF WAR
most ingenious structure, to which is joined a leather bag, very closely
bound with bands. A pipe is inserted in the side of this skin.through which
the piper, with his swollen neck and puffed-up cheeks, blows in the same man-
ner as we do through a tube. The skin, being thus filled with air, begins to
swell, and the player presses against it with his arm ; thus a loud and shrill
sound is produced through two wooden pipes of different lengths. In
addition to these, there is yet a fourth pipe (the chanter), perforated in
different places (having five or six holes), which the player so regulates by
the dexterity of his fingers in the shutting and opening of the holes, that
he can cause the upper pipes to send forth either a loud or a low sound at
pleasure."
A few years after Stanihurst presented this description of the Irish
piob mor, a new development of this instrument came into vogue, that is,
about the year 1580, and almost immediately came into favour. This
development was the Irish Uilleann (elbow) pipes, or domestic pipes, in
which the wind was supplied by a bag blown by the elbow. Shakespearian
commentators have been puzzled over the term "woollen " pipes in the
Merchant of Venice (Act iv. Sc. 1) ; but the great bard of Avon, who derived
much information regarding Ireland from Stanihurst and Dowland (if
he did not actually visit Ireland at the close of the sixteenth century), used
the Irish term Uilleann, equating it with " woollen " — a corruption which
subsequently blossomed forth as "Union pipes." All during the seven-
teenth century the Uilleann pipes became immensely popular, and were
used as an accompaniment for dancing, especially the Rinnce Fada (The
Long Dance), the qualifying word Fada becoming Anglicised as "the
Fading," also alluded to by Shakespeare {Winter's Tale, Act iv. Sc. 3).
Subsequently keys or regulators were added, a feature that we also find in
the Surdelina, or Neapolitan bagpipe, in 1625, as described by Pere Mersenne.
It is of interest to note that the great English composer, William Byrd,
circd 1590, wrote a piece of programme music called " Mr. Byrd's Battle,"
in which there are three movements ; the Irish March, the Bagpipe, and
the Drone. Thus the Irish bagpipe furnished the musical form known as
" pedal point " or " drone bass."
THE IRISH PIPES 193
When the Regiment of Irish Guards was formed in 1662, provision
was made for a drum major, twenty-four drummers, and a piper to the
King's Company. At the siege of Derry in 1689, the Jacobite regiments
had each fourteen pipers and eighty-six drums.
Further improvements in the Uilleann pipes were effected between the
years 1700 and 1720, and, inconsequence, they were taken up by musical
amateurs or "gentlemen pipers," of whom Larry Grogan, Parson Sterling,
and Walter Jackson were famous.
The Irish piob mor was heard at the battle of Fontenoy (May n, 1745),
on which occasion the pipers played " St. Patrick's Day in the Morning,"
and " The White Cockade " — two characteristic Irish airs. Irish pipers
were also heard during the American War of Independence, and, in 1778,
Barney Thompson, from Hillsborough, Co. Down, was pipe major of Lord
Rawdon's " Volunteers of Ireland," which corps merged into the 100th
Regiment in 1780.
The revival of the Irish bagpipes in Irish regiments is due to Major
Doyle, in September, 1793. A few months previously, on May 23, his brother,
Colonel Doyle, in command of the 14th Regiment, found the fortunes of the
day at the siege of Famara going against the British troops, when, by a
happy inspiration, he ordered his band to play up the French revolutionary
march of " £a Ira," and shouted to his troops: "Come on, boys, and
we'll beat 'em to their own damned tune." As a result, Doyle's regiment
successfully routed the French, to the strains of " £a Ira," which has ever
since been the quick-step of the West Yorkshire Regiment (the old 14th).
The Colonel wrote to his brother the Major, who was M.P. for Mullingar
telling him of the advantage of a good band, and, as at that very time
(August) Major Doyle had been commissioned by King George III. to form
a new Irish regiment, originally called " Major Doyle's Legion," the Major
recruited a gallant body of his countrymen, known as " The Prince of Wales'
Royal Irish Regiment " — with a band of Irish pipers.
Not long afterwards, in October 1793, Colonel de Burgh (brother of the
Marquis of Clanrickarde) formed the " Royal Connaught Rangers," with
a fine band of pipers and drummers. The Wexford Regiment (the 38th),
i94 THE PIPES OF WAR
commanded by Lord Loftus, had also a pipe band ere the close of the year
1794 or early in 1795. Several years later there were pipers attached to
the Tyrones (4th Inniskilling Fusiliers).
However, after the year 1815, the vogue of a pipe band in Irish regiments
waned, and it was not till 1903 that the Queen's County Militia — the 4th
Battalion of the P.O.W. Leinster Regiment — again took up the war pipes,
thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of their commander, Lieut .-Col.
Lord Castletown, K.P.
To the Tyrone Fusiliers, a link battalion of the 27th Royal Inniskilling
Fusiliers, is due the revival of the Irish Piob mor in 1859. Some years
later, Colonel Cox, commanding the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers, supplied
eight sets of war pipes, as well as two drums, to eight Irish pipers in his
regiment. More recently, the 4th Battalion of the Leinster Regiment
(late Queen's County Militia) formed a pipe band under the direction of
their gallant Colonel, my dear friend, Lord Castletown of Upper Ossory,
K.P., who presented the pipes, in 1903. Since then all five battalions of this
regiment have pipe bands, mainly through the enthusiastic zeal of Captain
Orpen Palmer who published an excellent little book for the war pipes in
1913. Other Irish regiments having pipe bands are the 2nd Battalion of
the Dublin Fusiliers and the 3rd Battalion of the 18th Royal Irish.
In conclusion it may be briefly said that the Irish war pipe of to-day is
the same as the Scottish or Highland war pipe. On the other hand, the
Irish Uilleann pipes may be regarded as a miniature organ. The old war
pipe is only capable of eight notes with certain limitations, whereas the
Uilleann pipes are of two full octaves, including chromatic intervals, and are
thus capable of performing most classes of music, added to which the four
keys of the regulator on the chanter make for a wonderful effect.
THE TUITION OF YOUNG REGIMENTAL PIPERS
By John Grant, Pipe Major
There is an establishment for the training of bandsmen at Kneller Hall,
Twickenham, known as " The Royal Military School of Music," where
regular soldiers are trained in a very efficient manner both in theory and
practice, for brass bands. Each pupil remains for a considerable period,
extending from one to three years, and not only do they become good per-
formers on the various instruments, but they qualify for the rank of band-
master in any regiment. A bandmaster holds the rank of a warrant officer,
and, in some cases, a commissioned officer.
Some months ago a colonial soldier asked the question in a Highland
newspaper why the pipe major in a Highland regiment did not also hold the
rank of a warrant officer. In fact pipe major is only an honorary rank.
In reality he is only " sergeant piper." It would be very interesting to know
the difference between the person in charge of the one band and the other.
When the regiment is on the march the one band leads the men as well as
the other. In fact many prefer a pipe band to a brass band on a long route
march. In a pipe band the pipe major has to train his pipers efficiently
in the performance of their music just the same as the bandmaster of a
brass band, and why should a pipe major not be raised to the rank of a
warrant officer along with his brother bandmaster ? True it is that in
a brass band there are many instruments for the bandmaster to teach
and bring in in their proper places, in order to have a perfect band. But
then the pipe major has the same task in front of him in training a perfect
pipe band. In fact — if I may be allowed the analogy — in the case of a brass
band a bandmaster might have many glaring errors and flaws in instrumenta-
195
196 THE PIPES OF WAR
tion and harmony in his band, and this is passed over by the average listener
but detected by the expert conductor. The brass band, from its construc-
tion, has more scope for covering errors than the pipe band.
The regimental pipe band is so constructed that each performer must play
in perfect unison, with pipes all timed in unison, and every finger should be
lifted and laid down together, a thing which is much more difficult to do
than is the case with a brass band. The errors in a badly trained pipe band
are much more easily detected where every performer has to play in perfect
unison, than the errors in a brass band, where different instruments take
different parts.
The next important point is the bandmaster has been properly trained
in his profession at the " Royal Military School of Music," Kneller Hall,
but the pipe major in a pipe band has not had this coveted opportunity.
There is no school where pipe music is taught in theory and practice, and
that may be one of the chief reasons why the pipe major falls short of the
trained bandmaster. If a military school of piping were instituted by the
War Office, such an institution would supply a long felt want. The piper
could then be educated in piping, to understand music in theory, and be
instructed in practice on a sound basis and fixed system.
Few pipers in pipe bands, if any, are trained at the proper age, i.e.,
12-14-16 years, except in industrial schools, where they are in many cases
improperly taught. When the boy is young his fingers will do anything
because they are very supple, but at the age of twenty they become stiff
and set against perfect manipulation. At this age theory is picked up in a
masterly fashion, and the pupil is unconscious of difficulties in fingering,
which simplifies everything in the process of his training.
At no period in the history of our nation was there greater need for a
military school of piping than at the present moment. There are hundreds
of young pipers required to fill the places of those who have fallen in action.
As can be seen from the record contained in this volume many pipe bands
have suffered most heavily. In fact some have been entirely wiped out.
From experience of class-work in piping it has been proved that the
training of young pipers at the age of fourteen to sixteen years under a
TUITION OF YOUNG PIPERS 197
fixed system is an ideal method of creating good performers. Boys who have
never had a finger on the chanter before, are started in classes of from
eight to ten in number. This prevents them from making an improper use
of the chanter or creating bad fingering which, if allowed to go too far,
can never be got out of. Each pupil should be provided with a properly
made chanter, and all the chanters in the class should be of the same make
and correctly tuned, so that, while at practice in class-work, they are all in
perfect unison. If one or two improperly made and badly tuned chanters
are used in a class, this is the cause of two great evils. The performer's ear
becomes less sensitive to the notes in proper pitch ; and it discourages the
training of a pupil to detect improper sounds and slovenly fingering. If
there are two or three chanters out of tune in a class of ten they prevent
the instructor from detecting errors in fingering.
The use of a properly tuned chanter tends to cultivate a good ear, whereas
if the ear is used to improper sounds it loses its power of detecting the
difference between what is real and that which is false.
In class-work it is hardly possible to get ten pupils with equal powers
of picking up tunes and correct fingering. The ear may be compared to
a machine which records musical compositions and sounds. In this respect
the perfect machine has already been found. The phonograph will record
and reproduce a tune in perfect form, but then it is only a reproduction,
whereas the musician has life and power to create new and original tunes.
Take the human ear. Where it is perfect it will record a tune with the
same accuracy as the machine ; but, where the ear is defective, it will only
take in what it is capable of. In cases where there is only a slight defect
in ear, and where a pupil is somewhat slow at fingering, care must be taken
that the slow pupil is brought up in line with the smart pupil. This makes
the results in class-work equal. Many instructors of piping fail
because they overlook slovenly fingering. Each pupil must be made
to finger exactly. The slovenly player spoils the class and every band
into which he may go, so that, if a class is to be properly taught, each pupil
must come to know his class mate as a musician as well as a companion.
Each performer in a pipe band must form part of a machine, as it were,
198 THE PIPES OF WAR
which acts systematically as a clock, in order to give good results and render
a tune like one man. A properly trained class with a sufficiently long peiiod
of training will, in time, finger together in a manner which is most surprising
as regards regularity.
As an example of irregularity in fingering, take for instance — one pupil
is playing in perfect time, one graces his note a little too soon and another
a little too late. This gives three different renderings as regards time, and
how could they become pleasing to the ear or ever attain regularity in time
or fingering ?
" Patience is a virtue," and an instructor of piping must be imbued
with that qualification. Without patience there can be no climax, no per-
fection, and no goal to aim at. One may compel a person to do work even
by punishment, but to compel a pupil to play the pipes would be hopeless.
If a pupil has to be forced to play an instrument against his will, the music
will be anything but pleasing to the listener's ear. Then it will lack ex-
pression, the most important and wonderful thing in all musical perform-
ances. To be successful as an instructor of piping one must first win the
hearts of his pupils, so that they will like and respect him ; speak firmly
but kindly to them ; enforce strict discipline and good behaviour ; and con-
duct his school just the same as all well-governed establishments of educa-
tion. One hour's instruction should be given at a time, and this should
be given by the instructor of the school himself. Although boys are boys,
they are sensitive to insult and degradation, and they will not accept tuition
from another boy, even although he is a good performer. It has been found
to be the case that intelligent pupils must have instruction from the proper
source, and, when one boy teaches another, their time is wasted and they
drift into slovenly and careless fingering. This constitutes a reason for
strict supervision on the part of an instructor himself in a school of piping,
so that the best results may be attained and good order and obedience
maintained.
In bagpipe music, theory is entirely neglected. The average piper is
able to read the names of the notes : GABCDEFG and A, and he
plays from them and pays little attention to their value. They may be all
TUITION OF YOUNG PIPERS 199
crotchets, quavers or semi-quavers, for all he cares. In almost every case
the piper has already heard the tune played on the chanter, and the relative
value of the notes mean nothing to him. Then, one hears illegal syncopa-
tion, e.g., the taking of the value from the lengthened note and giving it to
the next one, which should be the shortest note in the beat, especially in
six-eight time. Then, in writing down an original tune without a knowledge
of the theory of music, the average piper is of no use.
Boys should be started on the chanter at fourteen to sixteen years of
age, and given a period of chanter practice of from six to nine months ;
at the same time it is necessary to see that, from the very start, they are able
to read music at sight. Then, towards the end of nine months tuition in
practice, theory should be taught ; then they make more progress than
they would at the very beginning of their training. Theory enables the
piper to put expression into his playing, and, in his turn, he can in time
take his place as a qualified instructor of piping.
One thing of great importance in piping and the training of young pipers
is the rate of speed at which they play. The regimental regulation pace
is 120 paces to the minute. This may be all very well with a brass band,
where the performer with his 120 paces to the minute has a curtailed, nipped,
or broken step, but in pipe music it is far different. Any one who has a
knowledge of the Highland bagpipe and its music knows that piping at the
rate of 120 paces to the minute is not pipe music at all. The great majority
of marches for the pipes are written in two-four and six-eight time.
Two-four time has a crotchet beat and six-eight has a dotted crotchet beat.
The beat in six-eight being a dotted crotchet is of longer duration than the
two-four or crochet beat. When both are played at 120 paces to the minute
they are more or less equalized and spoiled. Time must be given to the beat
note in six-eight to distinguish it from the two-four beat ; hence, 100 to 105
paces to the minute in two-four time is good marching, and 90 to 95 paces
to the minute in six-eight time gives the proper swinging pace which the
men in a Highland regiment like. To adopt such a suggestion would give
time and expression to pipe music, differentiate the pace in one time signa-
ture from another, and, above all, would tend to give more time for correct
200 THE PIPES OF WAR
fingering and clear, distinct playing. A young piper who has only been
playing the bagpipes for about six months is very often spoiled for life as a
performer when he begins, at that stage, to play at 120 paces to the minute.
He is unable to get the fingering in in time. What he cannot find time
to finger is left out altogether, and then, worst of all, he becomes a slovenly
and incorrect performer.
The teaching of piping has always been placed on an unequal footing as
compared with brass bands in His Majesty's forces, and one wonders how long
it is to be allowed to remain so. It is absolutely certain that a Military
School of Piping would be a blessing to regimental pipe bands, and the
standard of performance could be raised to the highest point of perfection.
In times of peace many people single out the brass band as the apple of their
eye in the garden of music, so to speak, but let us Higlanders mark time and
see what the great Highland bagpipe has done in war.
Many pipers have gone over the parapet playing the bagpipes and have
won laurels which can never be forgotten. Hundreds of pipers have fallen
in the great war to sleep their last sleep in the graves of heroes, after sounding
the triumphant charge. The bagpipe has lived in war in its majestic power
and splendour, and in peace it should not be allowed to die.
In war there is, to our Highland regiments, no music like that of the
great Highland bagpipe. Its notes inspire the men to victory, and the
glory of the results of the music of the Piob Mhor with its fluttering pennons
has left a landmark in the history of the world's war.
The great Highland bagpipe is the hallmark of a race whose achievements
are second to none in the world. It has been played in every great battlefield
in the history of our nation, and the heroic deeds done by Highland regiments
inspired by its music deserve to be perpetuated in a lasting memorial.
THE SPIRIT OF THE MACCRIMMONS
By Fred T. Macleod, F.S.A. (Scot.)
It was the year 1626, a memorable year in the history of the Western
Isles of Scotland, and singularly eventful in the history of Skye and of the
Dunvegan family. Sir Rory Mor MacLeod, warrior and statesman, patron of
Art, of Music and of Letters, and dispenser of lavish hospitality to rich
and poor alike, had died in the Chanonry of Ross an event " greatly deplored
among the Gael at that time." The ancient sea-gate of Dunvegan Castle
was opened, and into a waiting boat stepped Patrick Mor MacCrimmon,
the dead chief's hereditary piper, the representative of a line of pipers
almost as long as the line of MacLeod chiefs. Swiftly, yet silently, the
piper was rowed across Loch Dunvegan to Boreraig. MacCrimmon stepped
ashore and took from his servant the instrument which had on many occasions
cheered his beloved master. His heart could no longer contain its pent-up
emotion, and his frame shook with a violent outburst of grief. Then, with
head erect and firm step, he walked the remaining distance to the renowned
College of Pipers, the home of his family for many generations. The fingers
of a master player lingered for a moment lovingly on the chanter. In
swift succession there fell upon the ears of his pupils, themselves no mean
players of ancient piobaireachd, the arresting, appealing, plaintive notes of
" Cumha Ruaridh Mhoir," " Lament to Rory Mor."
To-day, cattle browse upon the site of the MacCrimmon College, within
whose walls instruction on the Piob mhor had been given by members of the
MacCrimmon family to countless students from all parts. Thither too had
come the best pipers of Scotland to receive the finishing touches to a piping
education well-nigh perfect in itself, including representatives of the three
202 THE PIPES OF WAR
well-known piping families, MacArthur, Mackay and Campbell. The musi
of the pipes is now seldom, if ever, heard on the plateau upon which in
former days many pipers were wont to assemble. Sassenach inhibitory
legislation followed by the unsympathetic action of the Highland clergy
combined in an attempt to stifle for ever the majestic notes of ancient piob-
aireachd, and the free, independent, social temperament of the Children of
the Island. But, while the grass grows green on the spot where the college
stood, the memory of these master musicians is enshrined in the ancient tra-
ditions of the island, in the MacCrimmon compositions preserved and played
to-day, and in the names of places in the vicinity of the MacCrimmon home-
land. The ancient castle, dating from the ninth century, is occupied to-day
by Norman Magnus MacLeod, the 23rd chief of his line, as it has been con-
tinuously occupied by his forefathers, and among the relics carefully pre-
served is an ancient set of MacCrimmon pipes. One can still enjoy the shelter
of " Slochd nam Piobairean " 1 and he who desires to do so can honour the
dust of several members of the MacCrimmon family in the little burying-
ground at Kilmuir, overlooking Dunvegan Loch. Nay more, one may con-
verse with living descendants of the family within a stone's throw of
the home of their forefathers. The fame of the MacCrimmons will never
die so long as these features or the memory of them remains, and, when these
are no longer remembered, the honour due to these Kings of Pipers will be
enshrined in the music they have left behind them.
It is impossible in this article to do more than touch the fringe of an
almost illimitable subject. There are many controversial points into which
it is not desirable to enter, e.g., the origin of the family name, the exact
period during which the MacCrimmons held their hereditary office, and the
" Cainntaireachd " invented and used by them. The old papers in the
castle are singularly silent in regard to the history of men so closely allied
with the fortunes of the Dunvegan family. The only two documents among
these papers, so far as I am aware, winch bear upon the subject, are a lease
of the lands of Galtrigal in Skye to the MacCrimmons in virtue of their
hereditary office, and a rent-roll of the latter years of the eighteenth century,
1 " The pipers' hollow."
THE SPIRIT OF THE MACCRIMMONS 203
which contains entries of payments made by MacLeod tenants, in the form
of a tax to assist a member of the MacCrimmon family in his declining
years. But while contemporary documentary evidence is practically un-
available, tradition has preserved a great deal of interesting information.
While it may not be advisable to accept as accurate many oral traditions
of a country, we are entitled to rely to a considerable extent upon, and to
accept as generally trustworthy, Highland oral tradition, which every
student of Highland history knows was the common mode of preserving
what otherwise would have been long ago irretrievably lost. The office
of " Seanachaidh " 1 was recognized and honoured in leading Highland
families and, subject to the legitimate criticism that a Seanachaidh was
apt unduly to extol the virtues of those whose praises he sang and to decry
the virtues of rival families, we are entitled to draw upon this source of
information.
