Drum Major Michael McLaughlin leads the regiment on Armed Forces Day
Posted on 03/01/2014 10:45:34 AM PST by ConorMacNessa
They have marched into the heat of battle and brought tears to eyes at some of the most dramatic moments of world history.
Now the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, will play at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth for one night only on Tuesday May 13.
The band is keen to support the heritage of The Black Watch and all funds raised from the concert will be in aid of the conservation and exhibition of the Sid Lunn medal collection.
Music has been an important part of the life of The Black Watch from the earliest days — and integral to the lives of Highland soldiers in particular.
Played into battle, the sound of the pipes raised the spirits of the Highlanders and put fear into the hearts of the enemy.
The Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch has also travelled the world performing at tattoos, festivals and celebrations.
In recent years, the band has toured extensively throughout Canada and the United States — and, in 1963, it played at the White House for US President John Kennedy.
The honour came just eight days before his assassination and the band then found itself invited to undertake the mournful task of playing at his state funeral.
Against such a historic background, it is something of a rare opportunity to see the pipes and drums play at their regimental home, at the heart of their regimental area.
The event will help support the refurbished and extended museum by enabling work on the Sid Lunn medal collection, which consists of the medals of Black Watch soldiers from throughout the regiment’s history, collected by Mr Lunn during his life and donated to the museum in 2006.
Originally from Wakefield in Yorkshire, he joined the 5th Battalion The Black Watch in October 1941.
He served with the regiment throughout the second world war, in North Africa — where he was wounded at the battle of El Alamein — Sicily and North West Europe.
In 2002, he entered the Royal Hospital Chelsea as an In Pensioner and died on March 25 2006, at the age of 84.
Booking for the concert is essential and tickets should be secured in person from The Black Watch Castle and Museum or by calling 01738 638152.
"Favente Deo Supero!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
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Saw them perform along with another British band (possible Coldstream Guards) in a touring production back in the 60s.
Very impressive — especially since it was performed indoors. The sound was amazing!
With the German, Norwegian and Polish blood coursing through my veins and soul, this still brings a thrill down my spine.
Hail, Scotland!
I’ve been to several of these touring performances in the US. MOST enjoyable.
I love the bagpipes..
I was fortunate to walk through Hagley Park in Christchurch New Zealand in 2008 and find that there were bands warming up in preparation for a big contest..
I stayed and got to listen to the program that afternoon...
It was great...
I hadn’t heard a band in years...
I gather they are called the black watch because of the black they wear? And what is “watch” supposed to mean?
Would any of you fine gentlemen know where I might find out where pipe bands might play in the area of Washington, D.C.? My young son, the Marine referenced in my tag line, has become quite interested in his Scottish heritage. He has a correct kilt from Kinloch Anderson and I’m working on getting him accessories, but sadly he was not able to get leave to go to the Alexandria Scottish Walk this year. It would give him a great thrill to see a pipe band, however, or anything Scottish. Ideas welcome. He deserves to have anything he wants in this line.
I went to a Scottish highland festival last august near Warrenton VA. It’s within driving distance of DC or Quantico. All the clans had booths and there was a march of the clans with their bagpipes.
They look so cute in there little dresses and white
booties. /s.
The problem I have with bag pipes is that they are in
one key. It’s like Brian Johnson, the singer for AC/DC.
One key and about three notes or George Thorogood who
plays everything in G. Pedal note city.
I really needed this, Conor! Thanks!
One of my nieces just got back from a pipe competition in LA at the Queen Mary, and though I haven’t gotten the details, she did a good job.
(She also played the dirges at her grandmother’s burial in April of last year.)
Anyway, thanks again!
‘Face
Oh, Ben! That was wonderful! Whodathunkit??? Thanks! I had to pass it on to my Niece the Piper!
The great conductor, Sir Thomas Beecham, was once asked by a mother to recommend a musical instrument which doesn't sound so bad when you first start to learn it as a child. 'Madam', he replied, 'I recommend the bagpipes. They sound just the same when you start as they do after you've been playing them for a lifetime.'
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