The WW1 soldier stands tall on a concrete pedestal, frozen in mid-stride. Pipes to lips, he plays a silent tune, his face serene but determined. I wished I could hear his song, especially after reading his story, engraved in brass on the plaque under his feet.
“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 office 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 demoralized
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 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
22nd October, 1918
“James Richardson was the son of David and Mary Richardson of
Chilliwack.”
As I stood reading, morning commuters rushed past City Hall, pushing
toward a timely arrival at work or appointments. I had an appointment too, but I didn’t move.
The young piper’s memory deserves far more, but standing in silence for a brief
moment seemed the least I could do.
Like the biblical story of David and Goliath, young James wielded an
unlikely weapon against the enemy. No landmine, no machine gun, no grenade;
just a few pounds of wood and cloth brought to life by his own courage and
breath. Enough courage to loan to his comrades the strength needed to gain a
vital victory over their enemies, for that day at least.
His boldness astounds me; as does the fact that the young piper
eventually lost his life while going back to fetch his forgotten instrument. He
knew its value: for his battalion, his intimate connection with those pipes
meant the difference between victory and defeat; lives lost and lives gained. He
dare not leave them behind.
The Bible is to Christians what those bagpipes were to the piper: when
under attack, a weapon sharper than any manmade one, and exactly what’s needed
to play those around us, “over the top.”
How well do you know God’s Word -- or are you in danger of leaving it behind?
4 comments:
A touching story, beautifully told, Kathleen. It warms the Scottish side of my heart. No, all of it!
Thank you for the inspirational application. ~~+~~
Oh Kathleen. Why did your post make me cry? Not sure if it was the bagpipes (Like Peter, my stirred Scottish memories, perhaps? Every time I hear a bagpipe I drift home to Bonnie Scotland for a moment). Perhaps, like David, it was the unlikely weapon, as you indicated. I'm thinking, though, it was how you drew the analogy from the bagpipes to the Bible and how imperative a weapon the Word is and how it helps us 'over the top'. Well written and thought provoking, Kathleen. Thank you.
Thank you both for these comments. Not sorry it brought tears, Glynis -- the Holy Spirit uses those every time. I'm not Scottish, but I think it's clear that I was also touched and challenged by this beautiful example of valour.
What a powerful story of commitment and bravery! Thank you for sharing it. it is sobering when we think of those that have a=sacrificed so much. I dare not complain again!
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