James Cleland Richardson VC

James Cleland Richardson VC
16th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Canadian Scottish)
(16th Battalion CEF Regimental History)

Regina Trench, France: Action of 8 October 1916
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, prior to attack, he obtained permission from his Commanding Officer to play his company ‘over the top.’

As the company approached the objective, it was held up by very strong wire and came under intense fire, which caused heavy casualties and demoralised the formation for the moment. Realising the situation, Piper Richardson strode up and down outside the wire, playing his pipes with the greatest coolness. The effect was instantaneous. Inspired by his splendid example, the company rushed the wire with such fury and determination that the obstacle was overcome and the position captured.

Later, after participating in bombing operations, he was detailed to take back a wounded comrade and prisoners.

After proceeding about 200 yards Piper Richardson remembered that he had left his pipes behind. Although strongly urged not to do so, he insisted on returning to recover his pipes. He has never been seen since, and death has been presumed accordingly owing to lapse of time.

I wonder now, when did I first see the name of James Cleland Richardson and learn of his actions at Regina Trench? Most probably from the book Valiant Men produced in 1973 or was it in the halls of the Legislature, circa 1978, where James’ picture is displayed with other British Columbian Victoria Cross recipients? As I muse, the book seems to have the advantage. Little was I aware that the actions of one person, James Cleland Richardson, would lead to my involvement with the Piper Richardson statue project, the first exhibition of James’ pipes when they returned to Canada and my involvement with the Paradigm Motion Picture Company and Unparalleled Valour.

I have visited James’ burial site many times on my return to the Western Front and have stood at his place of rest as witness in fine sunshine and pouring rain. Not only do I think of James when there – but so too of the men to either side – and all those here at Adanac. True – this is the same experience I share with all those I visit at these gardens of rest and hurt, the same heartfelt connection at all places of commemoration and action. It is not just the one but the many. James Cleland Richardson died 9 October 1916.

Richardson marker (on left) at Adanac Military Cemetery, France. (P. Ferguson image, September 2010)

Richardson marker (on left) at Adanac Military Cemetery, France. Age 20
(P. Ferguson image, September 2010)

Helpful Link
The Pipes of War – Unparalleled Valour

Piper J.C. Richardson VC statue by John Weaver.
Chilliwack, B.C.
(Ed Ferguson image, October 2003)

Tags: 16th Canadian Infantry Battalion (The Canadian Scottish), 8 October 1916, 9 October 1916, Adanac Military Cemetery, Art, James Cleland Richardson VC, John Weaver, Piper Richardson Statue, Posthumous Victoria Cross, Regina Trench

This entry was posted by pferguson on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 at 5:41 am and is filed under November Series, Pipers of War, Remember Them Well. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

About The Author

pferguson

Paul has worked with the Paradigm Motion Picture Company since 2009 as producer, historian and research specialist. Paul first met Casey and Ian WIlliams of Paradigm in April 2007 at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium when ceremonies were being held for the re-dedication of the Vimy Memorial, France. Paul's sensitivity to film was developed at an early age seeing his first films at RCAF Zweibrucken, Germany and Sardinia. Paul returned to Canada in 1967 and was captivated by David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Bridge on the River Kwai". Over time Paul became increasingly interested in storytelling, content development, character, direction, cinematography, narration and soundtracks. At the University of Victoria, Paul studied and compared Japanese and Australian film and became interested in Australian film maker Peter Weir and his film "Gallipoli" (1981). Paul was inspired when he learned Weir visited the beaches, ridges and ravines of the peninsula. "Gallipoli", the film, led Paul on many journeys to sites of conflict in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Malta, Hawaii, Gallipoli, North Macedonia and Salonika. When Paul first watched documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, "The Civil War", Paul understood how his own experience and insight could be effective and perhaps influential in film-making. Combining his knowledge of Museums and Archives, exhibitions and idea strategies with his film interests was a natural progression. Paul thinks like a film-maker. His passion for history and storytelling brings to Paradigm an eye (and ear) to the keen and sensitive interests of; content development, the understanding of successful and relational use of collections, imagery and voice. Like Paul's favorite actor, Peter O'Toole, Paul believes in the adage “To deepen not broaden.” While on this path Paul always remembers his grandmother whose father did not return from the Great War and how his loss shaped her life and how her experience continues to guide him.

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