THE 1st. CANADIAN ARMY MASSED PIPES AND DRUMS
PIPE BANDS AT VIMY RIDGE
In July 1936, during the dedication of the Vimy Ridge Memorial (shown above), a composite Pipe Band was formed from various Canadian Highland Regiments and sailed overseas on the Empress of Britain under the leadership of Pipe Major Sid Featherstone (Argyle) and Drum Major H. Small.
The 34 - man band then also included Bob Hannan of the Black Watch, John R. Cairns - Argyle, Greg Murdoch - Toronto Scottish and Alex ("Black Jack")MacDonald - Cape Breton Highlanders. One of the selections played was "Flowers of the Forest".
On April 9th. 1945 The Mass Canadian Army Pipe Band, consisting of fifteen Divisional Pipe Bands, performed a memorial service at Vimy Ridge under the leadership of Pipe Major Edmund Esson of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Pipe Major William Gillis of the Cape Breton Highlanders played a lament over his fathers grave, Corporal Jack Gillis of the 85th Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders, who was killed on Easter Sunday April 15th. 1917, during that epic battle.
The above photo* also shows the fifteen Pipe Majors and the Conducting Officer, Major Baird - Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa.
*DND PHOTO received from T.H. Slaney Honorary Colonel Retired
To read more, just click on the marker here, or below:
The Canadian Massed Pipes & Drums, further subjects
Canadian pipe band badges and uniform
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