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 100 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 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.
11002 Piper J. MCMILLAN, 1st Royal Scots.
Was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry as a battalion
scout.
10123 Corpl. E. COLLINS, }
10754 Piper J. CLANCY, }
10639 " J. SMART, } 1st Royal Scots.
10032 " P. MALLIN, }
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.
11065 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 of 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
Distinguished 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. 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, 1st 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, } 1st K.O.S.B.
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,
1915, 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, 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, 1915.
40631 Corpl. WHITELAW, }
17806 Piper M'GURK, } 9th Scottish Rifles.
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.
14631 Piper ALEXANDER STEVENSON, 11th 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 him 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, }
9430 Piper W. STUART, } 1st Black Watch.
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 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 impossible
conditions, and was given the Military Medal.
L/Corpl. G. SWAN, 7th Black Watch.
Served in the ranks during the Somme fighting. He 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 lines 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
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.
1198 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 gallantry.
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, } 6th Black Watch.
Piper A. TAINSH, }
Piper R. MAPLETON, }
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 dispersed 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, } 7th Black Watch.
200509 Piper A. MANDS, }
Piper GEORGE GALLOWAY, }
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, 1st 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 first 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 11th March, 1917, when on a reconnoitring patrol on the
Struma. He killed the enemy's sentry before he had time to warn
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, 1st 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, 1st 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, 1st Seaforth Highlanders.
During the engagement at Sheikh Saad on 7th January, 1916, 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, 1st Seaforth Highlanders.
Was mentioned in despatches for gallantry in Palestine.
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 C.O.
said of him, "It was by devotion such as his that victory was
bestowed on us that day."
21629 Piper D. FRASER, }
4661 Piper B. HAMILTON, } 7th Seaforth Highlanders.
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.
8112 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.
8119 Pipe Major G. GORDON, 9th Seaforth Highlanders.
Played the battalion into action at Longueval on 14th July, 1916,
and was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre.
5745 Piper CHARLES M'LELLAN, 9th 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, 1st Highland Light Infantry.