James Cleland Richardson Military person

James (Jimmy) Cleland Richardson VC (25 November 1895 – 8/9 October 1916) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Richardson was born in Bellshill, Scotland and a resident of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and then Chilliwack, BC. He was a Piper in the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and he proceeded overseas as part of the large Seaforth contingent of the 16th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, during the First World War when the following deed took place when was 20 years old for which he was awarded the VC.During the Battle of the Ancre Heights on 8 October 1916 at Regina Trench, Somme, France, the company was held up by very strong wire and came under intense fire. Piper Richardson, who had obtained permission to play the company 'over the top' strode up and down outside the wire playing his pipes, which so inspired the company that the wire was rushed and the position captured. Later the piper was detailed to take back a wounded comrade and some prisoners, but after proceeding some distance he insisted on turning back to recover his pipes which he had left behind. He was never seen again.Richardson's remains were found in 1920 and he is buried at Adanac Military Cemetery, located 6 miles north-east of Albert, France (plot III, row F, grave 36).

Personal facts

Birth date	November 25, 1895
Birth place	Scotland , Bellshill
Date of death	October 09, 1916
Place of death	Somme , France
Resting place	Adanac Military Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery

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Military person

allegiance	20px Canada
award	Victoria Cross
military operations	World War I
military branch	Canadian Expeditionary Force
military unit	16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish) CEF
service start	1914
service end	1916