The first published account of the family known to me is Angus Mac-
Kay's collection of Ancient Piobaireachd, or Highland Pipe Music, published
in 1838, which forms the basis of most, if not all, the subsequent published
references to the family. Dr. Norman MacLeod's account (in Gaelic) of the
MacCrimmons must also be mentioned, and of more modern date Dr. Fraser's
interesting book on the Highland Bagpipe. The Rev. Archibald Clerk
contributed an article worthy of notice in the New Statistical Account of
Scotland, and Fionn's Martial Music of the Gael contains some interesting
notes.
I regard, however, as the most authoritative contribution a series of
Gaelic articles contributed to the Celtic Monthly by the Rev. Neil Ross of
Buccleuch Parish Church, Edinburgh. Mr. Ross is one of our ablest Gaelic
scholars, and, having been born and brought up in the heart of the Mac-
Crimmon country, he has had the peculiar advantage of obtaining the
local traditions of the family at first hand, from old people practically aU
of whom have passed away.
I am inclined to place the commencement of the MacCrimmon era
so far as their relationship with the Macleods of Dunvegan is concerned,
1 Keeper of family records, genealogist.
2o4 THE PIPES OF WAR
approximately as 1500, and the termination thereof as 1822. My reasons
for doing so are first that we find that in 1651 one of the family was publicly
acknowledged as the King of Pipers. In the old chronicle detailing this
incident the name of the piper upon whom this honour was bestowed is
given as John Macgurmen (MacCrimmon) which I believe to be a mistake
for Patrick MacCrimmon, he who composed the well-known port, " I gave
a kiss to the hand of the King." If the old adage is true that
it took seven years of a man's life and seven generations of pipers before
him to make a perfect piper, the date 1500 is by no means too remote.
Further, the traditional list of MacCrimmon pipers who held their hereditary
office is sufficiently long to bridge that period. Dr. MacLeod enumerates
seven successive members of the family, whereas Mr. Ross furnishes us
with twelve names inclusive of those mentioned by Dr. MacLeod. The
following is Mr. Ross' list :
Finlay of the Breacan. Patrick Og.
Iain Odhar. Donald Ban.
Patrick Caogach. Angus Og.
Patrick Donn. Malcolm.
Donald Mor. Iain Dubh.
Patrick Mor. Patrick Mor.
It is outwith the scope of this article to deal with the MacCrimmon
genealogy, or to discuss in detail the different members of the family. In-
teresting notes might be furnished concerning most of the men whose names
are enumerated above, and it might not be difficult for a skilled player
of pibroch, by a careful analysis of the MacCrimmon compositions, to assign
many of the extant compositions to the appropriate composers. I prefer
to gather together from the available sources known to me a few incidents
in the lives of three outstanding members of the family, Donald M6r, Patrick
Mor and Donald Ban.
THE SPIRIT OF THE MACCRIMMONS 205
DONALD MOR MACCRIMMON
We shall probably not be very far wrong if we regard the period during
which this piper lived as that embracing the concluding years of the six-
teenth century and the early years of the seventeenth. I realise that, in
so placing him, I lay myself open to the criticism that I post-date the period
of Patrick Mor's activities. Patrick Mor is regarded as the son of Donald
Mor, and it is probable that both father and son were in the service of Sir
Rory Mor. It is stated that, being a special favourite of his chief, Donald
was sent to Ireland to complete his musical education. There can be little
doubt that as Ireland was the early home of Celtic letters so she was the
early home of musical culture, and that the high degree of efficiency at-
tained by the MacCrimmons was, at least in part, due to the finishing touches
obtained by them in the sister island. We learn that Donald Mor played
before many of the nobility and gentry of the country and greatly distin-
guished himself. Mr. Ross has an interesting note that Donald accompanied
his chief to Ireland in the reign of James VI., on the occasions when Mac-
Leod led his clan in battle, and that about that time Donald composed
" The Lament to the Earl of Antrim." Among the compositions attributed
to him are " The Macdonald Salute," " Welcome to Rory Mor," and " The
Salute of the Earl of Ross." Mr. Ross, whose knowledge of pibroch entitles
him to speak with authority, states that close analysis of Donald Mor's
compositions reveals the fact that he frequently used the lower notes of
the chanter, and that there is internal evidence that he possessed great
skill in changing from the low to the high notes.
PATRICK MOR MACCRIMMON
It is generally agreed that Patrick succeeded Donald as hereditary piper
to the MacLeods of Dunvegan. He is generally admitted to have been the
most distinguished member of his race. His life was spent in the service
of Sir Rory Mor MacLeod, who succeeded to the chiefship in 1596, and who
died as stated in 1626. Under the protection of this powerful chief the
206 THE PIPES OF WAR
practice of Piobaireachd received an impetus which is bearing fruit to-day.
The Scottish Privy Council, at a comparatively early date, struck a severe
blow at what was regarded as the despotic power of the chiefs by limiting
the number of the retinue each chief was entitled to gather round him.
An important member of that retinue was the person who held the office of
hereditary piper. In addition to the honour such an office carried, there
were certain material advantages e.g., the freeholding of land and the right
to certain dues and liberties which were not lightly esteemed. As indicating
the dignified nature of the office, it may be mentioned that, included in the
chief's retinue, was the piper's man, whose duty it was to act as servant
to the piper and to carry his instrument for him when not in use.
To Patrick Mor MacCrimmon is assigned the honour of having composed
the largest number of pipe tunes. In the plaintive lament " Cumha na
Cloinne " (Lament to the Children) he gives expression to his deep grief
caused by the visitation of one of the most poignant afflictions known to
man — the deaths of his children. According to Dr. MacLeod he was the
father of eight stalwart sons. Proudly one Sabbath morning he and they
marched to the church in their native glen. Before the close of that year
he mourned the loss of all his sons who died in an epidemic of fever. Two
other well-known laments, the composition of which is assigned to him, are,
" The Lament to the only Son " and " The Lament to John Garbh MacGhille
Chalum of Raasay," who was drowned in 1646 while crossing the Minch.
In 1651 Patrick Mor MacCrimmon was in all probability an old man,
but not too old to accompany the clan in support of Charles II. At this
time MacLeod of MacLeod was a minor, and the command of the clan
devolved upon his uncles, Norman MacLeod of Bernera and Roderick Mac-
Leod of Talisker. According to Angus Mackay's account, both these men
were knighted by Charles II. before the battle of Worcester in 1651 and
on that occasion, Patrick Mor having had the honour of playing before the
King, and his performance having greatly pleased His Majesty, Patrick
received the further honour of being allowed to kiss the King's hand. Mac-
kay states that the well-known port, " Fhuaireas pog o spog an Righ," was
composed by MacCrimmon in honour of the distinction then conferred upon
THE SPIRIT OF THE MACCRIMMONS 207
him. Various accounts of this outstanding MacCrimmon honour have been
published, no two of which entirely agree. Dr. William Mackay of Inverness
has frequently rendered signal service in the department of Highland
history, and I am indebted to his labours and scholarly research for what I
regard as a complete elucidation of the circumstances surrounding the com-
position of this tune. Dr. Mackay edited The Chronicles of the Frasers,
an old MS. of events embracing the period 1616-1674. There are many
MS. histories bearing upon Highland matters, some of which have been
fabricated, but no suggestion of falsification besmirches the reputation
of this MS., which has been published under the auspices of The Scottish
History Publication Society. Referring to the year 1651, the date of the
battle of Worcester, the MS. states that at Stirling, in the month of May,
" there was great competition betwixt the trumpets in the army ; one
Axell, the Earle of Hoome's trumpeter, carried it by the King's own de-
cision. The next was anent the pipers ; but the Earle of Sutherland's domes-
tick carried it of all the camp, for non contended with him. All the pipers
in the army gave John Macgurmen (MacCrimmon) the van, and acknowledged
him for their patron in chief. It was pretty in a morning (the King) in
parad viewing the regiments and bragads. He saw no less than eighty
pipers in a crould, bare-headed, and John Macgurmen in the middle covered.
He asked what society that was ? It was told his Majesty — ' Sir, yow
are our King, and yonder old man in the middle is the Prince of Pipers.'
He cald him by name and comeing to the king, kneeling, His Majesty
reacht him his hand to kiss ; and instantly played an extemporanean port,
' Fuoris Pooge i spoge i Rhi' — I got a kiss of the King's hand — of which
he and they were all vain." The writer of the manuscript has made an
attempt to render the Gaelic phonetically, and Mr. Mackay in a footnote
gives the correct Gaelic spelling " Fhuaireas pog o spog an Righ."
208 THE PIPES OF WAR
DONALD BAN MACCRIMMON
MacLeod of Dunvegan, when Prince Charles Edward made his romantic
if impossible attempt to seize the crown of his forefathers, declined to lend
his services to the Prince, and consequently incurred the deep displeasure
of many of his clansmen. Had he remained simply neutral, the resentment
which his refusal to follow the Prince aroused would have been less bitter,
but he openly supported the reigning house. Opinions differ as to which
of two men, Malcolm MacCrimmon and Donald Ban MacCrimmon, held
the office of hereditary piper, but most authorities agree that Donald Ban
performed the duties of the office when MacLeod led out his men against
the Prince. Many of the MacLeod men refused to follow their chief, and
preferred to follow the standard of the Prince, under the leadership of the
heads of cadet families sprung from the Dunvegan line. MacLeod's position
was a difficult one. Had the Prince landed in Moidart with sufficient money,
equipment and arms, MacLeod would probably have given him all the
support within his power. It is persistently stated that his was one of the
signatures to the document inviting the Prince to raise his standard in
Scotland. In these circumstances it was necessary for MacLeod, by some
overt act, to give practical evidence to the Government of his non-adherence
to the Stuart cause. He was in close correspondence with, and being actively
advised by, President Forbes, who realised the importance of securing the
services of MacLeod, thereby lessening the likelihood of the Macdonalds
of Skye joining the Prince's forces. MacLeod gathered around him a sub-
stantial body of men who held the lands in the vicinity of the castle, and
led them from the castle to the shore, where boats waited to convey them
to the mainland, and thence to the east of Scotland.
We are constantly reminded of the romance of the Forty-Five. We too
often forget the dark tragedies of those days. The spectre of looming
disaster entered the home of the MacCrimmons. Donald Ban MacCrimmon
had heard the note of the Banshee presaging a journey from which for him
there would be no returning. He was told to inspirit the men by the rousing
strains of " MacLeod's March," but true to his hereditary instincts he could
THE PIBROCH
From the Painting by Lockhart
THE SPIRIT OF THE MACCRIMMONS 209
only play a port in harmony with the mood of the moment. In place of
the " March " his pipes attuned themselves to that most touching of all
laments, " Cumha Mhic Cruimein." The pages of the Brahan Seer do not
contain any instance of second sight more circumstantially fulfilled than that
concerning Donald Ban MacCrimmon. Contemporary history supplies us
with the information. The scene is changed from Dunvegan Castle to
Moy Hall, the residence of The Mackintosh, a few miles east of Inverness.
In the absence of her husband, the wife of The Mackintosh, better known
as " Lady Anne," kept a watchful eye, in the interests of the Prince, on the
movements of his enemies. The Prince had accepted the hospitality of
Moy Hall for the night. News reached " Lady Anne " that a body of men,
under Lord Loudon, including MacLeod and his men, were to attempt to
capture the Prince under the cover of night. " Donald Fraser, a blacksmith,
and other four with loaded muskets in their hands were keeping watch
upon a muir out some distance from Moy towards Inverness. As they were
walking up and down they happened to spy a body of men marching towards
them, upon which the blacksmith fired his piece and the other four followed
his example. The laird of MacLeod's piper (reputed the best at his business
in all Scotland) was shot dead on the spot. Then the blacksmith (Fraser)
and his trusty companions raised a cry (calling some particular regiments
by their names) to the Prince's army to advance, as if they had been at
hand, which so far imposed upon Lord Loudon and his command (a pretty
considerable one) and struck them with such a panic, that instantly they
beat a retreat and made their way back to Inverness in great disorder,
imagining the Prince's whole army to be at their heels."
Tradition states that Donald Ban's body was buried not far from the
spot where he received his fatal wound, and I am informed that a large stone
on the moor marks the place of interment.
2io THE PIPES OF WAR
THE HOMELAND OF THE MACCRIMMONS
Pipers throughout the world will probably welcome a short description
of that part of Skye which will for all time be associated with the Mac-
Crimmon family. We may safely assume that the lands of Galtrigal and
Boreraig have undergone little physical change during the last 300
years. Standing on a lofty plateau, the MacCrimmon practice ground,
we find ourselves in the centre of a district possessing great natural charm
and an unparalled sea view. Dunvegan's ancient towers are a prominent
landmark reminiscent of bloody feuds, when Macdonald and MacLeod,
though connected by marriage, were continually at one anothers throats.
Johnson, Boswell, Pennant and Sir Walter Scott all testify to the hospitality
they received within its walls. Dun Boreraig, to the east, one of many
interesting brochson the island — silent witnesses to the strength and ingenuity
of a past race — still keeps its sentinel watch. To the west stand out in strong
relief the rocky cliffs of Dunvegan Head, and in the south are the marvellous
Coolins with their ever-changing aspects. At the time when Angus Mackay's
publication appeared in 1838, the ruins of the " college " remained in situ,
disclosing thick walls, massive cabers or rafters, and other characteristics
of old Highland habitations. Mackay says that the building was divided
into two parts, one forming the class-room and the other the sleeping apart-
ments.
It was the practice of the MacCrimmons to enter into formal indentures
of apprenticeship with their pupils, one of which has been published in the
Inverness Gaelic Society's Transactions. So many years of study were pre-
scribed, regular lessons were given out, and certain periods for receiving the
instructions of the master were fixed. The Rev. Archibald Clerk, son-in-law
of Dr. Norman MacLeod (Caraid nan Gaidheal), writing in 1845 states, that
the whole tuition " was carried on systematically as in any of our modern
academies ; and the names of some of the caves and knolls in the vicinity
still point out the spots where the scholars used to practice respectively
the Piob Mhor or large bagpipe, before exhibiting in presence of the master.
MacLeod endowed this school by granting the farm of Borreraig to it, and
THE SPIRIT OF THE MACCRIMMONS 211
it is no longer than seventy years since the endowment was withdrawn.
The farm had originally been given only during the pleasure of the pro-
prietor. For many ages the grant was undisturbed, but when the value of
land had risen to six or seven times what it was when the school was founded,
MacLeod very reasonably proposed to resume one half of the farm, offering
at the same time to MacCrimmon a free lease of the other half in perpetuam :
but MacCrimmon, indignant that his emoluments should be curtailed,
resigned the whole farm and broke up his establishment, which has never
been restored."
Any description of the home of the MacCrimmons would be incomplete
without referring to Clach MacCrimmon, a stone which is almost as well-
known as the MacCrimmons themselves. Although the account of this
matter savours of exaggeration, there can be little doubt that the incident
is believed in firmly by the people of the district. The incident as narrated
to me was as follows : One of the MacCrimmons was in the habit of tethering
his horse, in accordance with the custom of the country, by a rope attached
to a cipean driven into the ground. Some maliciously disposed persons
removed the cipean from its place on more than one occasion, thus causing
MacCrimmon's horse to roam and to do damage to the surrounding crops.
In exasperation, MacCrimmon vowed that he would so fix the cipean that
no mortal man would ever remove it again. He thereupon looked about
for a stone sufficiently large to suit his purpose, and, observing one
about 200 yards distant, he immediately proceeded, unaided, to lift it,
carried it that distance and placed it upon the top of the cipean. The
spot from which MacCrimmon removed the stone, and the spot upon which
he placed it, were both pointed out to me. The stone is about 3 feet long
by 2| feet broad, and 2 feet high. I endeavoured to lift the stone an inch
or two from the ground and failed to do so. To satisfy certain south-country
sceptics, not very long ago, several men, including Murdoch MacLeod
(who accompanied me upon the occasion to which I have been referring),
succeeded in removing the stone from the bed in which it had lain so long,
and by using a wall as a lever, rolled it down a gradient of several yards
to the spot where it at present lies. A most remarkable sequel followed.
212 THE PIPES OF WAR
It was stated to me, in all seriousness, that underneath the stone when
it was removed, was found an ancient rusty cipean much worn away. Mur-
doch Macleod stated to me that he not only saw it, but handled it.
MACCRIMMON PUPILS
If the genius of a master can be measured by the success of his pupils,
then, apart from other considerations, the MacCrimmons of Boreraig must
truly be regarded as kings among pipers. The fame of their college, long
recognised throughout the Isles, spread to the mainland, and pupils from
all parts of Scotland eagerly travelled long distances to avail themselves
of the tuition the college afforded. No piper's education was regarded as
complete until he had passed through the hands of the masters at Boreraig.
Rival chiefs buried for a time their jealousies, and sent their pipers to the
college on MacLeod's lands. The method usually adopted was to apprentice
the young pipers to the MacCrimmons for a period of years, and, in the case
of those men who had already otherwise been trained, to send them to
Skye for a short period. In a series of articles upon the History of the Parish
of Kiltarlity, written by the Rev. Archibald Macdonald, I find the following :
" There is an indenture drawn up at Beaufort on 9th March, 1743, in which
William Fraser, tacksman, Beauly, is described as his Lordship's (Simon
Fraser, Lord Lovat) musician. The brother of this William — David Fraser
— had been educated by David Macgregor, his Lordship's piper. His
Lordship, however, was now to send David to the Isle of Skye to have him
perfected as a Highland piper by the famous Malcolm MacCrimmon, whom
his Lordship was to reward for educating the said David for a year."
It in no sense belittles the importance of the MacArthurs, who, as a family
of pipers, were second only in excellence to the MacCrimmons of Boreraig,
to state that the musical education of a member of this family, Charles, was
perfected by Patrick Og MacCrimmon. The MacArthurs were hereditary
pipers to the MacDonalds of the Isles and, like the MacCrimmons, had a
school for instruction in pipe music. Pennant, who visited the Hebrides
in 1774, was hospitably entertained in this building and listened to the play-
THE SPIRIT OF THE MACCRIMMONS 213
ing of many pibrochs. He describes the building as consisting of four
apartments, one of which formed the hall set apart for students. Of Charles
MacArthur the following interesting incident is told. Sir Alexander Mac-
donald, being at Dunvegan on a visit to the laird of MacLeod, heard the
performance of Patrick Og MacCrimmon with great delight, and desirous
if possible to have a piper of equal merit, he said to MacCrimmon one day
that there was a young man whom he was anxious to place under his tuition,
on condition that he should not be allowed to return until such time as he
could play equal to his master. " When this is the case," said MacDonald,
" you will bring him home and I will give you ample satisfaction for your
trouble." " Sir Alexander," said Patrick, " if you will be pleased to send
him to me I will do all that I am able to do for him." Charles was
accordingly sent to Boreraig where he remained for eleven years, when
MacCrimmon, considering him as perfect as he could be made, proceeded to
Mugstad to deliver his charge to Sir Alexander, who was then residing there,
and, where Iain Dall Mackay, Gairloch's blind piper, happened also to be.
Macdonald hearing of their arrival, thought it a good opportunity to
determine the merit of his own piper by the judgment of the blind man,
whose knowledge of pipe music was unexceptionable. He therefore enjoined
Patrick Og and MacArthur not to speak a word to betray who they were, and,
addressing Mackay, he told him he had a young man learning the pipes for
some years and was glad that he was present to say whether he thought him
worth the money which his instruction had cost. Mackay said if he heard
him play he would give Iris opinion freely, and he requested to be informed
previously with whom the piper had been studying. Sir Alexander told
him he had been with Patrick Og MacCrimmon. Then Mackay
exclaimed, " He could never have been with a better master ! " The young
man was ordered to play, and when he was finished Sir Alexander asked
the other for his opinion. " I think a great deal of him," replied Iain.
" He is a good piper ; he gives the notes correctly, and if he takes care he
will excel in his profession." Sir Alexander was pleased with so flattering
an opinion, and observed that he had been at the trouble of sending two
persons to the college that he might retain the best, and that now the second
2i4 THE PIPES OF WAR
man would play, so that an opinion on his merits might also be given.
Mackay observed that he must be a very excellent performer to surpass the
first, or even to compare with him. When Patrick Og (who acted as the
second pupil) had finished playing, Sir Alexander asked the umpire what he
thought of his performance. " Indeed, Sir, no one need try me in that
manner," returned the blind man. "Although I have lost the eyes of my
human body, I have not lost the eyes of my understanding ; and if all the
pipers in Scotland were present I would not find it a difficult task to dis-
tinguish the last player from them all." " You surprise me, Mackay,
who is he ? " " Who but Patrick Og MacCrimmon," promptly rejoined
Mackay, and, turning to where Patrick was sitting, he observed, " It was
quite needless, my good sir, to think you would deceive me in that way,
for you could not but know that I should have recognised your performance
among a thousand." Sir Alexander then asked Mackay himself to play,
and afterwards he called for a bottle of whisky, drank to their healths,
and remarked that he had that night under his roof the three best pipers
in Britain. So much admired was Charles MacArthur for his musical taste,
that a gentleman in MacLeod's country prevailed on Malcolm MacCrimmon
to send his son Donald for six months to reside with MacArthur, not with
the idea of adding to his musical knowledge, but in order that he might
be improved by studying MacArthur's particular graces.
