Bagpiper Question (1 Viewer)

[Scott]

In the 1700-1800s, where was the position of pipers in ranks when a Highland unit charged or advanced in attack? Out in front? I imagine that they are "valuable." Thanks in advance.

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi there

Good question.

I dont know for sure but I believe they would have been close to the Colours and if the Battalion charged a position they would have been in the rear of the formation since I think running and playing the pipes would not sound very good...

Maybe one of our Napoleonic Formation experts will pipe in

Dave

 

[mikemiller1955]

In the 1700-1800s, where was the position of pipers in ranks when a Highland unit charged or advanced in attack? Out in front? I imagine that they are "valuable." Thanks in advance.

If I were fighting Scots with bagpipes,

I think I would have shot them first,

wherever they stood.

I love the sound, but I bet it drove oppossing armies crazy!!!!

 

[VanguardFC007]

I know youre specifically referring to the Napoleonic Era but if I remember right in the Longest Day didnt a bagpiper casually walk up and down the beaches playing away as bullets went by? I also think that may have been based off true incidents.

 

[Mardasson]

In the 1700-1800s, where was the position of pipers in ranks when a Highland unit charged or advanced in attack? Out in front? I imagine that they are "valuable." Thanks in advance.

Do you know if their role in the highland regiments was similar to the Drummers/ Buglers/ Bandsmen in the line regiments ?

In the Crimea period (and I guess in other periods too), when the battalion was deployed in line bandsmen and drummers were behind the companies. Bandsmen in the middle of the line and drummers split in two groups stationned behind companiers 1 and 6.

 

[theBaron]

I know youre specifically referring to the Napoleonic Era but if I remember right in the Longest Day didnt a bagpiper casually walk up and down the beaches playing away as bullets went by? I also think that may have been based off true incidents.

You're right, Harris, that was Bill Millin, Lord Lovat's piper, whom he had accompany his brigade and play (apparently in countervention of regulations) as they landed at Sword and then advance to relieve the 6th Airborne paras at Pegasus Bridge.

And Michel, if I'm not mistaken, pipers did serve to relay signals or commands, as buglers did in the "English" regiments.

Prost!
Brad

 

[trooper]

You're right, Harris, that was Bill Millin, Lord Lovat's piper, whom he had accompany his brigade and play (apparently in countervention of regulations) as they landed at Sword and then advance to relieve the 6th Airborne paras at Pegasus Bridge.

And Michel, if I'm not mistaken, pipers did serve to relay signals or commands, as buglers did in the "English" regiments.

Prost!
Brad

You are mistaken Brad, pipers were used as runners to carry messages but the pipes were not blown to signify particular commands, although they were frequently played while troops were advancing to contact. There has never been a series of "calls" for bagpipes as there are for bugle or trumpet.

 

[Scott]

Trooper,

Should I place the pipers with the other musicians during an advance? I'm thinking of the Battle of New Orleans. The movie The Buccaneer placed the pipers right out in front so that they could be dramatically shot by Lafite's Pirates and I know that's movie "BS."

 

[theBaron]

You are mistaken Brad, pipers were used as runners to carry messages but the pipes were not blown to signify particular commands, although they were frequently played while troops were advancing to contact. There has never been a series of "calls" for bagpipes as there are for bugle or trumpet.

Excellent, thanks for the clarification!

Did they serve as medical orderlies, too, to help collect wounded on the battlefield?

Prost!
Brad

 

[trooper]

Excellent, thanks for the clarification!

Did they serve as medical orderlies, too, to help collect wounded on the battlefield?

Prost!
Brad

Apparently not, they were classified as fighting soldiers. The brass band might remain at the depot during times of war but the pipers were, and still are, always with the battalion.
Reverting back to the original question of sending orders by the pipes, although as said previously this was not the case, the soldiers day was regulated by various tunes played by the pipes. "Johnny Cope" is frequently played as Reveille, "Flowers of the Forest" as Lights Out etc. Various other tunes, depending on the regiment, summon the squaddy to dinner and to parade. Much depends on regimental tradition.