How Did a WW1 Piper Brave Gas and Bullets to Save His Regiment?

Piper Daniel Laidlaw's extraordinary act of bravery during World War One at the Battle of Loos has sparked a movement to honour him with a statue. Armed only with his bagpipes, Laidlaw rallied his panicked regiment, the King's Own Scottish Borderers, amidst chaos and danger. His actions not only earned him the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest military honour, but also left a lasting legacy that his family and supporters now seek to commemorate.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

There is a growing call for a statue to honour Piper Daniel Laidlaw in his hometown of Little Swinton, Berwickshire. This initiative is led by his great-grandson, Kevin Laidlaw, who is passionate about ensuring that his great-grandfather's heroism is remembered. The campaign also aims to establish a scholarship in Laidlaw's name to inspire future generations of pipers.

Key takeaways

Piper Daniel Laidlaw played a crucial role during the Battle of Loos in 1915, rallying his regiment with his bagpipes.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery, one of only three pipers to receive the honour.
Calls for a statue in his honour are being led by his great-grandson, highlighting the importance of preserving Laidlaw's legacy.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of key events related to Piper Daniel Laidlaw's life and legacy:

1875: Daniel Laidlaw is born in Little Swinton, Berwickshire.
1914: World War One begins; Laidlaw re-enlists in The King's Own Scottish Borderers.
25 September 1915: Laidlaw performs his heroic act at the Battle of Loos, resulting in a VC award.
18 November 1915: The London Gazette publishes his VC citation.
1950: Laidlaw passes away in Norham, Northumberland.
2023: Campaign for a statue and scholarship in Laidlaw's name gains momentum.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent surge in support for a statue to honour Laidlaw marks a significant moment in recognising military history within local communities. With backing from his family and local historians, there is a concerted effort to secure funding and public approval for the monument.

What was already established

Laidlaw's bravery during the Battle of Loos has been well-documented, particularly his decision to play his bagpipes amidst the chaos of battle. His VC citation serves as a testament to his courage and the impact of his actions on his comrades at that critical moment in the war.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The campaign to honour Laidlaw not only seeks to preserve military history but also fosters community spirit and pride. For local residents, the statue could become a focal point of remembrance and education about the war's impact on the region.

Businesses and jobs

The potential construction of a statue could create local jobs and stimulate economic activity in Little Swinton as the community rallies to support the initiative. Additionally, a scholarship program might encourage arts and cultural engagement within the area.

Policy and regulation

Local councils will need to assess the proposal for the statue, including considerations for public spaces and funding sources. This initiative may also prompt discussions on how communities commemorate historical figures and events.

Numbers that matter

30,000: Estimated number of Scots who fought at the Battle of Loos.
7,000: Approximate number of Scots killed during the battle.
3: Only three pipers have ever been awarded the Victoria Cross.

Definitions and jargon buster

Victoria Cross (VC): The highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries.
No Man's Land: The area of land between opposing armies, often highly dangerous and exposed during conflict.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus will be on gathering support and funding for the statue. Community meetings and fundraising events may be organised to bolster the campaign.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Plans may advance to formal proposals for the statue, including site selection and design. Engaging with local authorities will be crucial during this phase to ensure compliance and support.

Signals to watch

Public meetings regarding the statue proposal.
Fundraising campaign milestones.
Local council decisions on funding and planning permissions.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local campaigns by attending meetings and contributing to fundraising efforts.
Engage with local historians to promote awareness of Laidlaw's legacy.
Encourage educational initiatives in schools about World War One and local heroes.

Don’t

Dismiss the value of commemorating local historical figures.
Ignore the impact of community engagement on local pride and identity.
Underestimate the importance of preserving military history for future generations.

Checklist

Research Piper Laidlaw and the Battle of Loos.
Participate in community discussions about the statue.
Contribute to any fundraising initiatives.
Support local cultural events related to military history.
Encourage youth involvement in piping and musical traditions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While there is strong support for honouring Laidlaw, challenges may arise in securing funding and navigating local council approvals. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the appropriateness of public memorials, which could complicate the campaign. Engaging with all community stakeholders early in the process will be essential to mitigate these risks.

Bottom line

The growing movement to honour Piper Daniel Laidlaw with a statue and scholarship reflects a significant desire to recognise not just his bravery, but the broader sacrifices made by soldiers during World War One. As the campaign progresses, it holds the potential to unite the community and inspire future generations to appreciate and engage with their local history.

FAQs

What made Piper Daniel Laidlaw's act of bravery so significant?

Piper Daniel Laidlaw's actions during the Battle of Loos were significant because he used his bagpipes to rally his regiment amidst chaos, demonstrating extraordinary courage that inspired his comrades.

How can the public support the campaign to honour Laidlaw?

The public can support the campaign by attending community meetings, participating in fundraising events, and spreading awareness about Laidlaw's legacy and the importance of commemorating local heroes.

What is the Victoria Cross and why is it important?

The Victoria Cross is the highest military honour awarded for acts of valour in battle. It is important as it recognises extraordinary bravery and serves as a lasting legacy for those who have made significant sacrifices.