About the same time one of the MacCrimmons, better known as Padruig
Caogach (obviously not the Patrick Caogach No. 3 on Mr. Ross' list, if Mr.
Ross' order is correct), because of his habit of frequently winking, was en-
deavouring to compose a tune. Two years had passed since the first two meas-
ures of it had become known, and still the tune remained half finished. Poor
Patrick utterly failed in his frequent attempts to finish what he had begun
so well. Mackay succeeded where Patrick failed, finished the tune and called
it " Lasan Phadruig Chaogaich."1 Annoyed because of Mackay's success,
or perhaps because of the perpetuation of his physical weakness, Patrick
bribed the other apprentices to hurl the blind Iain from a height of twenty-
four feet. Iain, however, landed on his feet without injury. The place in
1 " The anger of winking Patrick."
THE SPIRIT OF THE MACCRIMMONS 215
question was thereafter known as " Leum an Doill." l It is said that the
completion by Iain Dall of Patrick's unfinished tune resulted in great praise
being bestowed upon the former, and gave rise to the saying, " Chaidh an
fhoghluim osceann Mhic Cruimein," i.e., " the apprentice outstrips the
master."
MACCRIMMON LEGENDS
The legends associated with the MacCrimmons are numerous and inter-
esting, but I can only refer to one or two of them. The " Cave " legend
is well-known, and I make no further reference to it except to say that
variations of it are to be met with wherever piping has been practised.
Neil Munro, whose stories of the Hebrides are redolent of peat reek
and quaint Gaelic idioms, has used the following Breadalbane legend to
excellent purpose in his story of the Red Hand : Ross, an old Breadalbane
piper, in a fit of jealous rage, forced the right hand of his brother into the
fire until it became a charred lump, to prevent him becoming a better
piper than himself. Somewhat akin to this old tale is one concerning the
MacCrimmons. Although proud of the state of perfection to which they
had brought the art of piping, and while encouraging the dissemination of
their art by returning young men to their homes from the college at
Boreraig trained to a high degree of efficiency, they nevertheless retained
among the members of their own family certain movements known only to
themselves. They were rightly proud of the position they occupied, and were
jealous lest they lost it, even though the honour were to descend upon a
pupil of their own training. The story goes that a girl, friendly with the
MacCrimmons, acquired the knowledge of how a certain hitherto secret
combination of notes was accomplished and imparted the information
to her sweetheart, who was not of the MacCrimmon family. Upon this
fact reaching the ears of her family the drastic step was adopted of instantly
cutting off her fingers so as to prevent possible leakage of information in
the future.
In the beautiful Gaelic song, said to have been composed by Donald
1 " The blind man's leap."
216 THE PIPES OF WAR
Ban MacCrimmon's sweetheart at Uunvegan, one of the lines refers
to the wailing of the fairies when they heard that their friend was
leaving to return no more. These little people play no small part in
Highland legends generally, and we are therefore not surprised to learn
of the existence of the following MacCrimmon fairy legend. On one
occasion, when Dunvegan's chief was entertaining within his hospitable
walls a goodly company, including many representatives of the leading
clans, accompanied by their pipers, it was agreed that the pipers
should compete for the post of honour. MacLeod, as a good host, naturally
left his piper to come last. The competition went on, piper succeeding
piper, until there remained two, including MacLeod's piper, MacCrimmon,
to compete. MacLeod glanced in the direction where he expected to see
MacCrimmon preparing to acquit himself bravely, but to his annoyance
there was no sign of him. Calling a boy, a young MacCrimmon, to him,
he bade him search for and bring back MacCrimmon. In a short time the
boy returned with the tidings that MacCrimmon was hopelessly drunk.
The chief was plunged into the depths of despair with the certainty staring
him in the face of being disgraced in front of his guests in his own castle.
Seizing the boy by the hand, he whispered in his ear as the eleventh piper
stepped forward, " You are the twelfth piper from your chief." Realizing
the impossibility of the task imposed upon him the poor lad fled from the
hall and threw himself down upon the hillside bitterly bewailing the help-
lessness of his condition. Suddenly there arose out of an adjacent hillock
a beautiful little fairy, who, doubtless realizing the importance of time,
handed to the lad a silver chanter and bade him play upon it. He did so,
and through the silent glen there floated music the like of which had never
before been heard by human ears. With a radiant countenance the lad
immediately returned to the hall and, as he entered, the last notes of the
eleventh piper were dying away. Proudly the little fellow lifted Iris master's
pipes, and to the surprise and merriment of the great gathering, took the
place just vacated by the previous piper. The virtues of the silver chanter
stood him in good stead and the looks of amusement quickly turned into
admiration, as there came from the pipes the notes of a master player.
THE SPIRIT OF THE MACCRIMMONS 217
In my own youthful days I heard the following MacCrimmon story.
On the occasion of a great competition among the pipers held at Dunvegan
Castle, the leading MacCrimmon of the day and his nephew, to whom
MacCrimmon had imparted his whole store of knowledge, save one parti-
cular tune, resolved to compete. The old master had specially refrained
from communicating this particular composition to his pupil in order that,
while priding himself upon the accomplishments of his own pupil, he might
yet retain one item, the knowledge and playing of which would secure for
him the coveted honour at the coming competition. On the night before
the great event master and pupil slept together at a certain inn. Believing
his companion to be sleeping, the old man conned over to himself the air
by which he hoped to distinguish himself on the morrow. The arm of the
apparently sleeping lad was lying stretched across the bed, and the old
piper's hands, mechanically searching for something upon which to " finger "
the tune, seized upon his pupil's arm. Time and again the old man prac-
tised the notes, at the same time quietly humming the notes, ignorant of the
fact that his pupil, though feigning sleep, was very wide awake, and gradu-
ally becoming the possessor of the coveted port. On the morrow the pupil
entered the lists before his master, and to the mortification of the latter,
carried off the leading honour by reason of his manner of playing the tune
of which MacCrimmon believed himself at that time to be the sole possessor.
*******
Once again, I find myself in " Eilean a' cheo." Six weeks of almost con-
stant rain, disappointing to others who are not accustomed to the vagaries
of the weather, have not chilled the affectionate ardour which contact with
the island and its people invariably inspires in me. The mists have ever
hung heavy on the hills in times of deep, heart-breaking sorrow, and the
present tempestuous weather is but in keeping with the sad aftermath of
War.
To-day, there came from a distant part of the Island one who served
his country well in the late war and who was sorely wounded in that service.
To the home of Pibroch he brought his pipes, and in the seclusion of the
Pipers Cave in Galtrigal he played two well-known MacCrimmon ports ;
2i8 THE PIPES OF WAR
" Cumha Ruari Mhor," and " Tog orm mo phiob." An ardent student of
MacCrimmon Pibroch, and a cultured exponent of their art, he came to do
honour at their shrine. It was fitting that one of those who heard the
haunting notes as they welled forth across the loch was Sir Rory's lineal
descendant Macleod of Macleod.
There are many pipers who look hopefully for the day when the
memory of the MacCrimmons and of their immortal genius shall be enshrined
in a College of Piping, where pupils from far and near may receive instruction
in all that is noblest and best in the art of bag-pipe playing.
A GOSSIP ABOUT THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS
By J. M. Bulloch
If the Great War has reversed some preconceptions and ruthlessly rational-
ised many traditions, it has confirmed, and actually enhanced, the fine
fighting reputation of the ten Regiments of the Line — half of them kilted —
which Scotland contributes to the British Army. We now know of a cer-
tainty that this reputation is well founded as we did not know it before.
True, there has long been a legend to that effect, but of recent years there
has been a disposition to question its validity. Scotland, or rather the
articulate part of it, has borrowed the deadly doctrine of self-depreciation,
from which the dominant partner has suffered severely, and the suggestion
has not been wanting that the praise of Scots troops, which received such
an impetus from the enthusiastic pen of the author of The Romance of War,
was somewhat overdone. We were reminded that our Army had not
had to face troops on the Continent of Europe since the days of the Crimea ;
one Scots Regiment had not done so since 1799, while the Gordons had
nothing to show for it since Waterloo.
If that was true of the old " Contemptibles " generally, it was still
truer of the auxiliary forces, which had seen no fighting at all, except in
South Africa ; but to-day all of them have stood the acid test of the greatest
war in history. The old " Contemptibles " were never finer, and we have
lived to see one of the best Divisions in the Army composed entirely of
kilted Territorials. Indeed, a cloud of witnesses has arisen to prove that
all the 126 Battalions, into which the 69 composing the Scots Regiments
expanded themselves for the purposes of war, have rendered magnificent
service. If we relied merely on the word of the Commander-in-Chief we
might suspect bias, for Earl Haig and more than one of his Generals
220 THE PIPES OF WAR
are Scots by birth ; but we have the appreciation of the special news-
paper war-correspondents, and not one of them hailed from north of the
Border.
We have, moreover, the testimony of the enemy, who very quickly
recognised the valour and skill of all the Scots Regiments, particularly
those of the 51st Division. Indeed, the Scots soldier, although he
represented only eleven per cent, of the British Army against eighty-one
per cent, of England itself, took hold of the imagination of the Germans
to such an extent that their caricaturists turned John Bull into a
Highlander, converting his traditional tall hat into a diced " cockit " bon-
net, his white riding breeches into a kilt or tartan trews, and his top-boots
into gaiters. The pages of Simplicissmus, Kladdcradatsch, and Jugend,
to name only a few, have throughout the war pictured a long pro-
cession of the " wife-men " as representing the British Army, at first in a
spirit of incredulous burlesque, and latterly with something of the wholesome
fear, which was popularly supposed to have overtaken George the Second
when he started in his sleep in terror as he dreamed that the " Great Glen-
bogged " (Glenbucket) was swooping down upon him.
It was to the advent of the father of that monarch that we owe the
raising of the kilted Scots — nearly all the trewsed Regiments arose in the
previous century — though the connection was indirect, not to say inverted,
and was touched with an irony (especially in the light of the greatest of
wars), which has been largely lost on a certain type of popularly accepted
English history. According to this reasoning, the Highlanders, on seeing
the country in danger owing to the expansion adventures of the dominant
partner at the expense of France, flocked to the colours at the call of the
English Government, and thus not only helped to save the Empire, but
gratified their own passion for arms, which had been severely suppressed
after the Forty-Five.
The facts, however, are very different from this facile theory. To begin
with, if the country as a whole had little consciousness of expansion, as
Seeley argued, the Highlander had infinitely less, for one of the main trou-
bles of dealing with him, even in our own day, has been his homing instinct,
THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS 221
his intense love of his native soil, no matter how poor it may be. In the
second place, the ambitions of the House of Hanover touched no responsive
chord in the Highlander's heart, for the Clans had felt the full scourge of
Teutonism in the ruthless work of Cumberland at Culloden.
Again, if France was the hereditary arch-enemy of the dominant partner,
Scotland in general and the Highlands in particular, had no such quarrel
with her. On the contrary, France and Scotland, linked together by racial,
psychological, and historical similarities and identities of interest, had long
been the best of friends, and it must have puzzled the average Highlander
why he should be asked to fight against her. So strong is this community
of spirit that it might very well be argued that the Highland Regiments
have never fought better in their long history than they have done in the
Great War, because they were fighting for France, as well as for their native
country.
No doubt the Union had placed Scotland in the same category as England
so far as France was concerned, but the kilted regiments arose, not so much
out of a political necessity as from a revival of the spirit which had made
the Scot in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries a soldier of fortune
wherever he was wanted, fighting now for Rome, and now in the ranks of
Gustavus Adolphus against her ; fighting to a large extent without passion,
but as an artist in arms ; and it was this absence of bias as much as any-
thing else that made these venturers clean fighters, and raised their reputa-
tion as masters of their art wherever they took service.
From first to last the spirit which animated the soldier of fortune — out
to gratify his instinct for adventure, his desire to make a living, and his
passion for individuality — has always inspired the Highland regiments
to a remarkable extent. It is true that the war with France involved the
most momentous issues for the State, but the methods adopted for warding
off the danger were far more personal and local than national. It might
be argued that the real cause of the war with France was due to the im-
perialistic ambitions of individual adventurers, and therefore raised little
national animus, but precisely the same methods of meeting a crisis coloured
the early stages of Armageddon, when every one felt involved, the influence
222 THE PIPES OF WAR
of one man, Lord Kitchener, being far more potent in rousing resistance
than any abstract doctrine of State necessity.
The raising of troops to fight France was at no time the complete State
undertaking that conscription has involved in our own day. At first the
duty was taken up by individual landowners, who raised in turn Regiments
of the Line and Fencible Corps ; and when their pockets were exhausted,
the task was assigned to local authorities like the Lords Lieutenant,
who were commissioned to raise in turn Militia, Volunteers (1794-1808),
and the very curious force known as Local Militia (1808-1816).
Scotland afforded a splendid ground for the exercise of personal influence
because, although the Clan system with its chieftainship had broken down,
the influence of the great landowners was still powerful enough to attract
attention, although the devotion of the people had to be reinforced by
bounties on a scale unknown in our day, and by all sorts of practical recog-
nition, such as the adjustment of rents and the enlargement of holdings ;
for, although the armies thus raised had strong affinities with the levies
organised under the feudal system, the Clan system was infinitely more
democratic, and gave scope for greater individuality. This is so true that
it often happened that the men raised in one glen declined to march to the
rendezvous with the men of another glen who happened to be their here-
ditary enemies, and trouble arose over the demands of particular groups
to be led by their local officers, some of them even believing that they should
go forth to battle by Clans, as in the old days.
Of all the personal potentates interested in recruiting in Scotland, none
was more powerful than the fourth Duke of Gordon who, although long
in possession of vast tracts of Higland territory, was in no sense a Highlander,
his family having migrated from Berwickshire to the north, and the trouble
which existed for centuries between him and his Highland tenants, like the
Macphersons, was due to the inability of his ancestors, or their representa-
tives, to understand the true nature of the Celt. More motives than one
urged His Grace forward as recruiter. In the first place, his immediate
ancestors had played a very dubious part in the Jacobite risings, and the
fourth Duke was anxious to remove the last doubts as to the loyalty of his
THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS 223
house. Later on he married an extremely clever and ambitious woman,
the famous Jane Maxwell, who had a great desire to play a big part in the
State, and do something for her sons.
Whatever the motives, the recruiting achievements of His Grace were
splendid, for from first to last he raised no fewer than four complete regi-
ments, besides contributing two companies to corps raised by others,
and he also played a very active part as Lord Lieutenant of his county,
The forces organised by the Duke were as follows :
1759-65 ... 89th Regiment.
x775"83 ... Company for the Fraser Highlanders.
1778-83 ... Northern Fencibles.
1790-1 ... Company for the Black Watch.
1793-9 ... Northern Fencibles.
1794 ... Gordon Highlanders.
The sole remnant of this mighty effort, which must have cost the Duke
a fortune, is the regiment of Gordon Highlanders, which we have seen blossom
out into eleven battalions, to say nothing of certain reserves ; and although
the regiment has not continued to be recruited on the ducal estates, its
connection with the House of Gordon has all along been maintained, and
has actually been strengthened in recent times. That connection of course
has always been symbolised by the wearing of the clan tartan, but the links
with the north were strengthened by the rearrangement of 1872, when
infantry regiments were allotted to definite Territorial areas for the purpose
of recruiting. About the same time the Gordon family motto, " Bydand,"
and the familiar crest were placed upon the bonnet in lieu of the hard-won
Sphinx.
What is of much more importance is the fact that the genius of the
family, admirably described in the alliterative phrase the " Gay Gordons,"
which inspired the original regiment, has passed into all its subsequent
accretions, so that the 75th Regiment added to it in 1881, although actually
of earlier origin, has been completely absorbed. The same can be said of
the old Aberdeenshire Militia, which became the 3rd Battalion, and also of
224 THE PIPES OF WAR
the various Volunteer Corps which were gradually absorbed, while the
Service Battalions raised by Lord Kitchener displayed exactly the same
spirit as the cradle corps. This continuity and identity of tradition are also
emphasised, not only in the Gordons, but in all the Scots regiments, and
especially in the kilted units, by the fact that they alone maintained
during the War at least, part of their Peace equipment in the shape of the
kilt — even if it was camouflaged with khaki aprons — -and the trewsed
regiments had their glengarries replaced by Kilmarnock and other braid
bonnets.
Who can doubt that such a continuity of outward traditions is but the
symbol of a spiritual identity which links up the Scots regiments of the pre-
sent day with the Corps who did such splendid work of old from Fontenoy
to Waterloo, from the Crimea to South Africa. True, when you come to
define it, it is difficult to say what it precisely consists in. Nearly every
Regiment of the Line has its own peculiarities, but the Scots regiments
have them in even greater abundance, for with them they are reinforced
by marked racial characteristics. It is perfectly true that the Highland
regiments are no longer confined to Highlanders, or even to Scotsmen,
although the idea industriously propagated some years ago that they were
originally composed largely of Irishmen, is a fallacy, completely disproved
by War Office Records. Even if it were otherwise, the fact remains that
the esprit de corps which all these idiosyncracies help to form has a remark-
ably proselytising influence, very subtle and difficult to define, but very
potent in actual practice.
The early history of the Gordons is full of curious little incidents which
sometimes run counter to popular notions. For example, it used to be com-
monly supposed, especially in support of the now exploded theory that
we have become " degenerate," that the first recruits of the Highland
regiments were gigantic men. This is far from being the case. From
the Description Book of the Gordons, one of the very few regiments which
possess such data in an early form, it is proved that the average height
of 914 men composing the greater part (940) of the original regiment, was
only 5' 5 J", only six of them being 6' or upwards— the tallest, a Morayshire
THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS 225
man, scaling 6' 4". Similar facts can be cited about the heights of other
groups of men at the same period.
There were only 16 men actually named Gordon, against 39 Macdonalds,
35 Macphersons, and 34 Camerons. As to the occupations of the men,
it is interesting to note that 442 were described as " labourers," and as
most of them came from the Highlands, they were presumably farm ser-
vants. Of skilled artisans, 186 were weavers. Inverness-shire, where
the Duke had vast estates, supplied 240 men, Aberdeenshire 124, Banffshire
82, Lanark 62, Ireland 51, England 9, and Wales 2.
There was a solitary German in the regiment, a musician named
C. Augustus Sochling, hailing from Hesse Cassel. There was another German
in the regiment later on, also a musician, named Friederich Zeigher (or
Zugner) who fell at Quatre Bras. The appearance of these Germans was in
its way a sort of return for the fact that the House of Gordon had given
many good soldiers of its name to what we now call Germany, although
most of them really took post in Poland. The descendants of at least four
of these soldiers still exist in Germany, and have risen to the dignity of a
von, including the founder of the von Gordon-Coldwells, of Laskowitz, in
West Prussia, the von Gordons of Frankfort, and the family of Dr. Adolf
von Gordon, the well-known Berlin lawyer, whose motto is " Byid Dand."
Although at the beginning of 1914 he told a Berlin newspaper that he knew
nothing more about it than that it was an " altschottischer Spruch," it is,
of course, nothing more or less than the historic word " Bydand."
With regard to the pipe history of the regiment not very much is known.
I fancy this is due to the fact that so much that has to do with the art of
piping generally rests on oral and not written tradition. In the second place
it must be remembered that pipers were not originally recognised by the
State. They were purely a regimental, and not an Army, institution, and
had no separate rank as the drummers had. Indeed, it was not till about
1853 that they got the same rank and pay as drummers. Thus, in May
1805, a piper named Alexander Cameron was taken on the strength of the
Grenadiers as drummer, probably to get him drummer's pay, to which,
as a piper, he was not entitled.
226 THE PIPES OF WAR
The rivalry of the two is brought out in a story told in Carr's Caledonian
Sketches, of a dispute as to precedence between a piper and a drummer of
a Highland regiment. When the Captain decided in favour of the latter,
the piper expostulated with the remark, " Oh, sir, shall a little rascal that
beats a sheepskin take the right hand of me that am a musician ? " The
differentiation of the two is still reflected in the fact that a piper is always
a piper, whereas a " musician " returns to the ranks in time of war.
The first direct mention of pipers in the Gordons occurs in a regimental
order of October 27, 1796, when the regiment was at Gibraltar, and when
it was ordained that pipers were to attend all fatigue parties. An interesting
sidelight on the use of the pipes occurs in a regimental order of November 12,
1812, when the regiment was at Alba de Tonnes in Spain :
" The pibroch will never sound except when it is for the whole regiment
to get under arms ; when any portion of the regiment is ordered for duty
and a pipe to sound, the first pipe will be the warning, and the second pipe
for them to fall in. The pibroch only will, and is to be considered, as in-
variably when sounded, for every persons off duty to turn out without a
moment's delay."
