World War I

Introduction

In the First World War, pipers were used as a psychological weapons to inspire the troops and instill fear in the enemy. They volunteered for the honour of leading the charge from the trenches. The casualty rate among pipers was truly horrific.

Piper James Richardson of the 16th Battalion, depicted in the painting above, won the Victoria Cross for his bravery in playing the bagpipes above the trenches in the Battle of the Somme, while exposed to intense enemy fire for an estimated 20 minutes.

Piper Richardson is the only Canadian piper to have won the Victoria Cross, the highest of all British and Canadian military decorations.

The painting depicting Richardson's gallantry was by James Prinsep Beadle. The original hangs in the Officers' Mess of the Royal Scots Regiment in Edinburgh.

Articles

• History of the band of the 50th Gordon Highlanders
• History of the band of the 16th Battalion, C.E.F
• Recollections of Piper John McAllister MM
• 16th Battalion Pipes from Somme Battlefield *

* Republished with permission

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