Canada's Highland Regiments

[BoldHighlander]

Reginald Arthur Blyth
67th Battalion (Western Scots) C.E.F.
August 10, 1916

[BoldHighlander]

James (Jimmy) Cleland Richardson VC (25 November 1895, Bellshill, Scotland - 8 or 9 October 1916) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 20 years old, born in Scotland and a resident of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and then Chilliwack, BC. He was a Piper in the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada (he is shown wearing a Seaforth uniform above) and he proceeded overseas as part of the large Seaforth contingent of the 16th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

During the Battle of the Ancre Heights on 8 October 1916 at Regina Trench, Somme, France, the company was held up by very strong wire and came under intense fire. Piper Richardson, who had obtained permission to play the company 'over the top' strode up and down outside the wire playing his pipes, which so inspired the company that the wire was rushed and the position captured. Later the piper was detailed to take back a wounded comrade and some prisoners, but after proceeding some distance he insisted on turning back to recover his pipes which he had left behind. He was never seen again.

for more, including the discovery of Richardson's missing pipes, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Cleland_Richardson

[BoldHighlander]

Pvt D. Dunnett
enlisted with 16th Bn Canadian Scottish




C.G.G. MacInnes

enlisted Nov 1914 with the 30th Reserve Battalion & 16th Canadian Scottish.
Present at Ypres, Festubert, & Givinchy.
Invalided to hospital July 1915.
Discharged from the army Jan 1916.
Re enlisted in the 225th April 1916.




Pvt Harold Kennedy
16th Canadian Scottish

notes:
gunshot wounds in head & arms.

[BoldHighlander]

I don't have much in the way of information regarding this set of photos, so instead I'll post some info from their pipe band's website:

Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) is Vancouver Island's infantry unit. Its origin dates from 1912, when the 50th Regiment (unofficially the Gordon Highlanders of Canada) was created.

During the First World War, the 50th Gordons was one of four highland regiments that combined to form the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish), Canadian Expeditionary Force. The other units included the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, the Cameron Highlanders of Canada and the 91st Regiment Canadian Highlanders. This particular battalion quickly became famous, winning numerous battle honours during the campaign.

In the First World War pipers regularly played the troops "over the top". The 16th Battalion featured four Victoria Cross winners, including Piper James Richardson, VC, the only Canadian piper to have ever received this, the highest Canadian military honour.

In 1920 the Canadian Scottish Regiment was formed with headquarters in Victoria. In 1927 an alliance was created with The Royal Scots. From that alliance the Canadian Scottish adopted Hunting Stewart as the regimental tartan, with uniform patterned after "the Dandy 9th", the Territorial Army Highland Battalion of The Royal Scots.

The 1st Battalion Canadian Scottish Pipes and Drums served with the regiment throughout the Second World War. Until 1949 that pipe band wore Lennox tartan, which was the band tartan of the old 16th Battalion in the First World War. Today one Lennox tartan ribbon is retained in the full dress uniform of Canadian Scottish pipers, with the Hunting Stewart kilt and plaid.

The 30 member Pipes and Drums are an authorized band of the Canadian Armed Forces. Members comprise both serving personnel and civilian volunteers. They present the most visible element of the Regiment, performing in many of Victoria's major public events.

Over the last few years band members have performed outside of British Columbia in Hawaii, California, Washington State, New Orleans, Memphis, Calgary and Ottawa. The most recent international performance highlights were appearances at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Netherlands National Tattoo.

Official site of the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's)

Regimental Museum







Two of the most remarkable action shots I've ever seen from the Great War:

[BoldHighlander]

[BoldHighlander]

[BoldHighlander]

[Andrew M. Stewart]

I don't have much in the way of information regarding this set of photos, so instead I'll post some info from their pipe band's website:

Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) is Vancouver Island's infantry unit. Its origin dates from 1912, when the 50th Regiment (unofficially the Gordon Highlanders of Canada) was created.

During the First World War, the 50th Gordons was one of four highland regiments that combined to form the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish), Canadian Expeditionary Force. The other units included the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, the Cameron Highlanders of Canada and the 91st Regiment Canadian Highlanders. This particular battalion quickly became famous, winning numerous battle honours during the campaign.

In the First World War pipers regularly played the troops "over the top". The 16th Battalion featured four Victoria Cross winners, including Piper James Richardson, VC, the only Canadian piper to have ever received this, the highest Canadian military honour.

In 1920 the Canadian Scottish Regiment was formed with headquarters in Victoria. In 1927 an alliance was created with The Royal Scots. From that alliance the Canadian Scottish adopted Hunting Stewart as the regimental tartan, with uniform patterned after "the Dandy 9th", the Territorial Army Highland Battalion of The Royal Scots.

The 1st Battalion Canadian Scottish Pipes and Drums served with the regiment throughout the Second World War. Until 1949 that pipe band wore Lennox tartan, which was the band tartan of the old 16th Battalion in the First World War. Today one Lennox tartan ribbon is retained in the full dress uniform of Canadian Scottish pipers, with the Hunting Stewart kilt and plaid.

The 30 member Pipes and Drums are an authorized band of the Canadian Armed Forces. Members comprise both serving personnel and civilian volunteers. They present the most visible element of the Regiment, performing in many of Victoria's major public events.

Over the last few years band members have performed outside of British Columbia in Hawaii, California, Washington State, New Orleans, Memphis, Calgary and Ottawa. The most recent international performance highlights were appearances at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Netherlands National Tattoo.

Official site of the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's)

Regimental Museum







Two of the most remarkable action shots I've ever seen from the Great War:

Absolutely terrific photos of the piper going over the top thanks! I have a relative that served with them in the first world war that didn't make it back. I'm a piper in The Toronto Scottish Regiment but being born and Raised on Vancouver Island and grew up mostly in Victoria I've always wished that I could have played in the Can Scots band. My first piping instructor, Steve Kelly sr was Pipe Major before P/M McGuire. Unfortunately I've ended up living in Toronto due to lifes unpredictabilty. I'll always call the island home though.