A pathetic little story about this function of the pipers is told by James
Hope in his forgotten little book, Letters from Portugal, Spain and France,
printed in 1819 :
"At ten o'clock (on the evening of the day of Quatre Bras) the piper of
the 92nd took post under the garden hedge in front of the village, and,
tuning his bagpipes, attempted to collect the sad remains of his regiment.
Long and loud blew Cameron, and, although the hills and vallies (sic) re-
echoed the hoarse murmurs of his favourite instrument, his utmost efforts
could not produce more than half of those whom his music had cheered in
the morning on their march to the field of battle."
At the battle of St. Pierre in the Peninsular, December 13, 1813, two
out of the three pipers of the Gordons were killed while playing the pibroch
" Cogadh na sith " (with which they were to charm the ears of the Czar
of Russia in the great Review at Paris in July, 1815). As one fell, another
took up the tune, and it was suggested to Sir John Sinclair, as President of
THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS 227
the Highland Society, that this " should be made known all over the High-
lands." It may be noted that the Colonel, the gallant, if martinet, Cameron
of Fassiefern, who fell at Quatre Bras, gave great encouragement to his
pipers, especially as regards the specially Highland airs and the high-class
music (Ceol Mor). Colonel Greenhill Gardyne attributes to this the fact
that " all pipers in the Gordons are still taught to play Piobaireachd, "
and that the ancient and characteristically Highland class of pipe music
is still played every day under the windows of the officers quarters before
dinner.
The Gordons have enjoyed the services of one particular family of
hereditary ear-pipers, the Stewarts. They came from Perthshire, where
one of them was a piper to the Duke of Atholl, while his brother, known as
" Piper Jamie," crossed the hills into the Parish of Kirkmichael, Banffshire
— the cradle of a remarkable military family, the Gordons of Croughly —
where seven sons were born to him. All of these strapping fellows entered
the Aberdeenshire Militia, now the 3rd Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders,
six of them becoming pipers. The best known of these was the eldest,
Donald (1849-1913), who migrated to New Deer, Aberdeenshire, and was
known all over Scotland as a champion piper. The family has been supplying
pipers to the Gordons for more than half a century.
No doubt modern battles are not won by deeds of individual daring
such as these pipers have achieved, but they are won in terms of the spirit
which makes such conduct possible, for it is just the little things, the train
of tradition, the idiosyncracies of uniform, and the rest of it, which go to
form that esprit de corps which has made the kilted regiments famous the
world over.
TO THE LION RAMPANT
By Alice C. Macdonell of Keppoch
Did ye hear the light feet marching,
Marching down the birchclad glen ?
Did ye see the pipers' streamers,
Floating free behind the men ?
Did ye hear the brave tunes ringing,
As they swung the drones on high ?
Did ye watch the rythm of the kilt,
Did ye hear the war march die ?
Behind the sharp bend of the road,
Beyond the wild Ben Nevis range :
The strains of Donald Dubh again,
Bore out the clans to battles strange.
But, it's O ! our tears ran sorely,
As they left the Scottish shore ;
For who'd come back, and who would see
Lochaber's wooded braes no more ?
Only the Lord of Hosts could tell,
And the wae heart's own prophetic knell.
Did ye see the brave lads smiling,
As they drew their bonnets' down,
With the shortened breath indrawn and tight,
The flashing eyes, the steadfast frown ?
Did ye hear the whistling shot and shell,
That swept the kilted foremost ranks
228
TO THE LION RAMPANT 229
Like the snow wind's call before its fall,
As clouds lie piled in fleecy banks ?
Ah ! no, t'was not the keen gust bite,
That reddens cheeks with healthful glow,
Nor the hissing as the shapnel fell
The sound of melting driving snow.
Did ye hear the war pipes calling,
Like the mavis, in the van,
'Mid the thunder of the battle storm,
To the valour of each Scottish man ?
The blood call of the march they knew,
With bayonet charge was answered true.
O ! Piper lads ! 0 ! Piper lads !
What magic woven spell
Amergin breathed within your reeds,
Is not for mortal voice to tell.
The wizard winds thro' reed and drone,
The soul draws on to follow after
To splendid heights of hero fame,
Or, spellbound, led to grim disaster.
Great Fingal heard beyond the hills
Your quivering grace notes heavenward soar ;
Old Ossian followed in a dream
The " Broom of Peril " 1 Oscar bore.
Blow softly, then, 0 ! Piobaireachd's wail,
Or loud and bold, to stir the heart ;
No music stirs as yours can stir,
Wild glamour of the fairies Art.
Did ye hear the war pipes shrilling,
Out beyond the German lines,
1 " The Broom of Peril," the banner borne by Oscar in battle.
23o THE PIPES OF WAR
Where the gallant soldiers pressing on,
Drove home their charge, despite the mines ?
Did ye see yon brave lad casting
His broken pipes aside,
As he plunged among the German lines
To do his part what'er betide ?
Did ye watch the tartans pouring down
From hill, and trench, and sweep
The cruel Teuton from the field,
Like herds of driven sheep ?
Did ye hear the shot that echoed,
Till it reached a woodland lone ?
Did ye see the mother's auld grey plaid.
Wrapped round her mourning head ? — Ochone !
Did ye see the tears that dropped like rain.
For the lads we ne'er may see again ?
0 ! Piper lads ! 0 ! Piper lads !
What magic woven spell
Amergin breathed within your reeds,
Is not for mortal voice to tell.
The wizard winds thro' reed and drone,
The soul draws on to follow after,
To splendid heights of hero fame,
Or, spellbound, led to grim disaster.
Great Fingal heard beyond the hills,
Your quivering grace notes heavenward soar ;
Old Ossian followed in a dream
The " Broom of Peril " Oscar bore.
Blow softly, then, 0 ! Piobaireachd's wail,
Or loud and bold, to stir the heart ;
No music stirs as yours can stir,
Wild glamour of the fairies Art.
TO THE LION RAMPANT 231
True hearts, as ever ready, to guard their native land,
O ! Scotland's sons are bonnie, and Scotland's sons are grand.
True hearts that never failed her yet, to-day as yester year,
O ! Scotia rouse thine echoes, with one resounding cheer.
Let the Lion Rampant proudly raise his head on cloth of gold,
For the deeds of valour done to-day, in pages yet untold.
Gay Gordon lads, brave Seaforths, Black Watch and Camerons tell,
What steeled your dauntless hearts to face that living screen of hell !
The pipes of Loos, of Mons, of far and distant Dardanelles,
That spake in Gaelic tones to each who dared those deadly shells.
The old time slogan of the race, the spell that cannot fail,
" A chlanna nan gaidhcal ! A Manna nan, Gaidheal!
Guillain ri Guillain a cheile ! " 1
1 " Sons of the Gael shoulder to shoulder."
THE MUSIC OF BATTLE
By Philip Gibbs
Through all the days and the years in which I served as a war-correspondent
on the Western Front, it was seldom that I did not hear, from near by or
from afar, the music of the pipes. It was a sound which belonged to the
great orchestra of life in the war zone, rising above the deep rumble of
distant guns, travelling ahead of marching columns up the long roads to
Arras or Bapaume, wailing across the shell craters of that desert which
stretched for miles over the battlefields of Flanders, and coming to one's
ears like elfin music through the dead woods above the Somme. Before
every big battle the skirl of the pipes went with the traffic of war and guns
surging forward to the fighting-lines. For in every big battle there were
Scottish troops and their pipers played them on to the fields of honour,
and played them out again when their ranks had been thinned by heroic
sacrifice. This music had an inspiring influence not only on the Scottish
troops themselves, whose spirits rose to the sound of it when, after long
marching, their feet were leaden on the hard roads and their shoulders
ached to the burden of their packs, but also on English troops who were
in their neighbourhood, and on their way to the same battlegrounds. For
though an Englishman cannot, as a rule, distinguish one tune from another —
does not indeed believe that the pipes play any tune — there is something in
the rhythm, in the long drawn notes, in the soul singing out of those " wind-
bags," so he calls them, which in some queer magic way, stirs the blood of
a man, whoever he may be, and stiffens the slackening fibre of his heart,
and takes him out of the rut of his earth to some higher plane of thought,
and gives him courage. It is an Englishman who writes this, but I am sure
232
THE MUSIC OF BATTLE 233
of it, for many times in dark days of war I have been taken up by the sad-
ness and the gladness of the pipes, borne by the breeze across the fields of
war.
The 15th (Scottish) Division were special friends of mine, and I remember,
years ago now, how I saw them marching through Bethune on their way
to the battle of Loos, where they fought their first big fight in September
of '15. Through the Grand-Place of Bethune, not yet wrecked by shell-
fire, they came marching with their guns. Snow was falling on the steel
helmets of the men and clinging to the long hair of their goat-skin coats.
It was a grim scene, and away beyond the city of Bethune there was the
ceaseless thunder of bombardment over the enemy lines. But above this
noise, like a heavy sea breaking against rocks, rose the music of the Scottish
pipers playing their men forward. One pipe band stood in the Square, and
its waves of stirring sound clashed against the gabled houses, and I remember
how all our English gunners, riding with their heads bent against the storm,
turned in their saddles to look at the pipers as they passed and seemed
warmed a little by the spirit of that Scottish march.
The 15th Division went into battle with their pipers, while the Londoners
of the 47th had to be content with mouth-organs and sing " Who's your lady
friend ? " on the way to Loos through storms of shell-fire. The 10th Gordons
were the first into the village of Loos, and some of them went away to the Cite
St. Auguste — and never came back. It was an unlucky battle and cost us
dearly, but it proved the immense valour of our men, who were wonderful.
The pipers played under fire and some of them were badly wounded, but there
were enough left to play again when the Scots were relieved and came out,
all muddy and bloody, with bandaged heads and arms, to small villages
like Mazingarbe and Heuchin, where I saw Sir John French, then Commander-
in-Chief, riding about on a white horse, and bending over his saddle to
speak to small groups of Jocks, thanking them for their gallant deeds.
In the early battles of the Somme there were many Scottish battalions
of the 3rd and 9th and 15th Divisions, fighting up by Longueval and Bazen-
tin and Delville Wood, where they suffered heavy losses under the frightful
fire of German guns. The South African Scottish were but a thin heroic
234 THE PIPES OF WAR
remnant when they staggered out of the infernal fire of " Devil's Wood,"
and the men of the 15th Division who captured Longueval left many of
their comrades behind. That was one of the finest exploits of the war,
and they were led forward by their pipers, who went with them into the
thick of the battle. It was to the tune of " The Campbells are Coming "
that the Argyll and Sutherlands went forward, and that music which I
had once heard up the slopes of Stirling Castle when the King was there,
was heard now with terror by the German soldiers. The pipers screamed
out the Charge, the most awful music to be heard by men who have the
Highlanders against them, and with fixed bayonets and hand grenades
they stormed the German trenches, where there were many machine-gun
emplacements, and dug-outs so strong that no shell could smash them.
There was long and bloody fighting, and in Longueval village, across which
the Highlanders dug a trench, the enemy put down a barrage, yard by
yard, so that it was churned up by heavy shells. On that day of July
20, 1916, I met the Scots marching out of that place. They came across
broken fields where old wire lay tangled and old trenches cut up the ground,
and there was the roar of gun-fire about us. Some of our batteries were firing
with terrific shocks of sound which made mule teams plunge and tremble,
and struck sharply across the thunder of masses of guns firing along the
whole line of battle. At the time there was a thick summer haze
about, and on the ridges were the black vapours of shell bursts, and all the
air was heavy with smoke. It was out of this that the Highlanders came
marching. They brought their music with them, and the pipes of war were
playing a Scottish love-song :
I lo'e nae laddie but ane,
An' he lo'es nae lassie but me.
Their kilts were caked with mud, and stained with mud and filth, but the
men were splendid, marching briskly with a fine pride in their eyes. Officers
and men of other regiments watched them pass, as men who had fought
grandly, so that the dirtiest of them there and the humblest of these Jocks
was a fine gentlemen and worthy of Knighthood.
THE MUSIC OF BATTLE 235
Many of them wore German helmets and grinned beneath them. One
brawny young Scot had the cap of a German staff officer cocked over his ear.
One machine-gun section brought down two German machine-guns besides
their own. They were dog-tired, but they held their heads up, and the
pipers who had been with them blew out their bags bravely, though hard-
up for wind, and the Scottish love-song rang out across the fields — whatever
its words, it was, I think, a love-song for the dear dead they had left behind
them.
During the battle of Arras in April of 1917 there was always a wonderful
pageant of men in that old city which had been under fire since October
in the first year of war and was badly wounded, with many of its ancient
houses utterly destroyed, but still a city with streets through which men
could march, and buildings in which they could find comfortable, but unsafe
billets. It was the headquarters of the battle which lasted in the fields out-
side by Monchy Hill and by Fampoux and Roeux, Wancourt and Havinel
until the end of May. Arras is a city built above deep tunnels and vaults
made in the Middle Ages when the stone was quarried out of them to build
the houses, and lengthened and strengthened by our own engineers and
tunnellers, so that our men could live in them under the heaviest shell-fire,
and march through them to the German lines. Above, in the old squares
and streets, in houses still standing between gulfs of ruin, several of our
Divisional generals and some of our battalion commanders established
their headquarters, and when the first fierce shelling eased off — though it
never ceased until the last German retreat in the autumn of 1918 — the
streets were always filled with a surging traffic of men and mules and guns
and motor lorries. Many Scottish battalions of the 15th and 51st Divisions
among others were quartered here, and on one historic day there were as-
sembled no less than five pipe bands in full strength, who played up and
down one of the Squares amidst crowds of fighting men of English and
Scottish regiments. I remember one such day when the pipers of the 8/ioth
Gordons, commanded then by Colonel Thorn, were playing in the square.
The Colonel had a proud light in his eyes as the tune, " Highland Laddie,"
swelled up to the gables and filled the open frontages of the gutted houses.
236 THE PIPES OF WAR
Snowflakcs fell lightly on the steel hats of the Scots standing in a hollow
square, and mud was splashed to the khaki aprons over their kilts as they
smiled at the fine swagger of the pipe-major and the thump of the drum-
sticks ; an old woman danced a jig to the pipes, holding her skirt above
her skinny legs. She tripped up to a group of Scottish officers and spoke
quick shrill words to them. "What does the old witch say? " asked a laugh-
ing Gordon. She had something particular to say. In 1870 she had heard
the pipes in Arras. They were played by prisoners from South Germany,
and as a young girl she had danced to them. It seemed to me a link between
two strange chapters of history in the city of Arras which had been crowded
with the ghosts of history since those days when Julius Caesar had his camp
outside its walls on the very ground — at Etrun — where our Scottish troops
had their huts.
The pipes of Scotland sounded in many villages of France and Flanders,
where for all time the wail of them will come down the wind to the ears
of men who hear with the spirit. They were played not only in the roads
and fields, but often at night in farmhouses where Highland officers had
their messes, or in cottages where some battalion headquarters were estab-
lished or in old houses within city walls where there was a feast or a guest
night. It was my privilege to spend some of those evenings, when down the
long table in a narrow room the pipers marched, solemnly standing behind
the guest's chair and playing old dances and marches of Bonnie Scotland.
Then the colonel would offer the pipe-major a glass of whisky, which he
would raise high, toasting the health of the officers in Gaelic. After that,
on many a good evening in a bad war, the tables would be cleared, and the
young officers would dance an eightsome reel, with laughter and simulated
passion, and shrill cries of challenge and triumph which stirred a stranger's
soul. Or the pipers themselves would be asked to give a dance, and in
stocking feet on bare boards, dance as lightly as gossamer and as nimbly
as Nifinsky the Russian, though big, brawny men. In small rooms the
music of the pipes was loud — too loud for any but Scottish ears — and it
was hard on a French " padre " who was trying to sleep upstairs in one
small cottage, with thin walls and cracks between old timbers of the ceiling,
THE MUSIC OF BATTLE 237
while downstairs late into the night the pipers played merrily for those who
would fight in the next battle, near at hand. The effect of such pipe-music
within four walls was prodigious on a French officer whom I took one night
to the mess of the 8/ioth Gordons. The full pipe-band marched in as usual,
and I saw my friend open his eyes wide and stare with amazement at this
apparition. When they stood behind his chair playing lustily, so that the
very glasses quaked on the table, he became very pale, and after the second
" strathspey " I saw him collapse in his chair in a dead swoon. The Gordons
thought this a fine tribute to their pipers. They enjoyed the incident justly
though full of consideration for the French officer. He explained to me
after the symptoms that overcame him. " I felt," he said, " enormous
waves rolling up to me and passing over me ; my heart beat wildly, and
vivid colours rushed past my eyes. Then I knew no more ! " Nothing
would induce him to suffer such musical agony again.
I shall always remember one piper I saw in the ruins of the Chateau of
Caulaincourt. How he came there, or why he stayed there, I do not know,
because few of our troops were in the neighbourhood, and the place was
a desert. The chateau had been a vast place, with high walls and terraces
and out-houses, but the whole place had been hurled into ruin by the Ger-
mans on their first retreat in the spring of 1917. They had opened the
family vaults and pillaged the coffins, and I remember being struck by the
pathos of a little marble tablet I saw on a refuse heap, to which it had been
flung. On it were the words in French, " The heart of Madame la Marquise
de Caulaincourt." Poor dead heart of Madame la Marquise ! In life it
would have broken at the sight of all this ruin. But there, quite alone, on
the central avalanche of stones, stood a Scottish piper playing a lament.
... I heard from other officers that he was seen there later, still alone,
and still playing his pipes, but why we could not tell.
The last time I heard the pipes was at the end of the war. They were
playing Scottish troops over a bridge across the Rhine, at Cologne, and at
the journeys' end of all that long and tragic way through which our men
had fought with heroism, through frightful fire, with dreadful losses, until
victory was theirs, final and complete. Along those roads the pipes of war
238 THE PIPES OF WAR
went playing, month after month, year after year, from one battle to an-
other, and in their music for ever, as long as remembrance of this war lasts,
there will be the tears and the tragedy and the triumph, reminding the world
of all that gallant youth of Scotland which fought in France.
THE PIPES IN THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF THE WAR
By Arthur Fetterless
I do not think any one can write with greater pleasure than I for the Pipers'
Record. My only regret is that, personally, I never chanced to see the
pipes go into direct action. I know that, in the earlier stages of the war,
and in a few celebrated cases later, the pipes went into the charge,
but I had not the good fortune to be present on one of these occasions.
Others, however, will have written of these things, and I do not think I
can do better than speak of events actually known to myself relating to the
pipes and the pipers in the general life of the war.
The pipes ! Ah ! No memories of the great war will ever be complete
to any member of a Highland regiment without the recollection of the pipes,
for they are unquestionably the finest battle instrument ever created.
They mourned with us in hours of sorrow. They cheered us in hours of
weariness. They played gaily in hours of rest and merriment.
Back in billets, in ruined villages, half the battalion would turn out to
hear " Retreat " played by the pipe-band. It was one of the events of the
day, in the summer in the sweltering heat of the dust-laden huts behind
the front-line, in the winter in the dank cold mid the seas of mud, in the
midst of which the pipers played upon an island that was sometimes almost
a floating raft.
At these times the rumble of the guns was overwhelmed, and the horrors
of war and the atmosphere were for a little time forgotten. And the fact
that the pipes were the pride of the battalion was evident from the remarks
of the men, if several Highland battalions were billeted together.
" Your pipes are no* a patch on ours ! "
239
24o THE PIPES OF WAR
" Aw, away wi' ye, look at yer big drum ; he canna twirl his sticks
above Iris heid."
" Umph ! We've got a pipe-major, onyhoo."
" Aye." A grudging admission.
Such remarks were of the everyday talk of the men who heard the pipes.
Again, at the periodical meetings and games of Highland brigades, the
massed bands of the battalions were always there playing a mighty skirl.
There were, of course, piping competitions in conjunction with competitions
in Highland dancing and sport.
All these occasions did much to rob modern war of its dismal character,
and bring back something of the glamour of arms, and the glory of strong
men.
But enough of general remarks. I wish to write of five typical scenes
from the life of the war relating to pipes and the pipers.
********
In the first I am standing at the entrance to one of the low dug-outs,
covered over with turf, which used to lie, and perhaps still exist, a few
hundred yards from the Cafe Beige up the road to Ypres. Most people who
fought in that sector found a billet in them at some time, or knew them —
filthy they were.
Overhead a couple of aeroplanes are hovering, very high up. An occa-
sional shell can be heard, coming from a long distance away, with a rolling
noise. The shells are probably 9-inch or perhaps larger, and they are burst-
ing with crash and splash in the fields around or near the road.
