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The Pipes of War

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  • The Pipes of War

    A Record of Achievements of Pipers of Scottish and Overseas Regiments during the War of 1914 - 1918. by Brevet-Col. Sir Bruce Seton, Bart. of Abercorn, C.B. and Pipe Major John Grant. (1920).

    WHEREVER Scottish troops have fought the sound of the pipes has been heard, speaking to us of our beloved native land, bringing back to our memories the proud traditions of our race, and stimulating our spirits to fresh efforts in the cause of freedom. The cry of "The Lament" over our fallen heroes has reminded us of the undying spirit of the Scottish race, and of the sacredness of our cause.

    The Pipers of Scotland may well he proud of the part they have played in this war, in the heat of battle, by the lonely grave, and during the long hours of waiting, they have called to us to show ourselves worthy of the land to which we belong. Many have fallen in the fight for liberty, but their memories remain. Their fame will inspire others to learn the pipes, and keep alive their music in the Land of the Gael.

    Preface

    This record of the achievements of pipers during the war of 1914-18 is not intended to be an appeal to emotionalism. It aims at showing that, in spite of the efforts of a very efficient enemy to prevent individual gallantry, in spite of the physical conditions of the modern battlefield, the pipes of war, the oldest instrument in the world, have played an even greater part in the orchestra of battle in this than they have in past campaigns.

    The piper, be he Highlander, or Lowlander, or Scot from Overseas, has accomplished the impossible—not rarely and under favourable conditions, but almost as a matter of routine; and to him not Scotland only but the British Empire owes more than they have yet appreciated.

    In doing so he has sacrificed himself; and Scotland—and the world— must face the fact that a large proportion of the men who played the instrument and kept alive the old traditions have completed their self- imposed task. With 300 pipers killed and 600 wounded something must be done to raise a new generation of players; it is a matter of national importance that this should be taken in hand at once, and that the sons of those who have gone should follow in the footsteps of their fathers.

    This is the best tribute that can be offered to them.

    We have now made a start at this book and it can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...esofwarndx.htm

    Alastair

  • #2
    Re: The Pipes of War

    I am especially interested in materials such as this. Thank you for posting it.

    I have what would have made a good companion publication, "The Piper in Peace and War" written by C.A. Malcolm, published in 1993 by Hardwicke Press.

    Mr. Patrick King produces and distributes videos. He accompanied singer Isla St. Clair to the Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Festival in Estes Park was kind enought to recommend then set aside a copy of this book for me.

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    • #3
      Re: The Pipes of War

      I was delighted to find this book. We do have some other old material on the bagpipes with some old pipe tunes on the site.

      We do need to stick to out of copyright material but are certainly happy to get feedback on more recent books.

      We'll be posting this one up a chapter per day until complete.

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