Every soldier tells a story.
James Cleland Richardson was early to enlist in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, as part of the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish), at age 18. He fit the typical profile: a young man who had emigrated with his family from the UK (in his case, Scotland) to Canada. In his adopted home of Vancouver, he had joined the Seaforth Cadets and distinguished himself as a piper.
In October 1916, he obtained permission from his Commanding Officer to play his company over the top in battle.
According to the account in the London Gazette (22 October 1918):
As the company approached the objective, it was held up by very strong wire and came under intense fire, which caused heavy casualties and demoralised the formation for the moment. Realising the situation, Piper Richardson strode up and down outside the wire, playing his pipes with the greatest coolness. The effect was instantaneous. Inspired by his splendid example, the company rushed the wire with such fury and determination that the obstacle was overcome and the position captured.
Later, after participating in bombing operations, he was detailed to take back a wounded comrade and prisoners.
After proceeding about 200 yards Piper Richardson remembered that he had left his pipes behind. Although strongly urged not to do so, he insisted on returning to recover his pipes. He has never been seen since, and death has been presumed accordingly owing to lapse of time.
Richardson’s remains were identified and interred Adanac Military Cemetery near Courcelette. Richardson’s bagpipes were found and donated to Ardvreck Preparatory School in Scotland. They were identified as his and returned to the British Columbia Legislature in 2006. They are now on display in the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) Regimental Museum, on the upper floor of the Bay Street Armoury, 715 Bay St, Victoria.
The display case for the bagpipes holds other artifacts:
- a miniature of the life size bronze statue of Richardson in Chilliwack, BC, sculpted by John Weaver
- a map pinpointing the site of the battle and Adanac Military Cemetery
- replicas of Richardson’s medals, originals of which are at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
A long-departed British monarch still lends her birthday to a holiday that marks the unofficial start of summer, and her name to the highest military honour awarded for valour in the face of the enemy. Victoria Day weekend – a good time to remember Richardson and other VCs.
Life has been getting in the way of GreatWar100Reads for the last year or so. I hope to be posting new material more regularly. Thanks for the many visits and kind comments in the interim, and welcome to new followers (hey, Vanessa!). Apologies for the delay in responding to inquiries. I’ll catch up soon up.
Great War 100 Reads 
May 20, 2024 at 15:47
Hahaha, thanks for the shout out! 🙂