From the direction of the Cafe Beige I see a company of men in kilts
advancing, men heavily laden with all the usual impedimenta of packs,
rifles, etc. They look, in the distance, tired and grim, and in formation they
are straggling, owing to the appallingly muddy state of the road.
A shell bursts in the field to the left of the road along which they are
coming. There is a heavy cloud of smoke, and streams of mud and slime
are spued upwards and around. For a moment the leader seems to hesitate,
and the party halts. Then they move on again.
Suddenly there is a sound as of tuning up, and two pipers commence
THE PIPES IN THE WAR 241
to play. The advancing men steady in formation and come slogging through
the mud, with step almost rhythmic to the music.
" Crash ! " Another shell bursts nearer them, splashing some of the
platoon with mud. The pipes play on.
" Crash ! " A third shell bursts short of them.
The pipes play on, and the men march steadily past to the music of the
pipes. They cover another hundred yards, and a shell bursts in the road
where the platoon were marching a few seconds before. I say to myself,
" Thank God, they got through in time."
As I look back it seems to me that that was not too bad an example
of steadiness of pipers and men under dangerous fire. But of course it was
all just an everyday sort of thing— a few men relieving trenches with a
couple of pipers to cheer them on the way up — part of the everyday life of
war.
The pipes only began to play after the shelling broke out.
My second scene is an incident taken from life in France. I think the
pipes did their share in fostering the entente, and the arrival of Highland
battalions with their pipe-bands marching in front did much to engrave
in the hearts of the French people memories which will be carried on from
generation to generation.
In this second scene I stood at the entrance to a French town when a
very famous battalion entered the main street marching to attention, with
pipe-band playing. It was the first Scottish battalion to enter that town.
Near me stood a little girl in a white dress. Her face, on seeing the
band, first expressed astonishment. The expression changed to pleased
interest, and finally she burst into gleeful smiles.
As the band came near her she danced along beside the pipers, a
beautiful golden-haired child, supremely happy.
The people standing around cheered and waved with French enthusiasm.
To them undoubtedly, in one of the darkest hours of the war — those magni-
ficent men and the music of the pipes bore a message of hope and deter-
mination, with the promise of ultimate victory.
242 THE PIPES OF WAR
To any people who are inclined to be supercilious about pipe-music,
the recollection of the unfeigned pleasure of a beautiful child on hearing
the pipes for the first time has often seemed to me to supply an answer.
Those who cannot understand pipe-music might be able to do so if they
were ready to receive it in the same simple spirit.
About the end of October 1915 the trenches on Hill 60 in front of Ypres,
were in a particularly sodden state. The rotting sandbags which formed
the parapets were a mass of oozing earth, continually being scattered by
shell-fire and rebuilt again by the toilsome labours of mud-covered " Jocks."
The Hun sniper, too, was exceptionally vigilant in these parts, and, as
he had the advantage of ground and of enfilade fire from several points,
to put a head above the parapet in daylight meant almost certain death.
Men also were being continually wounded and killed while passing along
the trenches at points where the parapet had become too low, and it had not
been possible to build it up quickly enough.
As the combined result of shell-fire, sniping, and the bad state of the
trenches, the amount of work which could be done in daylight was small.
Repairs were done at night. There were also, on account of these difficulties
and others, very few loop-holes available, so that, excepting through peri-
scopes, the average man saw very little of the enemy. He scarcely ever
got a shot at him by day. I suppose it was the result of all these things
put together which created the scene.
On a very dull morning a party of Seaforths were gathered in a bay of
one of the trenches. I was round the traverse in the next ba}'. One of
the party of men was on sentry duty with a periscope ; the rest were cleaning
rifles.
Owing to the dullness of the day, mud and filth, the ensemble was dismal.
Suddenly there sounded from the direction of Sanctuary Wood the music of
pipes playing. Why they were playing then, or where exactly they were
playing, I have never known, but there certainly floated across to the
dismal trenches the music of " Horo, My Nut Brown Maiden."
To us in the trenches the distant music sounded perfectly glorious, and
THE PIPES IN THE WAR 243
the burdens of the hour were for a time lifted away. That the men found it
so was evident from their action.
Everybody knows the soldier's version which runs to the same air,
and it apparently struck the fancy of the men as applicable to the occasion,
for there burst forth from the adjoining bay a cheerful chorus :
" Aa canna see the tairget,
Aa canna see the tairget,
Oh, aa canna see the tairget,
It's owre far awa."
The last line was converted by one of the chorus party into the line :
" For Jerry he's owre fly."
On looking round the corner of the traverse I saw the concert-party
incredibly cheerful, and entirely oblivious of war, mud or danger, for the
pipes had asserted their sway.
There are many marches which the pipers made, including marches to
battle, of which I might write, but I think my second last reminiscence
had best be taken from the journey of the conquering Second Army which
tramped from Ypres to the Rhine on the last great triumphal march.
Of the 250 miles odd which the Army covered, I am certain that the
pipers of my battalion piped at least a good half, perhaps more.
What could we have done without them on that march ? As we tramped
through village after village and town after town, neath welcome banners
and cheering crowds, men wearied with marching, not always too amply
rationed, yet swung forward with assured tread to the lilt of the pipes through
every village and town.
Welcoming bands played the Marseillaise, the Brabanconne, and the
British Anthem, and the crowds shouted their " Vive les Allies," etc. The
pipes played their regimental and national marches in return, and if inter-
communication through language was not perfect, yet there was complete
accord through music.
244 THE PIPES OF WAR
Undoubtedly, on that never-to-be-forgotten march, the pipes were indis-
pensable.
********
The last scene is taken from Germany. Perhaps I should speak of
massed bands parading in the main squares and streets of the great towns
of the Rhine, bringing home to the Hun as forcibly as in any way the destruc-
tion of his ill-judged schemes ; or perhaps I should speak of the pipers on
some of the great occasions — presentations of medals, presentations of
colours, etc.
I prefer to write of a very simple event. Happening where it did, it
seemed so homely.
I was riding through a forest not far from Cologne when I heard the
music of pipes. I turned off the road and proceeded along a pathway which
led to a green sward in the forest.
There I saw a solitary piper marching slowly up and down playing a
lament. His loneliness seemed to me to symbolise two things — the com-
pleteness of victory, and the detachment of the conquerors. The music
sounded very beautiful among the trees.
I did not interrupt the piper, but if I know anything at all of piping,
I am sure that that piper in the forest felt for a little while almost as if he
were treading his native heath again, and dreamt of the Highland hills and
forests from which he had come.
After all, in Germany, we were strangers in a strange land and not wishing
to stay there. Having done our work, we said in our hearts, " let us away ! "
for the Huns will always be Hunnish. But we are Highland, and the pipes
are calling us home.
********
Beat on drums ; let the pipes play and the banners be unfurled for every
triumphal march that shall be. But when the marches are played let us
never forget that every march has grown more glorious by the war and the
blood of the men who fell ; that every march has woven around it a thousand
memories of life and death, of hardship, of danger, and of victory.
In days to come we will remember — to battle we went by that march ;
THE PIPES IN THE WAR 245
to Longueval we went by that march ; and from Loos we came by that one.
And for every battle march that the pipers play, we know that a million
feet and more have marched to its song.
That record of great work — that, with death and other things they did
not count — that is the Pipers' Record.
THE OLDEST AIR IN THE WORLD
By Neil Munro
Col Maclean, on two sticks, and with tartan trousers on, came down
between the whins to the poles where the nets were drying, and joined the
Trosdale folk in the nets' shade. 'Twas the Saturday afternoon ; they were
frankly idling, the township people — except that the women knitted, which
is a way of being indolent in the Islands — and had been listening for an
hour to an heroic tale of the old sea-robber days from Patrick Macneill,
the most gifted liar in the parish. A little fire of green wood burned to keep
the midges off, and it was hissing like a gander.
" Take your share of the smoke and let down your weariness, darling,"
said one of the elder women, pushing towards the piper a herring firken.
Nobody looked at his sticks nor his dragging limb — not even the children ;
had he not been a Gael himself Maclean might have fancied his lameness
was unperceived. He bitterly knew better, but pushed his sticks behind
the nets as he seated himself, and seated, with his crutches absent, he was
a fellow to charm the eye of maid or sergeant-major.
" Your pipes might be a widow, she's so seldom seen or heard since you
came home," said one of the fishermen.
" And that's the true word," answered Col Maclean. " A widow indeed,
without her man ! Never in all my life played I piob mhor but on my feet
and they jaunty ! I'll never put a breath again in sheep-skin. If they had
only blinded me ! "
There was in the company, Margaret, daughter of the bailie ; she had
been a toddling white-haired child when Col went to France, and had to
be lifted to his knees ; now she got up on them herself at a jump,
246
THE OLDEST AIR IN THE WORLD 247
and put her arms round his neck, tickling him with her fingers till he
laughed.
" Oh bold one ! Let Col be ! " her mother commanded ; " thou wilt
spoil his beautiful tartan trews."
" It is Col must tell a story now," said the little one, thinking of the
many he used to tell her before he became a soldier.
" It is not the time for wee folks stories," said the mother ; " but maybe
he will tell us something not too bloody for Sunday's eve about the Wars."
Col Maclean, for the first time, there and then, gave his tale of The
Oldest Air in the World.
" I was thinking to myself," said he, " as I was coming through the
whins there, that even now, in creeks of the sea like this, beside their nets
adrying, there must be crofter folk in France, and they at ceilidh like your-
selves, telling of tales and putting to each other riddles."
" Ubh ! ubh ! It is certain there are no crofters in France, whatever,"
said William-the-Elder. "It is wine they drink in France, as I heard tell
from the time I was the height of a Lome shoe, and who ever heard of
crofters drinking wine ? "
" Wherever are country people and the sea beside them to snatch a
meal from, you will find the croft," insisted Col the piper. " They have the
croft in France, though they have a different name for it from ours, and
I'll wager the bulk of the land they labour is as bare as a bore's snout, for
that is what sheep and deer have left in Europe for the small spade-farmer."
" Did'st see the crofting lands out yonder ? " asked Margaret's mother.
" No," said the piper ; " but plenty I saw of the men they breed there ;
I ate with them, and marched with them, and battled at their side, for we
were not always playing the pipes, we music-fellows.
" And that puts me in mind of a thing — there is a people yonder, over
in France, that play the bagpipe — they call them Brettanach — the Bretons.
They are the same folk as ourselves though kind of Frenchmen too, wine-
drinking, dark and Papist. Race, as the old-word says, goes down to the
rock, and you could tell at the first glance of a Brettanach that he was
248 THE PIPES OF WAR
kin to us though a kilt was never on his loins, and not one word in his head
of the Gaelic language. Tis history ! Someway — some time — far back —
they were sundered from us, the Brettanach, and now have their habitation
far enough from Albyn of the mountains, glens and heroes. Followers of
the sea, fishermen or farmers ; God-fearing, good hard drinkers, in their
fashion — many a time I looked at one and said to myself, ' There goes a
man of Skye or Lewis ! ' "
" And the girls of them ? " said Ranald Gorm, with a twinkle of the eyes.
" You have me there ! " said Col. " I never saw woman-kind of the
Brettanach ; the war never went into their country, and the Bretons I
saw were in regiments of the army, far enough from home like myself, in
the champagne shires where they make the wine.
" We came on them first in a town called Corbie, with a church so grand
and spacious a priest might bellow his head off and never be heard by the
poor in the seats behind. 'Twas on a week-day, a Mass was making ; that
was the first and last time ever I played pipes in the House of God,
and faith ! that not by my own desiring. 'Twas some fancy of the priests,
connived between them and the Cornal. Fifteen of us marched the flag-
stones of yon kirk of Corbie playing ' Fingal's Weeping.' "
" A good brave tune ! " remarked the bailie.
" A brave tune, and a bonny ! Til warrant yon one made the rafters
shiver ! The kirk was filled with a corps of the tribe I mention — the Bre-
tannach — and they at their Papist worshipping ; like ourselves, just country
folk that would sooner be at the fishing or the croft than making warfare.
" My eye fell, in particular, on a fellow that was a sergeant, most des-
perate like my uncle Sandy — so like I could have cried across the kirk to
him ' Oh uncle ! what do ye do so far from Salen ? ' The French, for or-
dinary, are black as sloes, but he was red, red, a noble head on him like
a bullock, an eagle nose, and a beard cut square and gallant.
" When the kirk spilled out its folk, they hung awhile about the burial-
yard as we do ourselves in Trosdale, spelling the names on the head-stones,
gossiping, and by-and-bye slipped out, I doubt not, to a change-house for
a dram, and all the pipers with them except myself."
DUNIQUAICH, LOCH FYNE
From the Water-colour Drawing by George Houston, A.R.S.A.
I
THE OLDEST AIR IN THE WORLD 249
" God bless me! " cried Ronald Gorm.
" Believe it or not, but I hung back and sought my friend the red one.
He was sitting all his lone on a slab in the strangers' portion of the grave-
yard, under yews, eating bread and onion and sipping wine from his flask
of war. Now the droll thing is that though I knew he had not one word
of Christian Gaelic in his cheek, 'twas the Gaelic I must speak to
him.
" ' Just man,' says I to him. ' Health to you and a hunter's hunger !
I was looking at you yonder in the kirk, and a gentleman more like my
clansman Sandy Ruadh of Salen is surely not within the four brown borders
of the world nor on the deeps of ocean. Your father must have come from
the Western Isles, or the mother of you been wandering.'
" Of all I said to him he knew but the one word that means the same
thing, as they tell me, in all Celtdom — eaglais. To his feet got the French-
man, stretched out to me his bread and wine, with a half-laugh on him
most desperate like Uncle Sandy, and said eaglais too, with a nourish of the
heel of his loaf at the kirk behind him to show he understood that, anyway.
We sat on the slab, the pair of us, my pipes stretched out between us, and
there I assure, folk, was the hour of conversation ! "
" But if you could not speak each other's tongue ? " said a girl.
" Tach! two men of the breed with a set of pipes between them can
always follow one another. Tis my belief if I stood his words on end and
could follow them backwards they would be good Gaelic of Erin. The better
half of our speech was with our hands ; he had not even got the English ;
and most of the time we talked pipe-music, as any man can do that's fit
to pucker his lips and whistle. The Breton people canntarach tunes too,
like ourselves — soft-warbling them to fix them in the memory, and blyth
that morning was our warbling ; he could charm, my man, the very thrush
from trees ! But Herself — the piob mhor — was an instrument beyond his
fingering ; the pipes he used at home he called biornien, fashioned differently
from ours. Yet the same wind blows through reeds in France or Scotland,
and everywhere they sing of old and simple things ; you are deaf indeed if
you cannot understand.
250 THE PIPES OF WAR
" He was from the seashore — John his name — a mariner to his trade —
with a wife and seven children ; himself the son of a cooper.
" I am a good hand at the talking myself, as little Margaret here will
tell you, but his talk was like a stream in spate, and the arms of him went
flourishing like drum-sticks. Keep mind of this — that the two of us, by now,
were all alone in the kirk-yard, on a little hillock with the great big cliff
of a kirk above us, and the town below all humming with the soldiers, like
a byke of bees.
" He bade me play on the pipes at last and I put them in my oxter
and gave him ' Lochiel's awa' to France.' A fine tune ! but someway I
felt I never reached him. I tried him then with bits of ' The Bugle
Horn,' 'Take your gun to the Hill,' 'Bonnie Ann' and 'The Per-
severing Lover ; ' he beat time with a foot to them, and clapped
my shoulder, but for all that they said to him I might as well be playing
on a fiddle.
" It was only when I tried an old port-mor — " The Spoil of the Lowlands
now graze in the Glen " that his whiskers bristled, and at that said I to my-
self ' I have you Uncle Sandy ! '
" Before the light that flickered was gone from him I blew it up to a
height again with ' Come to me Kinsman !
" He was like a fellow that would be under spells !
" ' The Good Being be about me ! ' cried he, and his eyes like flambeaux,
' what tune is that ?
" You never, never, never saw a man so much uplifted !
' ' They call it,' said I, ' Come to me Kinsman,' (Thigibh a so a charaid !),
and it has the name, in the small Isles of the West, of the Oldest Air of the
World. The very ravens know it ; what is it but the cry of men in trouble ?
It's older than the cairns of Icolmkill, and cried the clans from out of the
Isles to Harlaw. Listen you well ! ' and I played it to him again— not all
the MacCrimmons that ever came from Skye could play it better ! For
grand was the day and white with sun, and to-morrow we were marching.
And many a lad of ours was dead behind us.
" When I was done, he did a droll thing then, the red fellow — put his
THE OLDEST AIR IN THE WORLD 251
arms about my shoulders and kissed me on the face ! And the beard of
him like a flaming whin !
" What must he do but learn it ? Over and over again I had to whistle
it to him till he had it to the very finish, and all the time the guns were going
in the east.
" ' If ever you were in trouble,' I said to him— though of course he
could not understand me, ' and you whistled but one blast of that air, it
is Col Maclean would be at your side though the world were staving in below
your feet like one of your father's barrels ! ' "
II
The day was done in Trosdale. Beyond the rim of the sea the sun had
slid to make a Sabbath morning further round the world, and all the sky
in the west was streaming fire. Over the flats of Heisker the light began
to wink on the Monach islets. Ebbed tide left bare sand round Kirkibost,
and the sea-birds settled on them, rising at times in flocks and eddying in
the air as if they were leaves and a wind had blow them. Curlews were
piping bitterly.
Behind the creek where the folk were gathered on the sea-pinks, talking,
Trosdale clachan sent up the reek of evening fixes, and the bairns were being
cried in from the fields.
The Catechist, sombre fellow, already into his Sabbath, though 'twas
only Saturday nine o' the clock, came through the whins and cast about
him a glance for bagpipes. He had seen Maclean's arrival with misgiving.
A worthy man, and a face on him like the underside of a two-year skate-
fish.
Col Maclean turned on him a visage tanned as if it had been in the
cauldron with the catechu of the barking nets.
" Take you a firken too, and rest you, Catechist," said he. " You see
I have not my pipes to-night, but I'm at sgeulachd."
But the Catechist sat not ; and leaning against a net-pole sighed.
" 'Twas two years after that," said Col, again into the rapture of his
252 THE PIPES OF WAR
story, " when my regiment went to the land of wine, where we battled beside
the French. I assure you we did nobly ! nobly ! Nor, on the soul of me !
were the Frenchmen slack ! "
" The French," ventured Patrick Macneill, " are renowned in story for
all manly parts. Oh King ! 'tis they have suffered ! "
" Tis myself, just man, that is not denying it ! We were yonder in
a land like Keppoch desolate after the red cock's crowing. The stars them-
selves, that are acquaint with grief, and have seen great tribulation in the
dark of Time would sicken at the sight of it ! Nothing left of the towns
but larochs — heaps of lime and rubble where the rat made habitation, and
not one chimney reeking in a hundred miles. Little we ken of trees here in
the Islands, but they were yonder planted thick as bracken and cut down
to the stump the way you would be cutting winter kail. And the fields
that the country folk had laboured ! — were the Minch drained dry, the
floor of it would seem no likelier place for cropping barley or for pasturing
goats.
" There was a day of days, out yonder, that we mixed up with the
French and cleared the breadth of a parish of am boche, who was ill to shift.
But the mouth of the night brought him back on us most desperate altogether,
and half we had gained by noon was lost by gloaming.
" Five score and ten of our men were missing at the roll-call.
" The Comal grunted. ' Every man of them out of Lewis ! ' says he ;
' they're either dead or wandered. Go you out Col Maclean with your
beautiful, lovely, splendid pipes, and gather at least the living.'
" Not one morsel of meat had I eaten for twenty hours, and the inside
of me just one hole full of hunger, but out went Col and his pipes to herd-
ing !
" Oh King of the Elements ! but that was the night most foul, with
the kingdom of France a rag for wetness, and mire to the hose-tops. Rain
lashed ; a scourging wind whipped over the country, and it was stinking
like a brock from tatters that had been men. The German guns were pelting
it, the sound of them a bellow no more broken than the roar on skerries
at Martinmas, the flash of them in the sky like Merry Dancers.
THE OLDEST AIR IN THE WORLD 253
" I got in a while to the length of a steading with a gable standing ;
tuned up piob mhor and played the gathering. They heard me, the lads —
the living of them ; two-over-twenty of them came up to me by the gable,
with no more kenning of what airt they were in than if a fog had found
them midway on the Long Ford of Uist. I led them back to King George's
furrows where our folk were, and then, mo chreach ! when we counted them,
one was missing !
" ' It is not a good herd you are, Maclean,' said the Comal, ' you will
just go back and find Duncan Ban ; he's the only man in the regiment I
can trust to clean my boots.'
" So back went Col in search of Duncan."
