Legendary WWI bagpipes make long journey home

A set of bagpipes played by a First World War Canadian soldier during a legendary battle arrived at the British Columbialegislature on Wednesday after 90 years in Europe.

Chilliwack soldier James Richardson, 20, died in the battle of Somme in France in 1916, but not before his playing exhorted his regiment onto victory.

Unprotected, he played while fellow soldiers were able to tear through a barbed wire enclosure.

"Piper Richardson strode up and down outside the wire, playing his pipes with the greatest coolness," said Premier Gordon Campbell.

"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."

Richardson served with the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish) Canadian Expeditionary Force, which had regiments from Victoria, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton.

He died later that same day after putting his pipes down to attend to a wounded soldier. He is the only Canadian piper ever awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military gallantry medal.

About 8,000 Canadians died and 24,000 more were wounded in the Battle of Somme, figures that represent nearly 14 per cent of the country's death and injury toll in the war.

The bagpipes, covered in mud and with a bullet hole, were picked up a military chaplain and have been on display in a Scotland schoolhouse for over 75 years.

An internet query on the origins of the red, green and double white striped Lennox tartan on the bagpipes was read by Roger McGuire of the Canadian Scottish Regiment.

"I actually first saw these pipes in Scotland in 2003 and my first reaction was total awe," McGuire said Wednesday.

The bagpipes may eventually end up at the museum in Richardson's hometown, where his valour is already commemorated with a statue.