Canadian pipers in World War I

During the Seven Years' War and the American Revolution, the British Army employed Scottish pipers with its Highland regiments to fight alongside the Canadian militia.

[6] During the war, many of the 16th Battalion pipers served as runners who brought orders, rations, and ammunition to the front, while others acted as stretcher-bearers responsible for bringing wounded troops to the rear.

[7] For the first part of the war, the tune "Scotland is my ain Hame" was used during the marches, which was later changed to "All the Blue Bonnets are O'er the Border."

[8] During the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915, pipers James Thomson and William McIvor of the 16th Battalion died of wounds they received following a German gas attack.

In August 1918, piper George Paul, who later received a Military Medal was killed while playing the bagpipes atop a tank in Amiens.

In September 1918, Pipe Major James Groat was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for playing his colonel (Cyrus Peck VC) into action.

[11] Pipers Walter Teller and W. Brand of the 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles), CEF were both awarded Military Medals for playing the bagpipes during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

On October 22, 1918, James Richardson became the only Canadian piper to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery and action at Regina Trench.