" Oh lad ! weren't you the gallant fellow ! " cried Margaret's mother,
adoring.
" I was that, I assure you ! If it were not the pipes were in my arm-pit
like a girl, my feet would not keep up on me the way I would be pelting
any other road than the way I had to go. But my grief ! I never got my
man, nor no man after ever found him. I went to the very ditches where
am boche was lying, and 't was there that a light went up that made the
country round about as white-bright as the day, and I in the midst of it
with my pipes in hand. They threw at me grey lead as if it had been gravel,
and I fell."
" Och, a mheudail bhochd ! — Oh treasure ! " said the women of Tros-
dale all together.
" I got to my knees in a bit and crawled, as it might be for a lifetime,
one ache from head to heel, till I came to a hole as deep's a quarry where had
been the crossing of roads, and there my soul went out of me. When I
came to myself I was playing pipes and the day was on the land. The
Good Being knows what I played, but who should come out across the
plain to me but a Frenchman !
" He moved as spindrift from spindrift,
As a furious winter wind —
So swiftly, sprucely, cheerily,
Oh ! proudly,
254 THE PIPES OF WAR
Through glens and high-tops,
And no stop made he
Until he came
To the city and court of Maclean,
Maclean of the torments,
Playing his pipes."
The Catechist writhed ; the people of Trosdale shivered ; Patrick
Macneill wept softly, for Col Maclean, the cunning one, by the rhyming
trick of the ancient sennachies, had flung them, unexpected, into the giddi-
ness of his own swound, and all of them, wounded, dazed, saw the Frenchman
come like a shadow into the world of shades.
" He flung himself in the hole beside me, did the Frenchman, gave me
a sup of spirits and put soft linen to my sores, and all the time grey lead
was snarling over us.
" ' Make use of thy good hale feet, lad,' said I to him, ' and get out of
this dirty weather ! Heed not the remnants of Col Maclean. What fetched
thee hither ? '
" He put his hand on my pipes and whistled a stave of the old tune.
" ' How learned ye that ? ' I asked him.
" Although he was Brettanach he had a little of the English. ' Red
John our sergeant, peace be with him ! heard you playing it all last night,'
said he, ' took a craze at the tune of you and went out to find you, but never
came back. Then another man, peace be with him ! a cousin of John,
heard your playing and went seeking you, but he came back not either.
I heard you first, myself, no more than an hour ago, and had no sooner
got your tune into my head than it quickened me like drink, and here am
I, kinsman ! '
" ' Good lad ! ' I cried, ' all the waters in the world will not wash out
kinship, nor the Gael be forsaken while there is love and song. '
" Vain tales ! Vain tales ! " groaned the Catechist, and his face like a
skate.
THE PIPES: ONSET
(Somme, September, 1916)
By Joseph Lee, Lieut.
Dedicated to Major Angus MacGillivray.
The cry is in my ear,
The sight is in my eye,
This is the dawning of the day
That shall see me die :
What is the piper playing
That battles in my blood ? —
Winds in it ,
Waves in it,
Waters at the flood ;
Sadness in it,
Madness in it,
Weeping mists and rain — ■
What is the piper playing
That beats within my brain ?
Sobbing and throbbing
Like a soul's unrest ;
I drink his madd'ning music in
As milk at my mother's breast :
Flame in it,
Fame in it,
Love and all desire ;
255
256 THE PIPES OF WAR
The clean hills,
The clear rills,
The smouldering peat fire ;
Glances sweet,
Dancing feet,
Beating on the floor ;
Maidens fair,
Comrades rare
I shall meet no more.
The cry is in my ear,
The sight is in my eye,
This is the morning of the day
That shall see me die :
What is the piper playing
That surges in my blood ?
The soft breeze
In pine trees,
The hawthorn i' the bud ;
The lone tarn,
The golden barn,
Fields of waving grain —
What is the piper playing
That beats within my brain ?
Red war screams from his reeds
And in the thrumming drones
There lurks the lapping of men's blood,
And sobs, and dying groans :
Night in it,
Fight in it,
Wraiths of stricken men,
Ghosts of ancient clansmen
THE PIPES: ONSET 257
Sweeping down the glen ;
Life in it,
Strife in it,
Whisp'rings — it is well,
If you bear a foeman down
Right to reddest hell !
* * * *
What is the piper playing ?
For now I may not hear . . .
The glamour comes across my soul,
And the cry is in my ear.
FLESH TO THE EAGLES
By Boyd Cable
It was during the retreat of 1914 that a Highland regiment was quartered
for a night in one of the French villages, and billetted in houses, barns,
anywhere the hospitable villagers could give them room. The officers estab-
lished their Mess and quarters in " The Chateau," a big house on the out-
skirts of the village. Many of the villagers had already cleared out, but
in the Chateau the officers found the mistress of the house, her daughter,
and her servants, standing staunchly to their place ; the master of the
house being, as they were told, in the French Army.
Madame spoke English fairly well, the daughter very well — when she
did speak, which was seldom. She was a young and pretty girl of perhaps
fifteen to sixteen years of age, fresh come from a convent school, reserved,
timid and shy, in the presence of the officers almost to a point of shrinking
when they spoke to her. Yet, although they could see her shiver and blanch
at the sound of the distant grumble of the guns, she supported her mother
bravely and asserted stoutly that she was not afraid to stay, when the CO.
and some of the other officers questioned the wisdom of the household
waiting for the Germans to advance.
" Perhaps, monsieur," said Madame, " your soldiers will possible arrest
the advance before the Allemands arrive at us here. And if it is not so, it is,
after all, soldiers of the Allemands that will come, and they will not harm
women and old men and boys who make no provocation or resistance."
Unfortunately the practices of German soldiers were not then sufficiently
known to the officers to make them press their argument beyond reasonable
limits, and they gave in reluctantly to Madame's reasoning. " We cannot the
258
FLESH TO THE EAGLES 259
children and the very old to march away," she said, " and one could not go
and leave them here. Me, I stay to speak with the enemy officers and see
my people do nothing foolish. I cannot run away and leave them."
So they left it at that.
Madame gave them dinner that night in the dining-room, and it was
after dinner that one of the regimental pipers was heard parading round and
playing tune after tune. Madame and Mademoiselle were greatly interested
and asked many questions.
" But there," cried Madame at one tune, " there is the music most
fierce. It sound — "
"It is battle music, Madame," explained the CO. "Music of a war
song of the Highlands — of the Ecossais. Ask Monsieur l'Adjutant for the
words of the song."
So the Adjutant recited " The Macgregors' Gathering," with all the
fire and ardour of a fiery Scot, and a Macgregor at that. Madame sat with
brows knit, plainly struggling to follow the English words ; her daughter,
as plainly understanding them clearly, held her breath and listened spell-
bound and wondering to the words. Her head lifted and her eye lit to some
of the lines :
While there's leaves in the forest and foam on the river,
Macgregor, despite them, shall flourish for ever.
But at others, delivered with fierce emphasis and dramatic fervour, she
shrank back with quivering lip and pain on her face :
If they rob us of name and -pursue us with beagles,
Give their roofs to the flames, their flesh to the eagles.
When the Adjutant had finished and had sat down, looking a little
shame-faced at having allowed his feelings to so carry him away, Madame
and the girl spoke rapidly in French for a minute.
Then Madame shook her head. " But no," she said, " I do not like it,
this song. It is cru-el, cru-el. How says it — ' The roof to the burning,
and the bodies, the dead, the flesh, to the birds of prey. But no, that is
the war of savage."
26o THE PIPES OF WAR
The CO tried to explain to her, while the Adjutant did so even more
eagerly to the girl, that it was war of the most savage and relentless kind
that ran in those far back days in the Highlands of Scotland ; but again
Madame protested. " It is too cru-el. I do not like it that you make such
song and such music now. War, it is no more so. What is it your song
says of the burning of la maison ? " She made the Adjutant repeat the
lines and repeated after him, " Ah, m'sieu, ' Give their roof to the flames,
their flesh to the eagles.' That is, burn the shelter of the women and chil-
dren, and leave the dead unbury. You would not do that ; even the Boche
that we despise would not do this thing. It is cru-el, cru-el."
Mademoiselle said nothing, but they could all see the shrinking in her
eyes as she looked at them, the wonder if, even now, the Ecossais could
be so savage as to make such war. The Adjutant set himself to remove
such an idea of their barbarity from her mind, and with some success appar-
ently, since there was little shrinking and no more than a faint blush of
timid friendship when they said good-night and retired.
Next morning the orders came, sharp, urgent and imperative, to move
at once, and there was little time for farewells. But Madame and the girl
were both out to see them off and watch the battalion tramp by. The pipes
at their head were screaming their vengeful music, " Give their roof to the
flames, their flesh to the eagles," until the Adjutant, seeing the protesting
motion of Madame's hands to her ears, hurried to the pipers and asked them
to change the tune.
After the ebb of our retreat and the period of the Marne, came the
full flood-tide of our advance, and the sweeping forward of the French and
British over the ground the Germans had taken and held a space. As the
luck had it, the same Highland battalion came back through the same village
where they had billetted that night — or rather to the shell, the wreckage,
the remains of the same village. The men by now were coming to know
what sort of treatment had been served out to the conquered country by
the Germans, and were angry enough at some of the sights they had seen,
the tales they had heard. But the anger had been cold and impersonal until
FLESH TO THE EAGLES 261
now, when they came swinging in to this friendly spot, through the shattered
houses and streets littered with broken bottles and household goods, saw
the gaping windows to the houses, the smoke-blackened shells here and
there, the signs of pillage and wanton destruction everywhere. The cavalry
and an advance guard regiment had been through before them, but it was
plain that no fighting had taken place here, that no shell-fire had wrought
this damage, that cold-blooded " frightfulness " alone had to answer for it.
They were roused to fresh wrath by what they saw, but to a still greater
pitch of fury by the tales they heard from the quaking villagers who were
left, or who came creeping in from the fields and ditches to which they had
fled on word of approaching soldiers. The sights were no more than the
men had been seeing in any of a dozen villages passed, the tales no more than
they had heard a score of times in the past few days ; but in this village
they had been made welcome, had been treated to the best, had made quick
but happy friendships ; and they felt a personal injury and pity for the
brutally treated villagers.
The battalion halted there for an hour or so and ate their midday meal —
or rather gave it to the hungry women and children and watched them eat
— and heard fresh and more horrible tales and half-tales that were too bestial
to be told in full.
The moment the battalion had fallen out and he was free, the Adjutant
had asked the Colonel if he might go to the Chateau and make enquiries. . . .
But when he and another officer came there they found none to make
enquiries of. The house still stood, intact so far as the building itself went,
but otherwise no more than a litter of rubbish and wreckage. Every stick
of furniture that would break was broken, every crock and dish and bottle
was scattered in splinters over the floors, every curtain, blanket and sheet,
every item of bed and table linen, every piece of clothing was torn, dirtied,
and denied as completely as men and beasts could do it ; every shelf and
door and balustrade and fitting was hacked and broken and wrenched
out of place ; every room on the ground floor had been used as horses'
stables and left as foul as a stable could be ; every upper room was so
befouled that, by comparison, the places of the animals below was the cleaner.
262 THE PIPES OF WAR
The two officers hunted through the house, outside and round the out-
buildings, and found no one ; and, nauseated by what they had seen and
heart-sick at thought of the women who had been there, returned to the
village. As they entered it again they heard pipe music softly played,
and seeing down a bye-street a cluster of their men, and hearing the sound
of a woman's voice raised loud above the pipe music, they turned off and
pushed in to see what was afoot.
They found a woman in the centre of a close-pressing ring of their men,
a woman wild-eyed, with grey hair in disorder, with black and blue bruises
on her face, with her clothing torn and grimed with dirt.
" Good God ! " exclaimed the Adjutant. " Madame ! "
He thrust a way through the men to her, but when he spoke to her and
asked her to come with him, she clutched and held his wrist, and stood there
and made him — short of using force to her — stand and listen with the men.
A dozen times he tried to interrupt, but she would not be interrupted, so
at last he left her to go on with her tale and asked the other officer to go
and bring the CO.
But before the CO. came, he, like the men, was under the spell of the
woman and of her tale, was listening, like them, with his heart turning
cold and a deadly bitter anger rising in his heart. She spoke to them in
English, breaking off at times into voluble torrents of French, checking
herself and going back and repeating as best she could in English again.
But although French words and phrases and sentences were mixed through
her English, the tale was horribly plain and clear, the stories detailed and
circumstantial enough to make it evident they were desperately true.
She told of women, girls, girl-children, outraged, and afterwards, in some
cases, mutilated and bayoneted ; she told of old men and boys haled out
and stood against a wall and shot while their women were made to stand
and look on ; of one woman who refused to make coffee for the Germans
until they dipped the head of her infant in a pan of boiling water ; of another
woman who was crucified, pinned to the door with bayonets while the arm
of her child was broken and its body was flung down on the ground before
her and left there writhing ... all this and more she told, and helped
FLESH TO THE EAGLES 263
her story out with rapid gesticulations and imitative motions and sounds
of the child squirming and whining and the helpless mother wrenching at
the pinning bayonets, while the men pressed in, glowering and cursing
under breath, and behind them the pipe music skirled and wailed " roofs
to the flames, and their flesh to the eagles."
And then, lastly, she told them of herself and her daughter, the girl of
fifteen, fresh from a convent school, timid as a child and shrinking from
the look, much less the touch of a man . . . and of what they had done
to her, while they held her daughter and made her watch ; and then had
done to the daughter, while she in turn was held to see and not allowed to
look away or even close her ears to the cries. She told it all, sparing herself
and her child no word and no item of their shame ; and then — this was
just before the Colonel arrived — she paused and looked round at the ring
of savage faces about her, and lifted her two hands and shook them above
her head.
" I am French, and you are Anglais," she cried, "but I am woman and
you are men. I have told you, so that you may know the animals you fight.
I have asked your music-man will he play this song you have, that with
the music I say it to you ' Give their roofs to the flames, their flesh to the
eagles.' And if ever you have Germans soldat at your mercy, and they
cry for pity, remember this village, and its women and my daughter, and
me. Give us revanche . . . their flesh to the eagles. . . ."
The Colonel broke in here, and, finding she was not to be stopped, turned
and ordered the men away, and when they had gone, handed Madame over
to some of the village women who watched timidly from their doors. Madame
had told nothing but truth they assured him. Mademoiselle ? Ah, ma'm-
'zelle could not be seen ; she hid in a cellar and screamed hke one mad
if any entered or spoke — like mad did one say, but truly she was mad ;
and Madame scarcely less mad.1
They had one more glimpse of Madame as they marched out, a glimpse
of her standing in a door and waving and calling something to the pipers
1 All the atrocities mentioned above are not fiction but fact. Day and date, names and places can be
given for all of them.
264 THE PIPES OF WAR
as they came past. They knew or guessed what she wanted and the tune
they were playing swung abruptly into " The Gathering," and the battalion
tramped past the woman to the vengeful skirl of " . . . flesh to the
eagles."
Affairs had not gone well with the battalion, or what was left of it, through
the battle. They had been ordered to advance and take a certain position
in what was supposed to be the flank, had forced their way forward over
the open under a scourging shell-fire, had suffered heavy losses, and at last
gained the point from which they were to make the final attacking rush.
But now that they were here it seemed impossible for men to go further
and live. A stretch of open still lay before them, and this was swept with
a tornado of rifle and machine-gun fire. What was supposed to be a flank
of the enemy had become a frontal position, strongly held and evidently
meant to be bitterly defended. It was vital to the success of the day that
it should be taken, for various tactical reasons we need not touch here.
The Colonel had passed the word through his officers and N.C.O.'s of what
they were needed to do, and, briefly, why and how much depended on
them.
The moment came.
A battalion on their left surged out and went plunging across
the open, the high-explosive shells bursting and flinging fountains of
spouting black earth and smoke amongst them, the ground puffing and
dust-spurting under the hailing bullets. The Highlanders were supposed
to wait until this other battalion had gained a certain line before they, the
Highlanders, attacked ; so they lay in their ditch, watching the line struggle
forward and the men falling in swathes under the pouring fire, watched it
stop at last and drop flat and then begin to break back to cover. It was
no time to wait longer, and the Colonel, making up his mind swiftly, launched
his attack. It was met by a devastating storm of fire, even heavier and more
deadly than the one they had watched. The battalion, barely clear of their
cover, wilted under the storm, hesitated, stopped, and began to fire back
at the enemy they could not see. Those of the men who stood firing were
FLESH TO THE EAGLES 265
cut down quickly, the others dropped prone or jumped into shell-holes
or such cover as they could find. The officers did their best, jumping up
and running forward and calling on their men to follow. But few of them
ran more than a score of paces before bullet or shell fragment found them,
and they fell ; such men as rose and tried to follow only followed them
into the next world. The air was alive and trembling to the whistle and
whine and hiss of bullets, their snap and smack and crack, and to the quick
following crash on crash of the earth shaking shell-bursts.
Again some of the officers tried to rally and start the line forward ; but,
by now, so great was the noise, so dense the air with smoke and dust, so
chaotic and confused the whole business, that the officers' attempts resulted
in no more than spasmodic and isolated movements of little groups, move-
ments that were worse than useless, because each could be dealt with in
detail, and, one after another, the sweeping machine-guns sluicing bullets
on each and cutting them to pieces in turn. Those that made these separate
attempts were mostly cut down ; those that watched their failure were
more convinced than ever that the whole was useless.
The Colonel, too, saw that it was useless and vain slaughter unless by
some desperate chance the line should move together . . . and even now
it was perhaps too late, because the battalion on the left, lying in the open
and scourged with fire, was giving way solidly and struggling back to cover.
It was a crisis in the battle, and where in the crisis many brave men
had failed, one brave man tried and won. From somewhere down the line
high over the roar of the battle there rose a wailing skirl of the pipes. There
was no note of the music that was not familiar to every man there, that
they did not know each word to fit to it. The pipes might have been crying
the very words aloud to them instead of the music :
" Thro' the depths of Loch Katrine the steed shall career,
O'er the peaks 0' Ben Lomond the galley shall steer,
And the rocks 0/ Craig Royston like icicles melt
Ere our wrongs be forgot, ere our vengeance unfelt."
It was the voice of their own Highlands, their own clansmen, their own
266 THE PIPES OF WAR
regiment, that was calling to those crouching men in the ditch. They
stirred, lifting their heads and looking for the piper. They could not see
him, but the pipes shrilled on :
" Then gather, gather, gather . . ."
The men knew what was coming. " Gather " sang the pipes, and, when
they were ready gathered, the word or the sign would surely come. The
music was rousing them to other memories beyond their Scotland and their
name and fame in the Highlands. " Landless, landless, landless," cried
the pipes, and the men remembered those women back in the village, house-
less and homeless, tortured and shamed past telling, remembered too a
woman's final word, " But we are women and you are men."
Along the line the wild and useless fire was steadying and dying away ;
they could see now that this was no time for shooting, but for the cold steel.
The Colonel saw and felt that the moment had come, rose crouching to his
knees, made ready to leap out and forward. He, too, had been looking for
the piper without seeing sign of him. But now, just as he rose, — " Halloo,
Hulloo . . . Gregorlach ! " skirled the pipes, and down the line a figure
leaped from cover into full view, halted, marked time for a few steps to the
beat of the music, moved steadily forward, the kilt swaying, shoulders and
pipe drones swinging, streamers fluttering, and the pipes screaming their
hardest.
All along the line men were scrambling to their feet and into the open.
" ... Gregorlach ! "
The Colonel was out and running forward, the line was up and away —
" Hulloo, Gregorlach ! " and the pipe streamers still fluttering and dancing
ahead of the solid rushing wave of kilt and khaki and glinting steel. " Give
their roofs to the flames. ..."
In that rush many fell and died ; but at the end of it so did many Ger-
mans. For this time no bullet storm could stay the charge, the position was
reached and taken, and the cold steel came to its own again — came to its
own and drove home the meaning of the music that alone had brought it
there — " Their flesh . . . to the eagles."
THE BLACK CHANTER
By Charles Laing Warr
It was April above Lucerne, in the year of grace nineteen hundred and
fourteen, and everything was young. A witchery of sunlight and scent and
blossom etherealised the earth and the heavens ; and fields, green as the
green diamond at the heart of the world, rioted wantonly to kiss the white
dazzling peaks that glittered in the sapphire sky.
On a fallen tree, its bark all frosted with lichen, two young people sat
at the edge of a pine copse. They were both in the springtide of life, and
they sat in enchanted silence inhaling the perfume of the trees and listening
to the birth song of an awakening universe. She was not much over twenty,
perhaps, and she was enhaloed with the soul of France. It lurked in the
dark glistening coils of her hair, in the gestures of her shoulders and white,
nervous hands, her lips. Her eyes, half mystic, half tigerish, wells of lightly
slumbering passion, told the eternal story of that indomitable race whose
destiny it seems to have been to demonstrate to the world that the life of
a nation's soul may be unquenchable, though drowned in every century
with blood.
