Information: Two pipers of the battalion were killed whilst playing the charge at Ypres in April 1915. Again at Festubert in May two pipers were killed whilst playing. Pipers were employed as bearers or runners in the front line but they were withdrawn due to continuing to incur casualties. The pipers played again during the Somme fighting and it was during the attack on 8thOctober, 1916 that Piper Parks was killed whilst playing through heavy fire for over half a mile. The pipers led the battalion to the attack on the Vimy Ridge on 9thApril, 1917 for a distance of over a mile. The pipes were considered invaluable in action by the commanding officer. Several pipers were awarded the Military Medal and one the Victoria Cross. To be recommended for a distinction a piper had to play his company to the attack twice.
Fold3_Team · 31 Oct 2023
Information: Two pipers of the battalion were killed whilst playing the charge at Ypres in April 1915. Again at Festubert in May two pipers were killed whilst playing. Pipers were employed as bearers or runners in the front line but they were withdrawn due to continuing to incur casualties. The pipers played again during the Somme fighting and it was during the attack on 8thOctober, 1916 that Piper Parks was killed whilst playing through heavy fire for over half a mile. The pipers led the battalion to the attack on the Vimy Ridge on 9thApril, 1917 for a distance of over a mile. The pipes were considered invaluable in action by the commanding officer. Several pipers were awarded the Military Medal and one the Victoria Cross. To be recommended for a distinction a piper had to play his company to the attack twice.