The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Adam Brown

Piper James Richardson VC Memorial
Location: In front of Chilliwack Museum, Yale Road West, Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Google Maps Street View

A rather blurred image from Google Maps of this Scottish soldier

Regards

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:10 pm Post subject: VictoriaCross

The Bellshill born Piper who was awarded a Victoria Cross during the First World War has been commemorated in several locations in Scotland and Canada. This article lists them:

http://www.gov.chilliwack.bc.ca/main/page.cfm?id=728

...In Scotland a memorial gate, sponsored by the Hamilton Advertiser newspaper, records the names of 14 Lanarkshire County Victoria Cross recipients.
Unveiled April 2002 Piper James Richardson's name is recorded amongst them.

At the Old Parish Church, Rutherglen, Scotland a brass memorial plaque records the name of James Richardson, and other members of the parish who fell during the First World War. His name is also recorded on the Rutherglen War Memorial, Glasgow Road, Rutherglen, Scotland.

In Victoria, British Columbia a series of framed images of provincially related Victoria Cross recipients are exhibited at the Parliament Buildings. One commemoration features Piper James Richardson.

...

In Chilliwack Piper Richardson is recorded on the Chilliwack War Memorial, unveiled April 9, 1923. At Cooke’s Presbyterian Church, Wellington Avenue, his name is recorded on the First World War Honour Roll of the parish. Between 1926 - 1984 the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire operated the Piper Richardson Chapter in the City of Chilliwack. On Broadway Avenue, Branch 4, Royal Canadian Legion operates the Piper Richardson housing project.

Regards

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:19 pm Post subject:

We have two of the memorials listed above on the forum

Lanarkshire VC Memorial

http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=412

Rutherglen War Memorial

http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=583

Regards

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:21 pm Post subject:

The statue has his citation on a plaque on the pedestal

Piper James Cleland Richardson V.C.
16th Battalion C.E.F.
Victoria Cross Citation

For most conspicuous bravery 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. Realizing 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 with 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.

London Gazette Supplement
22 October 1918

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:25 pm Post subject:

His CWGC entry

RICHARDSON, JAMES CLELLAND
Initials: J C
Nationality: Canadian
Rank: Private (Piper)
Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Unit Text: 16th Bn.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 09/10/1916
Service No: 28930
Awards: V C
Additional information: Son of David and Mary Prosser Richardson, of Princess Avenue, Chilliwack, British Columbia. Native of Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. F. 36.
Cemetery: ADANAC MILITARY CEMETERY, MIRAUMONT

There is more on his wikipedia page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Cleland_Richardson

Thanks

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 11:41 am Post subject:

He's even got a Canadian beer brewed in his honour called Piper's Pale Ale...

http://www.vanislandbrewery.com/default.aspx?PageID=1009

Thanks

Adam

anne park · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 5:48 pm Post subject: TV prog

Tonight on news there was coverage about James...
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Researching WWI info from Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Kincardineshire & Morayshire.