He was obviously from across the Channel ; clean built, healthy and
handsome. One versed in the characteristic physiognomy of the denizens
of our islands would have told you after a moment's observation that he was
a Celt. And indeed, the Honourable Gordon Niall, son and heir of the
fifteenth Baron Niall of the Western Isles, could play the piob mor and
speak the Gaelic as his mother tongue. Twelve years of public school and
university life had left him still dreaming foolish dreams and seeing great
visions. Which is a proof that he was born into this world a trifle late.
267
268 THE PIPES OF WAR
They were happy, these two, in their nest in the hills. They looked
out on the world as the good God made it. Among the flower-smothered
fields stretched at their feet a placid-minded peasantry lived and moved
and had their being. Content with their tree-bowered, log-built chalets
and their daily bread, they follow the slow-footed oxen and their wooden
ploughs, just as their fathers did a thousand years ago. From day to day
their stainless, uneventful life unfolds to them the secret of the untroubled
heart, and they believe in the beauty of the world they see and the goodness
of the Creator they one day hope to see. They are simple folk, of course.
Helene von Behr loved it as she looked. It made her remember so vividly
an old-age worn chateau in the peace of southern France. She felt again
in her inmost soul those scents of childhood which outlive all human forget-
fulness. She sat and dreamed of it all, and as she dreamed her thoughts
became words, and she told them to her companion, who listened with his
blue eyes full of a boyish unconcealed adoration for the lovely girl beside
him. Her eyes sometimes puzzled him ; they puzzled him now. A sad,
lambent light was in them ; like sunset glints on the shadowing hills of
vanished years.
She talked on : about the moat round the grey creeper-covered house,
the moat into which she had fallen one day when only six years old. And
the forest — so deep and dark and wonderful — with the great oak, into
whose branches Napoleon III. had climbed to smoke his everlasting cigarette
in peace when he had been the unwelcome guest of her great-uncle, a grand
seigneur who had despised the new regime. Old Jean Barbe, the coachman,
was remembered too — old Jean, who was always cross but didn't mean to
be ; and what a funny scar it was over his left eye where her white cat had
scratched him !
Then there was the village cure. She said, with simple innocence, that
her nurse had told her as a secret that it was whispered he was her uncle,
and would have reigned in the chateau had he only travelled into this life
down the broad road which leadeth from the altar. But, what a dear he
was ! She remembered when she made her first confession to him, and how
she had wondered if he was smiling, or angry, behind the grating when she
THE BLACK CHANTER 269
told that she had stolen a cigarette from the big silver box on the writing-
table of M. le Vicomte de Fontaigne, her father, and had smoked it sur-
reptitiously in the stable beside her pet horse. He used to dine with them
every Wednesday evening ; and in the calm summer night the table was
laid beneath the pear tree at the end of the terrace near the river, which
glowed so red in the light of the westering sun. How shabby his soutane
always was, and all brown with the stains of snuff !
So she rambled on and spoke of her father, that proud aristocrat, bearing
a name to be found in the most abbreviated histories. She laughed when
she said that he lived there in magnificent isolation, too proud to serve the
Republic !
Then she sighed, and did not tell that nevertheless he had married
her against her will to that dull old German diplomatist sitting down there
in the Schweizerhof immersed in the voluminous correspondence which was
the breath of his life : that correspondence which she secretly blessed in
her heart for the free, careless hours it had given her these last ten days
with this fresh-faced boy, the only occupant of the scantily filled hotel
with whom her lord and master would allow her to associate.
She sat silent, and gazed dreamily at the undulating countryside, radiant
in bloom and light and colour, with old Pilatus in the distance, sentinel
of ages. The shimmering sunshine quivered all over it, and the scattered
chalets, and orchards pink and white with foam, seemed lulled to sleep
in the security of God. Once a priest passed, trudging down the white
dusty road beneath ; once a peasant, the smoke of his long black cigar
hanging in a blue filmy wreath about his round felt hat. Far down in the
valley tinkled the music of cow bells. A little stream, crystal clear, trickled
at her feet . . . flies danced in clouds above the edging rushes. The warm
smell of the earth was intoxicating like incense. . . .
She was dimly conscious that her companion was whistling softly.
He had a habit of doing this when deep in thought, and she recognised
the odd little refrain. She had heard him whistle it a dozen times — queer,
uncanny, elusive as the mountain mist, with the mystery of the hills in it,
and sorrow, and the spirit of brave men. She glanced at him. She knew
27o THE PIPES OF WAR
that this boy had begun to exercise a strange fascination over her, stronger
and more dangerous than she dared to confess even to herself. It was
not unnatural, for her life these last three years in that grim, dull old schloss
in Hanover had been very lonely. The bud will not mate with the yellow
leaf, but spring must call to spring ; albeit the mongers of the matrimonial
market prattle as they please.
" What is it you whistle, my Gordon ? " she asked suddenly. " There
are strange things in the air. Has it a story from your Scottish hills ? "
He sat back and laughed his gay laugh.
" Yes, it has," he answered. " I'll tell it you, if it won't bore you."
" But no : tell me," she said, and prepared to listen, her chin in her
hand.
It was a tune they played on the pipes, he said : and it was a wild,
barbaric story of war and the fierce passion of men and the tottering fortunes
of his race. Six hundred years ago Castle Niall had been besieged by a
neighbouring clan, for the Niall of the day had carried off the daughter of
its chief, and held her within his walls. The beleaguered garrison was on the
verge of starvation, when to Niall came a dream which told him that deliver-
ance would come from a black chanter which would drop from heaven upon
the castle roof. Three times, and three times only, would it play a mysterious
tune, which none but the head of the house would be able to awaken from
the reed ; and in the hour of peril or distress the playing of the chanter would
bring salvation. When the morning dawned grey over the castle ramparts,
they found, lying on the roof, a black chanter as had been foretold. The
chief blew on it with trembling lips, and lo ! it played of its own accord.
Immediately Niall and his men sallied from the fortress and drove their
enemies into the sea.
In the intervening centuries the chanter had again been used and brought
deliverance. Its virtue would be efficacious only once more. The strange,
haunting air had become the battle charge of his race. It was that which
he had been whistling. The last time it had been played, in the sixteenth
century, the family piper had caught the air and fixed it indelibly on the
scroll of memory. He laughed nervously when he had finished. He was
THE BLACK CHANTER 271
afraid she would treat it lightly. But he had told his tale with an old-world
seriousness, and although she had felt inclined to smile when he had ended
his recital of it, something in his face restrained her. Instead, she patted
his brown curly head.
" Come," she said, " it is late. We must go home."
It was their last evening together, for Helene and her husband were
leaving the following day. As they walked along under the chestnut trees
on the Schweizerhof Quai, Niall was dull and silent. She had stirred the
very depths of his young, impressionable heart, this girl. He didn't attempt
to deceive himself : he knew he was passionately in love with her. He felt
that he hated old von Behr. But — it was all so hopeless.
That night he dined with them. The dinner was not a great success.
They were all pre-occupied — Helene and Gordon with crowding thoughts
that were very much akin, the Count with a disquieting dispatch from the
Wilhelmstrasse and a severe attack of indigestion. At ten o'clock he ex-
cused himself : he had writing to do. He pointedly suggested that his
wife should go to bed ; and he made his adieux to Niall, remarking that
they were leaving early in the morning and would not likely see him. Furious
with stifled anger, the boy said a conventional good-bye to the woman
he loved. She moved away. Count von Behr lingered for a moment, and
then betook himself with shambling gait to his accustomed corner of the
writing-room, which, for some reason, he preferred to his own private apart-
ment.
The moment he was out of sight Niall hurriedly left the lounge and
hastened upstairs. On the first floor he saw her, obviously lingering, a
little way down the corridor. She came back as she saw him approach.
The boy blushed deeply as he took her hand, and stammered something
about not being able to say good-bye in such a beastly cold fashion. His
head seemed to be swimming. He had some confused impressions about
the white of her evening gown and a great crimson rose at her breast.
" My Gordon," she said softly, with that fascinating inability to control
her r's that thrilled him; "Whistle me your tune once again — quickly,
272 THE PIPES OF WAR
for I must go. I shall remember you by it, boy. Perhaps, some day if
we meet again, I may be able to whistle it to you ! "
She smiled, but her eyes were moist. And Niall drew his parched lips
together and managed to whistle the strange, mysterious air. He finished
and stood awkwardly facing her, tall and distinguished in his evening
clothes. No word of love had ever passed between them, but as they looked
into each others eyes, each read the secret that nothing could hide.
" Adieu, my Gordon," she whispered hastily. " You have been good
to me. I won't forget you . . . and you'll help me often . . . but be
sensible, boy — and forget me!"
A moment later she was running down the corridor and vanished at the
end. The boy stood for a minute or two rigid where he was, staring blankly
at a red rose in his hands, his head reeling with the delicious joy of the
knowledge that for one never-to-be-forgotten moment her arms had been
thrown round his neck, and on his mouth her warm lips had pressed a
swift, burning kiss.
II
Captain Gordon Niall of the Uist Highlanders lay flat on his face beside
a loophole in the wall. With a subaltern, two men, and a stray sergeant of
the Yorkshire Rifles, he occupied the remains of a former farmstead, now
a jumbled heap of bricks and mortar. The only portion of this mass of
refuse that looked like a house was a right angle formed by the ends of
two walls which rose like a skeleton from the shattered piles of rafters, rub-
bish, stones, lime, and dead bodies of mangled men.
It was one of the supreme moments resultant upon the German break
through near Armentieres, that grim, bloody month of April, 1918. The
British line existed only in the imagination of an exhausted and bewildered
Staff, their faculties half paralysed with fatigue and over work. No one
knew with anything even approaching certainty what the situation was.
Only one thing was certain because it was obvious, and that was that the
very existence of our Armies was hanging in the balance. The British front
was hopelessly, irretrievably broken ; and a disorganised rabble of tattered
THE BLACK CHANTER 273
regiments, half crazy with weariness and strain and hunger, were retreating
in mixed, irregular bands back from the river Lys, through a withering
hail of bullets and a raging tornado of shrapnel and high explosive ; vali-
antly and uncomplainingly to take up new positions and renew the desperate
struggle against overwhelming odds.
Gordon Niall had arrived at the stage when all emotion had been frozen
to its depths. He looked phlegmatically out upon a dreary, muddy country-
side literally alive with the grey advancing hordes of the enemy. The little
group huddled in the shelter of the tottering walls manipulated a Lewis
gun with the dull ceaseless energy of men in a dream. Dirty, ragged, ver-
minous, with a week's growth on their smoke-grimed emaciated faces,
they were unquestioningly carrying out to the last their final act in the
mighty drama of that last awful month which clouded their minds like
a nightmare from Hell.
They had been all through the sickening horror of the struggle on the
Somme, and after three weeks hard fighting had arrived a week ago at
Armentieres for a rest, to find themselves swirled into the vortex of the
new German offensive. Gordon Niall as he stoically waited for death,
knew very little about the facts of it all. He had been told that the Portu-
guese who held the line on the left had broken ; and that out of the welter
of shattered, scurrying, disordered units, he had been ordered to take up
an advanced position, to stem the rush with a handful of men he had managed
to gather round him out of the retreating forces. And there he was, with
four others — all that were left — with the German masses two hundred yards
ahead, and behind him the river Lys, its muddy waters splashing under the
bursting barrage, ironically emphasising the fact that for him there was no
retreat.
It was only a matter of minutes, and at last the end came. A confused
babel of sounds ; a smothering avalanche of men, stamping, yelling, push-
ing ; the collapse of the whole universe about him ; a deadly pain in his
head ; a strange, swift, kaleidoscopic vision of home ... his mother's
face . . . then darkness.
He didn't know how long afterwards it was that he felt himself jerked
274 THE PIPES OF WAR
roughly to his feet. As his senses slowly returned he realised that a German
officer was searching him. He watched the man stupidly as he went through
the papers in his pocket-book : then something fell from a letter to the
ground, something brown like a dead leaf, and Niall lurched forward with
a snarl.
" Give it me ! " he said hoarsely.
The officer looked up, surprised, and then down at his feet. He stooped
and picked the little fragment from the ground, glanced at it casually,
and handed it to Niall with a look of half amused wonder in his eyes. Then
he went on reading. Niall thrust the recovered treasure into his tunic
pocket — only a faded rose given to him four years ago by a girl at Lucerne,
whose memory the passion of war had not succeeded in effacing.
The officer soon finished, and Niall was marched off with a small escort.
It all seemed like a bad dream, that scurry over the fire-swept zone, the
arrival at the battered hamlet where more prisoners were waiting. Then
the long weary march, hour after hour, their numbers constantly swelling,
on through the fading twilight and a dark drizzling night. Like drunken
men the straggling column reeled along, half delirious with hunger and
fatigue, past stores and camps and dumps and villages, while ever past them
the reserve masses of horse, foot and artillery incessantly pressed on the
heels of the advancing German forces. At last, long after midnight, they
reached a smallish town ; and, packed into an empty building, they fell
on the cold concrete floor and slept the sleep of utter exhaustion.
Early in the morning they were marched to the station, and Niall found
himself in a third class compartment with eleven other officers. Some time
before the train started a bowl of some sticky, soupy substance was handed
in, with a loaf of bread ; and on this they subsisted during the twenty-six
hours which elapsed before they were detrained at their destination, a
dreary, drab little town ; and, cramped and weak as children, they marched
two miles out into the country to the wire-encircled encampment which
awaited their coming.
THE BLACK CHANTER 275
III
Those unfortunates who endured the lonely monotonous horror of prison
life in Germany will tell you what " barbed-wire madness " was. They will
tell you of men who got the disease ; and of that furtive, piteous look that
haunted the tragic sunken eyes of weary creatures who became frenzied
with the longing for freedom. It is perhaps difficult to appreciate from the
depths of an arm-chair the terrible gnawing pain of this consuming passion
to which some natures were so very susceptible. But strong men who have
lived, if only just lived, for three long ghastly months, without letters or
parcels, on a diet of turnip-soup and small lumps of black bread, till the
skin was stretched tight over their protruding cheek-bones like yellow
parchment, their filthy, ragged clothes hanging like mildewed sacks on their
emaciated bodies, and their hollow eyes gleaming like the eyes of famished
beasts — they understand how easy it was to fall a prey to " barbed-wire
madness."
Gordon Niall got it, and got it badly. It was inevitable. The restless
Celtic spirit was the first to fall a victim to the mania for escape. Five
times he eluded his watchful guard, and five times was recaptured, sullen
and still determined, taking his punishment of solitary confinement as a
matter of course, with a purpose dogged and unbroken. For solitary confine-
ment in cells was no cure for the disease : it was like malaria, once in the
system it was ineradicable. The weeks dragged on. Parcels and letters
arrived from home and conditions gradually improved, but Niall remained
obsessed with his yearning for liberty. Other men who had escaped and
been recaptured began to realise the futility of it, and the news which
filtered through the German newspapers of the turn of the tide and the
progress of the Allied forces tended to encourage them to settle down to
await developments. And one night the camp was electrified with the
announcement of the defection of Bulgaria. It was the beginning of the
end, and the star of hope shone clear in the firmament. Yet it had no
effect on Gordon Niall, for the following night he made yet another attempt
to escape.
276 THE PIPES OF WAR
He had thought it out carefully ; and at midnight, three friends, strenu-
ously protesting at his foolishness, hoisted him up to the little window
of their hut which overlooked the prison yard. It was not more than twelve
yards from the wire enclosure, and within four feet of it rose a telegraph
pole. The window had been very carefully prepared, and it did not take
Niall many minutes to remove the glass, drop the panes into the keeping
of his friends below, and wriggle on to the narrow ledge. He listened care-
fully, and looked up and down the yard, white in the searching glare of the
great electric lamps which turned night into day. A high wind and a driving
sleet favoured him, for the sentry who passed shortly afterwards on his beat
by the barbed wire was walking quickly with his chin sunk in the collar of
his coat. Niall waited till he had gone, then, crouching for a moment on
the window ledge, he sprang forward, clutched at the telegraph pole, clung
to it for a few seconds, then laboriously hauled himself up to the cross-bars.
Here he rested for a while and allowed the sentry once more to pass. Then,
judging that he would just have time to reach the further pole, which was
a few feet on the far side of the wire, before the man returned, he commenced
his perilous journey. Painfully and cautiously he straddled across the wires
and began to work himself along. The swirling blasts of the strong wind
more than once almost swept him from his precarious hold, and the icy rain
numbed his cut and bleeding hands. Beneath his weight the wires swayed
and sagged . . . yet he struggled on his desperate way. It was more
difficult than he had supposed, and sick, with nervous strain and physical
exhaustion, he determined to risk discovery and hang where he was, half-
way across, until the sentry passed again. The minutes dragged, and then
round the corner of the next hut the man appeared, his shoulders hunched
in the driving rain, his eyes on the ground. Above him, clinging frantically
to the wire, Niall waited, his heart in his mouth. The man walked almost
beneath him, seeing nothing ; and in a few seconds the prisoner again began
to toil along the wires. At length, almost fainting with fatigue and strain,
he clutched his goal and drew himself across the cross-bars, and waited,
panting, his heart throbbing as if it would burst, until the sentry should
repass him. He soon approached. Nearer and nearer he came. He tramped
THE BLACK CHANTER 277
beneath the crouching figure on the top of the telegraph pole. Niall muttered
a prayer of thankfulness for the fierce wind and the torrential rain.
The blood suddenly roared in his ears with excitement . . . the man had
stopped . . . was he going to look up ? ... he stamped his feet for a
minute or two, then resumed his monotonous beat.
Niall quickly clutched the pole with his arms and knees and slithered
to the ground. Bending low he ran swiftly across the area illumined by the
glare from the prison yard, and found himself in the enveloping darkness
of the night.
The fugitive had a roughly accurate knowledge of the immediate country-
side, gained by constant observation during the occasional walks which had
been permitted the prisoners, under escort. He purposed making for a thick
wood which lay about two miles to the westward, and there concealing him-
self during the following day when the hue and cry would be in full swing.
When night again came round he would push ahead ; if possible, keeping
a general course to the north-west, which, he anticipated, would in time
bring him to some point on the Dutch frontier. He had saved up a quantity
of food, which, with strict economy, he hoped might last him at a pinch
for a fortnight. If, by that time, he had not reached the frontier, things
might become awkward ; but this was an eventuality too distant to be
considered at the moment.
He found himself at the outskirts of the forest an hour later, and forged
ahead through the crowding trees and thick undergrowth until dawn broke,
when he searched about for a secure hiding-place. He resolved not to climb
a tree as he felt that sleep was a necessity. Fortune favoured him by the
discovery of a large fox-hole in a dense thicket ; and down this he forced
his way feet first, carefully wound up his wrist watch, and in five minutes
was fast asleep.
It was one o'clock in the afternoon when he awoke. Scarcely a sound
broke the tense silence of the wood. The rain had passed and the sun shone
clear above the trees. He ate some biscuits and a meagre slice of tinned
meat, washed his face and hands in a neighbouring stream, made some
278 THE PIPES OF WAR
rough calculations on a sheet of paper as to direction, and settled down
to wait for nightfall. With the advent of dusk he again set off through the
forest.
For twelve long weary days and nights he successfully eluded capture
and kept up the same monotonous round — hiding by day and pushing ahead
by night. He had been forced on many occasions to retrace his steps or
make circuitous rounds owing to coming suddenly on villages or towns, and
he had not made the progress he had resolved to make. His food, too,
he had miscalculated ; and at the close of the twelfth day he found himself
with his rations at an end, and hopelessly befogged as to his whereabouts.
For another day and night he held out bravely, and then narrowly avoided
detection in a fruitless attempt to steal a chicken from a farmyard. At
the expiry of a fortnight he was starving and in the throes of a fever.
He came to a final decision. He would start again at dusk and press on.
If by daylight there was no sign of the frontier he would give himself up.
There was nothing else for it. He was in desperate straits : his clothes
were torn to rags and he was almost overcome by the fierce grip of the fever
that was rapidly consuming his little remaining strength. He had given up
all hope of winning to the haven of neutral territory ; it might not be far
away, perhaps, but his power of endurance was at an end. However, he
would forge ahead that night, whatever happened.
As soon as darkness rendered it safe he emerged from his concealment
and struck westward along the edge of a rough country road. For hours
he toiled along meeting with nobody, but making poor progress. He was
becoming light-headed, and he lurched heavily as he walked. At intervals
he burned and shivered and sweated fiercely. Time and again he fell on his
face, but on each occasion he staggered to his feet and struggled ahead.
