Piper James Cleland RICHARDSON, VC

16th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion, CEF

Born at Bellshill (Lanarkshire) in Scotland on november 25th 1895, he emigrated with his family to Canada in British Columbia.

In 1914, at the beginning of hostilities, he joined the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders. When he left for Europe, he was with the 16th Canadian Scottish and took part in the combat of Saint-Julien in April 1915.

In 1916, his bataillon belonged to the 1st Canadian Brigade (11st Canadian Division) engaged, with Canadian corps, in the fight of the sector of Courcelette and Le Sars. On 8th October 1916, the division's objectifs were the village of Le Sars, Regina Trench as well as a system of defense called The Quadrilateral. The attack started at 4.50 am in the rain. The 16th (Canadian) Scottish Battalion, with the 13th (Royal Highlanders) Battalion, had to capture Regina Trench. When the barrage advanced, the Canadians left their trenches and progressed by waves towards the enemy lines. At first, it was relatively easy because the ground was not shattered . But the soldiers at the head of the battalion discovered the intact german barbed wires and began to look for a way under the fire and grenades of defenders of Regina. The first two waves suffered heavy losses . Major Lynch being mortally wounded, Piper Richardson asked to Company Sergeant-Major Mackie for the authority to play the bagpipes. While men tried to make their way through barbed wires , Richardson came along playing the bagpipes visible to all including Germans. Finally, the trench was captured and occupied.

Painting by J. Prinsep Beadle

Later, Richardson help to carry back a wounded comrade but, when he realized he had forgotten his bagpipes, he decided to get them. He was never seen alive again. His body was found after the battle during the clearing of the battlefield . This action was written about a lot of newspapers, because of the image of the lonely piper, walking in No Man's Land through a hail of bullets.

Richardson's award was announced on 22 october 1918 : " For most conspicuous bravey and devotion to duty when, prior to attack, he obtained permission from his Commanding Officer to play his company "over the top". 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 wich 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 is buried at Adanac Military Cemetery, Plot 111, Row F, Grave 36.

Bibliographical sources : VC's of the Somme - Gerald Gliddon - Gliddon Books 1991 (The photograph above is extracted from it) / Courcelette - Paul Reed - Leo Cooper 1998