Pipers of The Trenches

**David** · 17th June 14, 05:09 AM

I watched a programme on BBC2 last night called Pipers of the trenches. A facinating programme about the pipers of WW1, their role, exploits and awards. Some techy guys have even tested the effect of the pipes on human resilience and determination. The differences between the pipes and the control noise is statistically significant. There were some facinating stories told and brought up to date with the contributions from decendents of 3 or 4 featured pipers. Its on BBCi player for the next 6 days, which I know will be a pain for the overseas viewers, but it would be worth looking out for in the future in case it appears on other interweb media, especially if you are Canadien.

**rtown** · 17th June 14, 07:42 AM

Thanks for sharing, Something now on my list to watch.

**KentuckyCeltophile** · 17th June 14, 07:42 PM

I would love to see that. This thread prompted a quick search on google and youtube. No luck so far. Only it did lead me to the movie "The Trench". Very sad. Very sad. The reality of lining up waiting for certain death and being mowed over...those poor souls.
KC

**jfraser** · 17th June 14, 09:51 PM

This is a wee clip I got from another site. Not the whole programme by any means.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p020ppbp

**Ron Abbott** · 1st July 14, 12:26 AM

I recently bought this book which is more comprehensive than 'The Pipes of War' (Seton and Grant) when it comes to pipers of the British regiments who gave their lives in lives in WW1 :-

http://www.duntroonpublishing.com/page472.html

**OC Richard** · 5th July 14, 05:35 AM

Thanks for the link. I can see the trailer only, but it actually made my eyes mist up!

My grandfather was at the Somme. I have heard his stories. It defies belief that men did those things, but they did.

**StevieR** · 5th July 14, 07:10 AM

For those in the UK, this documentary is not available on iplayer, but is being aired next Friday 11th July on BBC2 at 21:30

If you're interested, there is a great Neil Oliver documentary on iplayer at the moment - "The Machine Gun and Skye's Band of Brothers", which examines the development of the Maxim and in particluar, its impact on one Hebridean community. Moving stuff - heartbreaking, actually.

**KentuckyCeltophile** · 5th July 14, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by jfraser

This is a wee clip I got from another site. Not the whole programme by any means.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p020ppbp

Finally, just now watched that clip. I have chills coursing my body. I would love to see that show. I may purchase a book or two on this subject. The pipes are so intriguing. Listening to their cry and I'm ready for what ever comes my way. And to think that the angels in Glory are playing shiny ole harps instead of the pipes.

**Glen48** · 12th July 14, 05:33 AM

I just watched it on iPlayer on the BBC website. Quite an interesting doc.

For those who are not in the UK but use Chrome as your browser you can watch it too. If you install an app called "Hola" for Chrome you can select to appear to be in the UK. It worked for me.