Un comité composé de la filiale 4, de la filiale 280 et de l'Unité 305 des anciens combattants de l’Armée et de la Marine a été mis sur pied afin d’examiner la possibilité de créer une statue du « Cornemuseur Richardson, V.C. » Le Cornemuseur Richardson, alors âgé de vingt ans, était un immigrant écossais qui s’était porté volontaire lors de la Première Guerre mondiale et qui servait auprès des Seaforth Highlanders. La statue a été installée en octobre 2003 sur les terrains du premier hôtel de ville, où se trouve maintenant le musée et archives Chilliwack. Ce dévoilement, effectué par le maire « Provost » de son village natal en Écosse, constituait un événement d’envergure. Pour souligner l'occasion, il y avait dans l’assistance de nombreux représentants du gouvernement, des fonctionnaires municipaux, le régiment des Seaforth Highlanders de Vancouver, et « Smokey » Smith, V.C.
Inscription
[plaque]
Piper James Cleland Richardson V.C.
16th Battalion C.E.F.
Victoria Cross Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when prior
to attack, he obtained permission from his Commanding Officer
to play his company "over the top."
As the company approached the objective, it was held up by
very strong wire and came under intense fire, which cause heavy
casualties and demoralised the formation for the moment. Realising
the situation, Piper Richardson strode up and down outside the
wire, playing his pipes with the greatest coolness. The effect was instantaneous. Inspired by his splendid example, the company
rushed the wire with such fury and determination that the
obstacle was overcome and the position captured.
Later, after participating in bombing operations, he was
detailed to take back a wounded comrade and prisoners.
After proceeding about 200 years Piper Richardson remembered
that he had left his pipes behind. Although strongly urged not
to do so, he insisted on returning to recover his pipes. He has
never been seen since, and death has been presumed
accordingly owing to lapse of time.
London Gazette Supplement
22 October 1918
James Richardson was the son of
David and Mary Richardson of Chilliwack
Informations pour les visiteurs
Statue commémorative du Cornemuseur Richardson
45820, avenue Spadina
Chilliwack
Colombie-Britannique
Lat. 49.1688815
Long. -121.9563636