Piper John MacLeod: Indian Mutiny

| December 11, 2016

The Calgary Highlanders playing Haughs of Cromdell, the tune Pipe Major John MacLeod played at Secunderbagh. The Unearthly Visitant Not everyone in action is considered for an award of valour or bravery. At times soldiers who we might think of as deserving are overlooked, although no end of writings, reading and re-reading of their actions offer […]

Gallantry on the Somme: The 16th at Regina Trench

| October 4, 2016

The 16th Battalion C.E.F. (The Canadian Scottish) Regina Trench Awards The Victoria Cross for Valour 28930 Private (Piper) James Cleland Richardson Died of wounds August 9, 1916. Buried at Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, Somme, France. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, prior to attack, he obtained permission from his Commanding Officer to […]

Final Message from the Front

| October 8, 2014

I find myself working late into the night on the Pipes of War film project. As the 7th of October 2014 becomes the 8th my mind ponders what Jimmy must have been thinking 98 years ago this very night.  Only  a few hours earlier he would have “implored the Commanding Officer with tears in his eyes” for […]

Pipes and Piping (If the Cap Fits)

| August 10, 2013

Dad’s Army: Part II After posting the last blog and sitting back and allowing the little grey cells to wander it occurred to me that Dad’s Army must have explored the bagpipes. Sure enough with a little bit of searching we have managed to find the clip from If the Cap Fits included here for your […]

The Lost Pipers of the Little Bighorn

| February 17, 2011

For many it comes as a surprise to learn that General Custer had five pipers among his ranks when he made his legendary last stand at the Little Bighorn. Nearly every historian of the West’s most famous and storied battle would dismiss such a claim. That is until they dig a little deeper into the lives that were lost on that grassy Montana plain, June 25, 1876.