The night wore on, and through the clouds on the eastern skyline a
palish light began to filter. The skies grew dull grey and then softer like
the wing of a dove. Over the fields and hedgerows the luminous glow grew
clearer as the wheels of the Dawn rolled on, touching the bare branches of
the trees and silvering the green stagnant water in the ditch, by whose
edge reeled and pitched an exhausted atom of humanity.
THE BLACK CHANTER 279
Niall raised his bloodshot eyes to the heavens.
" Well, this is the end of it," he muttered, " and probably the end of
me too. I don't mind . . .it's been a good effort, and I'm so tired . . .
my God, how tired I am ! "
A hundred yards ahead a high wall began, evidently the bound of some
large country residence, and not much further on was a small iron gate.
Inside, a footpath led winding among the trees of a wide parkland. With
shaking hands Niall unlatched the gate and followed the path. He could
not see now where he was going : a red mist hung like a veil before his
eyes. Once he ran against a tree, striking his head violently against the
trunk. Dazedly he raised his hand to his forehead and felt it wet. . . .
Shortly afterwards he reached the end of the parkland. Things grew clearer
again, and he saw before him, not three hundred yards away, the grey
battlemented towers of a stately castle. For a few moments he stared at
it in a fuddled manner, then he collapsed into a ditch full of rotting leaves.
When he regained consciousness it was night. He must have lain there
all day. Slowly past events came back to him, and he raised himself with
difficulty on his elbow and looked at the winking lights in the castle windows.
The fever did not trouble him now : all he was conscious of was a fierce,
overpowering craving for food and warmth and rest. The twinkle of the
lights called to him. It was a German house, certainly, but he would get
something to eat there, and they would let him rest — how he wanted rest !
His thoughts flew back to his home in the distant western isles. Would
they be thinking of him ? he wondered. Thank God, they couldn't see him
now. His mother, and Eileen his sister . . . they would be in the old library
where they always sat at night, that vast stone-walled room above the
cliff where the moaning of the sea rose eternally. And his father would be
asleep in the red leather chair by the gun-room fire. He smiled as the
vision rose before him. Would he ever see it again ? Great God, why did
men want to kill one another ? . . .
His rambling thoughts switched off in another direction ... if they
could see him now, perhaps his old father would go to the glass case on the
28o THE PIPES OF WAR
library wall, take from its resting place the black chanter, and blow on it
for the last time ! He laughed hoarsely — a good joke that ! Delirious and
cracked, his voice suddenly croaked forth the weird notes of the
black chanter's tune. Horrible and broken it rose on the still night air.
In a few moments the delirium passed, and with a mighty effort he got
on his hands and knees. Painfully and slowly he began to crawl across
the damp grass of the park towards the shadowy mass of the silent castle.
" They'll give me food," he gasped ..." and let me rest."
IV
The Countess von Behr sat in a deep chair by the open fireplace of her
boudoir in the Schloss Bersenburg. On the white marble mantelshelf a
painted china clock pointed to a quarter past eleven. The luxuriously
furnished room was in deep shadow, the only light coming from two massive
silver candelabra upon the grand piano in a recess by the window. The
nickering glow from the red embers lit up fitfully the face of the woman who
gazed abstractedly into the fire.
Four years of mental strain and suffering had left their mark on Helene
von Behr, for there were lines about her eyes and her mouth had grown
harder. These years had fallen with tragic weight upon the shoulders of
the exiled girl, doomed by the exigencies of the times to live alone in this
vast gloomy house, her heart in bleeding France, her body in a country
which by hereditary instinct she had always disliked, but now hated with
all the intensity of her passionate southern heart. So she had dragged out
her solitary days in the seclusion of the Schloss, one of that vast multitude,
young in years but old in suffering, whose souls have been ruthlessly crushed
beneath the iron wheels of the chariots of war.
The Count had been keenly alive to the delicacy of his domestic situation,
and from the outbreak of hostilities, though he had been almost constantly
resident in Berlin owing to his important connection with the Foreign
Office, he had deemed it the prudent course to leave his French wife in the
solitariness of his country home ; a policy which saved both himself and her
THE BLACK CHANTER 281
from inevitable embarrassments which might at once prove detrimental
to the interests of the one, and intolerable to the other.
The unutterable agony of the weary months in a position which was
both false and horrible to her, conscious as she could not fail to be of the
veiled contempt and cleverly concealed hostility of her servants, and the
less disguised dislike of her few neighbours, had told heavily, upon the
lonely woman. Two months ago things had become almost insufferable
when the news came that the Vicomte de Fontaigne had been laid in a sol-
dier's grave. To fight for the Republic was one thing, but to fight for France
was quite another : and so, at the hour of crisis, like the rest of his order,
the haughty nobleman had put his politics in his pocket and offered his
services to the Government. The grief of her father's death, borne alone,
friendless and exiled, had almost crushed Helene. Yet it seemed as if her
perplexities were never to end : for that very afternoon a telegram had
come intimating in crude staring words, that the Count von Behr had been
shot dead in the Wilhelmstrasse while endeavouring from a window to
appease a revolutionary mob.
She had tried to analyse her feelings when the news was conveyed to her.
She had never loved him, but in his own blunt way he had been kind and
considerate to her ; and the sudden tears which she shed were from the
heart, for she sincerely regretted his death. Yet despite this fact she could
not stifle the insistent thought that she was free — free to go back to France
and to the Chateau Fontaigne, that pearl of her soul, when this holocaust
of death was past and over ; a thought rendered doubly moving by the
knowledge that the dawn was already breaking ! She had often wondered
what it would be like in the future for a child of France to be wedded for
ever to a German.
As she sat before the fire she felt restless and ill at ease. Her jumbled
thoughts refused to be focussed on any one aspect of her affairs. She felt
something strange in the atmosphere, something that oppressed her. It
seemed in the air, it was all around, real yet indefinable. Time and again
she looked round half nervously as if expecting to find someone in the room
with her. . . .
282 THE PIPES OF WAR
She settled deeper into her chair and listlessly watched a morsel that
fell red from the fire ... it grew pink and then grey. It still smoked a
little, then died. As the lonely woman stared into the embers there sud-
denly rose before her a bo}dsh face, so clear and vivid that she was startled
by it. There was pain in the eyes that looked at her, pain and dull weari-
ness, and the dumb suffering of a yearning spirit. Helene shivered. . . .
How often during these last years had that face risen before her, and the
sunlight and happiness of ten brief days in a deserted Lucerne had fallen
on her tired heart like the dew of heaven. She had never forgotten him —
how could she ? She had wondered so often where he was. She knew he
was not dead : for he was first in that list of names which she had given
to a friend in Berne, desiring him to keep her acquainted with their fortunes.
She often thought, had she done wrong that night when she kissed his
young mouth ? But it didn't really matter, after all : she had done him
no harm, and long ago he would have forgotten her. Men forgot so quickly.
For his own sake she hoped he had : yet — in spite of herself she prayed that
he hadn't. And as she looked ahead, to-night, to her coming liberty, she
wondered. . . . But the face in the fire made her uneasy. A queer tune
throbbed in her head — his tune ! She had heard it in her thoughts all night ;
wild, unrythmical, it seemed to have vibrated in the stillness of the shadowy
room — mysterious, passionate, compelling. Once it had been so realistic
that she had been convinced that she actually heard it — out in the night ;
and she had pulled aside the curtains and peered out into the darkness.
She stretched her arms above her head. She felt stifled : surely the
room was very hot. Rising, she moved restlessly to the window and looked
out. It was a clear, starry night ; with a silver moon peeping from behind
some scudding clouds. She lingered, gazing up at the beauty of the heavens.
Then, just as she was about to let the thick curtain drop, suddenly, muffled
yet distinct, she heard a man's voice rise on the night air. It cried one
English word — " Help ! "
For a minute she stood startled and irresolute, then she flung open the
window. Below, on the white of the wide gravel sweep, she could dimly
see a dark form lying stretched before the massive steps of the doorway.
THE BLACK CHANTER 283
She leaned over the edge and called. No answer came. She
drew back into the room and touched the electric bell. A few seconds
later, an old sleepy-eyed footman appeared, their last remaining man-
servant.
" Quick," she cried, " there is a man lying outside on the gravel. I
think he is dead. Get some help and bring him into the hall. I'll come
down myself immediately."
The man bowed solemnly and withdrew ; and when five minutes later
she descended the broad oak staircase, Helene saw an excited knot of
servants depositing a human burden on the great fur rug before the cavernous
hall fireplace. She approached and looked down upon the form of a man,
little more than a skeleton, his clothes ragged and smeared with filth, his
thin sunken face bearded and dirty. The cluster of servants stared at
him open-mouthed.
The sick man moved an arm. He drowsily muttered a few words ;
feebly, but Helene and the domestics heard them :
" Must be near the frontier now. . . . Thank God ! "
" English," said the old footman resentfully, but a quick look from his
mistress silenced any further remark. She despatched the man for the
local doctor and sent the women for blankets, hot water, brandy, pillows ;
and she herself knelt by the miserable creature and gently loosened his
ragged coUar. The emaciated face recalled nothing to her as she looked — ■
but, a few seconds later, Gordon Niall opened his eyes, and, trembling like an
aspen leaf, and white to the lips, Helene von Behr recognised him.
" Mother of God ! " she gasped.
The floodgates of memory opened and the great waters poured over her
soul. She felt the walls and the floor of the vast gloomy hall reeling about
her ; but, with an almost superhuman effort of will, she regained her com-
posure, and met the eyes that looked into her ashen face with a look of
wonder and amazement. The fever seemed to have left him, and for the
moment Niall was perfectly conscious. She bent down and pillowed his head
on her arm.
" Helene," he whispered, " is it you ? . . . where am I ? "
284 THE PIPES OF WAR
" It's all right, dear," she said soothingly. " You're quite safe. Don't
speak — you must rest."
The servants returned and Niall was made as comfortable as possible.
Helene thought rapidly. At all costs she must be alone with him for a time.
She dismissed the whispering women upon various errands. Yes, she said
to their enquiries, she would stay with him till they returned.
When they were alone Niall looked up.
" I escaped, you know," he said weakly. " I've had an awful time —
but I'm safe now, Helene, am I not ? . . . across the frontier, eh ? "
" Yes, yes, my Gordon," she answered, smoothing back his matted hair,
" you're across the frontier, and you'll soon be well." She almost choked
as she remembered that the frontier was only five miles away.
He sighed contentedly and closed his eyes. For a while he lay very
still ; then he spoke, with difficulty.
" My left tunic pocket," he gasped, " feel in it, Helene . . . that's
right . . . now, open that flap."
From the tattered leather pocket-book she pulled out a dried withered
flower. His eyes gleamed as he saw it. He turned his face to her.
" Your rose," he whispered — " at Lucerne, you know."
A severe fit of shivering seized him. His eyes closed. From the corners
of his mouth two thin rivulets of blood began to trickle ... he opened
his eyes.
" Helene," he muttered spasmodically, " Helene — the frontier ... I
must get across the frontier . . . before the morning."
The end was near and she knew it. With her left hand she extracted
from her bosom a little gold crucifix and held it before the dying eyes.
In a voice, choked with emotion, she said in his ear,
" Say after me, my Gordon . . . ' Jesu, have mercy ! ' '
" Jcsu — have — mercy ! "
" Now, and in the hour of death " —
" Now, and — in — the hour of — death " —
" Have mercy on me, a sinner ! "
" Have mercy — on — me — a sinner I " —
THE BLACK CHANTER 285
He shivered as in a blast of icy wind, then smiled like a tired child and
nestled his head against her breast. And very quietly he crossed the silent
frontier of that shadowy country, whence no traveller returns.
The servants were clustered about her, and the stout village doctor
was bending over the thin body stretched on the fur rug ; but Helene, her
head bowed, neither looked up nor spoke. . . .
THE PIPES
By Edmund Candler
On Christmas night the pipers came into the mess. They had piped the
regiment across many a hot place in France and escorted bombing parties
down many a German trench. In one action four out of the eight were hit
and two killed. They touch a chord deep down somewhere which no doubt
has its proper scientific name. The eye of the piper which conceals his
gladness, denying all rapture, is a key to the undemonstrative temper of
the men who would rather die than throw up their bonnets and shout.
A subaltern of nineteen years put the case for the pipes to me in his own
eloquent slang.
" Of course I get cold feet sometimes " he said, " like everyone else.
But the pipes soon warm one. MacFarlane, the Company Piper, piped us
across on the 25th, the regimental slogan, you know. By Jove, it was top-
hole."
We called him the Chicken. Being bigger in the beam than in the
shoulders and having a slightly forward stoop he looked in his kilt like a
preternaturally large nestling just emerged from the egg. To see him
walking reminded one of a determined young chicken. He had an assur-
ance unnatural in the new-born which set off his callowness and puzzled one.
It was not side. To hear him talk made one smile. You would think he
had plumbed experience and was already convinced about the main issues
of life, celibacy or marriage, the rights and wrongs of Demos, peace and war,
and the like. One smiled in sympathy, not in derision, accepting the in-
disputable explanation that the Chicken had had special privileges in the egg.
And one thanked the war for an ingenuousness of speech, the bloom of
286
THE PIPES 287
which would have been rubbed off in a week of peace-time conditions in a
mess.
" MacFarlane was killed with a bombing party," the subaltern went on.
" They let hell loose, — all their machine guns, rifle grenades, trench mortars,
and every rifle thirty rounds at least. Our fellows came in half an hour
afterwards, having been snug in a shell-hope through the whole show. Only
two of our men were hit — by a trench mortar. One was MacFarlane. It
was a horrid sight — made me feel a bit green. Nothing was left of them,
and you couldn't tell who they were save by their identity discs. I put a
sentry by the traverse on both sides and gave orders that no one was to pass.
It wouldn't have done for these young recruits to see the mess," this pink-
faced subaltern of nineteen explained with paternal solicitude.
His tenderness for the recruits amused me, for the absence of down on
his chin made the Chicken look younger than his years. But I marvelled
more at the complacency with which he found himself in command. He
spoke of his blooded veterans — Perthshires, if you please, the salt of the
British Army, as if he were a huntsman holding them in the leash ; yet it
was only in spirit that he had attained to man's estate. One phrase struck
me. He was describing the capture of Hun murderers, or if not actual
murderers the comrades and accomplices of murderers, men whom his
Highlanders wanted to kill.
" They were all holding up their hands," the boy told me, " and trembling
with funk and holding out pictures of their Fraus and kids, and calling out
' Don't shoot, Kamarade ! Don't shoot ! ' and my men wanted to shoot
them. The Perthshires had been out for blood since the 9th of May when
the Huns had burnt their wounded comrades, shooting them with petrol
bullets so that their clothes burst into flame and they died in agony, and men
who couldn't stick the sight of it any longer crept out of their trenches, in
spite of orders, to drag them in and were burnt alive too. That day my
company swore that they would take no more Prussian prisoners, and now
word had been passed round by the Brigade, ' The 15th Prussians are in
front of you, who burnt the men of your regiment. You will know how to
behave.' My men wanted to shoot them all down, make the place a shambles ;
288 THE PIPES OF WAR
but, of course, I wouldn't have it. I told them they had to take the men
prisoners."
" Did they obey you ? " I asked.
The Nestling looked at me in surprise as if I were a very ignorant person.
" Obey ! They knew very well that the first man who fired I'd blow out
his brains with my revolver."
After all, the Chicken's assurance was a compliment to the regiment,
where discipline is an elemental fact. And it spoke well for the boy too,
that he realized what admission into that Kingdom, or corporation, meant,
— all self and chickenhood being merged in the subaltern of the Perthshires,
whose powers were as natural and inalienable as the properties of carbon or
oxygen.
Yet this callow youth on whom authority sat so lightly spurned his
profession. It appeared that he had ambitions. He scoffed at the idea
of sticking in the army after the war. He wanted " to do something," he
said. I could not understand how he could resist the glamour of it all.
His Colonel thought well of him and he knew it. The O.C., a reserved man,
and sparing of praise, had been talking to me about the Chicken before dinner ;
he told me that the boy had the right spirit and no fear in him. " I sent him
on a patrol," he said, " a day or two after he arrived at the front, to a build-
ing between the lines which was supposed to be occupied by Germans. My
orders were, ' Find out if the house is held. Find out for yourself, remember,
and don't take your men's word for it. They'll always see Germans,
especially on a wet night when they want to be snug in the trenches.' "
The Subaltern had the sight of an owl, but he was determined not to come
back until he had seen Germans. So far he had seen none, having arrived
at the trenches straight from Winchester, where he held a commission in the
O.T.C. and had just won a scholarship for New College. He swore he would
see Germans that night or promenade the empty house between the lines.
A slip of a moon showed above the clouds and the rain ceased when they
were within fifty yards of the building. The Corporal touched the Sub-
altern's sleeve and said, " They're there, Sir. I can see about a dozen of
them."
THE PIPES 289
" Where ? I don't see."
" Straight ahead, Sir, by the wall."
The Chicken approached nearer. Within forty — thirty yards. The
Corporal warned him again in a throaty whisper : — " There's 'arf a company,
Sir, lining the side of the house. We're almost agin them."
Still the Chicken could not see. He gave the order to move forward.
At fifteen yards the Germans opened fire. A quick volley. The patrol
threw themselves flat. Luckily they were concealed in a slight depression,
and in a few seconds the moon went under a dark cloud.
The Subaltern whispered the order to return the enemy's fire, and his
four men blazed away into the shadow under the house. The Germans
replied vigorously ; by a miracle none of the little party were hit. Then
the Huns turned the machine gun on to them from somewhere farther back.
The Subaltern heard the spray of bullets coming nearer, spattering the earth,
searching every inch of soil, passing with a thirsty sucking noise overhead.
He was the most exposed of his party, but he felt for the body of the dead
man he had stumbled against, and drew it into a close embrace. The
current of lead passed an inch over them where they lay interlaced, the hve
man clinging for life to the dead. The fire dropped. The body received a
bullet and shook as if it were wrestling with him. It's head butted his own.
A faint smell of cigar fume clung to its moustache. The boy had let the
situation go for a moment, and was wondering, with a detachment at which
he was surprised, whether all Germans smoked Havanas in the trenches,
when a new kind of explosion added to the din. It was " A " Company's
patrol bombing the house. The little scouting party received their first
casualty from them. The man behind the Chicken uttered a cry of pain.
A splinter from a bomb had taken away part of his right ear.
This extended attack was too much for the Huns, who thought the
whole line was advancing and decamped. The moon peeped out again as
they were going off, and the Subaltern, Corporal and the two men accounted
for at least half a dozen of them. These dark figures which rolled up like
rabbits were the first Germans the Chicken had seen.
The Subaltern entered the house with the two privates and sent the
29o THE PIPES OF WAR
Corporal back to tell the Colonel that we were in possession. He had taken
a rather important Observation Post marked 2.22 on the map.
I had some of the story from the boy and some from the Colonel, but I
will let the boy finish it.
" The next day we had some burying," he said. " From the new post
we could send out patrols to bring in our fellows who had been knocked out
on the 12th. You won't mind me talking about things which make you
feel a bit squeamish, will you, Sir ? " — the boy called everybody above the
age of forty " Sir " — " Tell me to shut up if it is too beastly ; but, you see,
most of these bodies had been out for six weeks and were more or less decom-
posed. We dug a shallow trench towards them, threw out a hook on a bit
of rope and drew them in. We had to find their identification discs. It
was not a pleasant business taking off a man's shirt and not always easy,
and my Corporal being sick every minute didn't help things either. I
generally went for their pockets for letters ; that was easier, but ..." I
omit here some details which are too unpleasant to print. " The Corporal
with his weak stomach was a bit of a nuisance, especially at night, for if the
Germans heard him they would send up a flare."
Then he told me about a frontal attack at Loos. The Chicken had seen
and suffered more and lived more in six months in France, and done
more for England than I had in two score odd years. He was clearly
a born soldier. He was happy in the regiment and quite one of them
— one of the new incarnation at least who approximate in some ways to the
old. I could not see what more he desired.
" You really think of throwing up the army after the war ? " I asked.
The Chicken turned on me the wistful smile that talk of " after the war "
evoked among the sanguine at the time. " In war time of course everybody
has got to be a soldier," he said, " but in peace time — no thank you ! "
" But what are you going to do ? "
" Anything, but inspect meat and tunic buttons. Something that counts.
I suppose I shall go into the Bar or Parliament."
I would have asked him if he really thought these talking shops counted
more than the Perthshires ; but the pipes were coming in again and they
THE PIPES 291
were playing the regimental slogan. It gave one the most extraordinary
feeling in the pit of one's stomach and all down one's back.
" I'm not sure, though," the boy said ingenuously when they had gone out,
" I may stick to the regiment on the chance of another show."
I understood, I had passed through the two moods myself in a long route
march when the pipes took over charge from the brass band.
GLASGOW : PRINTED AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS BY ROBERT
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