Launceston RSL Pipes & Drums | Community
Launceston RSL Pipes & Drums
Phone: +61 409 864 318
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25.01.2022 The Piper of Tobruk: Pipe Major Robert 'Rob' Roy Born in Glasgow in 1909, Roy joined the British Army in the mid 1930's. A Scotsman in the 2nd Battalion Black W...atch, piper Rob Roy gained the title of Piper of Tobruk for his role in the breakout at Tobruk after being besieged by Axis forces led by Lieutenant General Erwin Rommel during the 241 days. As the Allies started their offensive to break out of the Axis stranglehold, Roy was called to play his pipes. Felled by a bullet at the start of the breakout, he got to his feet and continued playing, only to be hit again. Once more he got to his feet, but was hit a third time. Unable to get up this time, he kept playing his pipes while lying on the ground. One British officer wrote hearing Rob play Highland Laddie at Tobruk was what got him back on his feet and advancing again. He said: The Pipe Major’s playing was instrumental in kindling the spirit with which the whole attack was carried out. Wounded in battle in Crete he was captured and sent to Athens and was held in a prison camp. After being captured, he escaped from a prison with his bagpipes using a forged ID to appear Greek and went by fishing boat from Athens to Turkey. He made his own way back to North Africa and re-joined his regiment. After walking back into camp wearing civilian clothes he was quoted saying I’m reporting back! Pipe Major Roy continued a distinguished military career serving in India and Burma, Gibraltar and Scotland as RSM. He returned to the 7th Battalion in 1944 where he served with distinction during the final European campaign In 1949 he was posted to the Territorial Army HQ in Kirkcaldy, moving to Dundee as RSM of 4/5th Black Watch three years later. Pipe Major Roy was made an MBE in 1952 but died only eight years later at the age of 51. He was rehearsing to be the lone piper at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle when he suffered a brain haemorrhage. At his military funeral in Kirkcaldy the pipes with which he inspired men on the battlefield were heard again in a lament. His kilt from Tobruk, punctured with bullet holes, and his chanter are displayed The Black Watch Regimental Museum at Balhousie Castle, in Perth, Scotland.
25.01.2022 I purchased this bagpipe in order to explore a theory. Many years ago I read or heard that old time pipers preferred Chisholm bagpipes because "they were the be...st". This started a nearly 50 year quest to find such a bagpipe and learn why it would receive such high praise. Years later I stumbled upon a Chisholm bagpipe, thinking instead that it was a James Robertson bagpipe. Subsequently I learned that Robertson made Chisholm bagpipes in the 1940's but I didn't know how far back that relationship was in place. More recently I found a complete package, including original chanter, practice chanter, and a bill of sale describing the purchase as "second hand bagpipe" with a date of 1912. You can read the entire story at the following link. To cut to the chase, I can confirm with 100% certainty that this Chisholm bagpipe was made by RG Lawrie sometime prior to 1912. This was a remarkable find. As much as I would like to keep this, the bagpipe deserves to be played on a regular basis. Equally, the artifacts deserve to be kept together and preserved. If you would like more information, please PM or email me. https://www.thebagpipemuseum.com/the-makers/chisholm-john-2/ See more
20.01.2022 If anyone hears of a new set of Peter Henderson Heritage bagpipes for sale, please let us know. They were purchased with a stolen credit card by a Daniel McAlpine from Ascot Vale in Victoria, unless he is really stupid, that is probably not his real name.
12.01.2022 Pipes on the Tamar!
11.01.2022 The Stonecutter's Pheonix - Jig There's been some requests for the music for this six parted jig I wrote, so here it is - enjoy!
11.01.2022 How to build good technique and timing. Follow The Average Piper Blog to learn how I teach this. https://www.thebagpipeplace.com/blog/
08.01.2022 At the Zeehan Caledonian Ball, James A Robertson (left), the Zeehan Caledonian Society's piper and L Hines (right), Queenstown Caledonian Society's Scottish dancer | photo Channon and Co. | TAHO Weekly Courier 1908
08.01.2022 The Launceston RSL Pipes and Drums would like to wish Karl many happy returns and congratulate him on his 80th birthday. We can help make your event even more memorable too ! Message us to find out how.
07.01.2022 From my practice Tip series! Tip #2: Super simple tool for memorizing tunes faster!
06.01.2022 Not our workshop rather the workshop of David Glen circa 1910. The long tradition of bagpipe making under the Glen family names seems to have started with th...e sons of John Glen (born July 29, 1755). John and wife Betty moved the family to the Cowgate in Edinburgh in the very early 1800's. Here the boys learned various trades and skills of commerce. Read more at the Bagpipe Place Museum www.thebagpipemuseum.com/Glen_History.html See more
05.01.2022 Definitely worth a follow
05.01.2022 John Fardon of the City Of Launceston RSL Pipes and drums playing Lest we forget at the Launceston RSL where the band performed a mini concert in remembrance.
02.01.2022 The launceston RSL pipes and drums are looking for a person to keep the beat as our bass drummer ! All welcome so drop us a line or pop in for a chat at our band room. Upper level of the RSL builing 313 Wellington St, South Launceston. See you there !
01.01.2022 Our first parade for a long while was a challenging 4 Klm march. Well done band!!! All for a worthy cause !
