In Memory of a Young Soldier
Who Was Awarded the Victoria Cross
By BILL CARRACHER
VANCOUVER - The City of Chilliwack, B.C. honoured the memory of a Victoria Cross recipient born in Bellshill, Scotland, and who features on the Memorial Arch in Hamilton, Scotland.
 |
| JAMES CLELAND RICHARDSON |
James Cleland Richardson was born in Bellshill, Scotland in 1895. He was the eldest of eight children and his father David was a policeman, inspector, and fire chief for the Rutherglen District.
The family emigrated to Vancouver, B.C. when James was still a child, and his father continued his career in the police force. In 1913, he was appointed Chief of Police in Chilliwack, establishing the Richardson family connection with the City of Chilliwack, B.C.
James was renowned as an excellent piper and he played at many prominent events in the area. In July 1914, he won three first place prizes in the bagpiping competition at Scottish Sports Day in Victoria, B.C.
When the First World War broke out, James enlisted with the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and became one of the 110 originals who were absorbed by the newly formed 16th (Canadian) Expeditionary Forces.
James served in France as a piper and October 8, 1916, his company went "over the top" at Regina Trench, at the Somme. The company suffered intense enemy fire while caught up in barbed wire. Despite the danger, James played his pipes relentlessly while walking outside the wire.
His immense bravery inspired his comrades, who rushed and captured that area of the Somme. Later that day, James was assisting his wounded comrades and escorting enemy prisoners, when he realized that he had left his pipes behind. Tragically, as he was trying to retrieve them, he was killed. He was 20 years old.
His courage was honoured with a Victoria Cross which was presented to his parents, David and Mary,at the Ritz Hotel in Victoria, B.C. Upon their return to Chilliwack, the medal was exhibited in a local shop window.
James Cleland Richardson's courageous and selfless act was commemorated once again when a statue was erected in Chilliwack in his honour. It was created by the then-83 year old John Weaver, a sculptor of international renown.
Paul Ferguson, who was curator of the Chilliwack Museum at the time, said, "the excitement that his project has generated was wonderful. It was initiated by Branch 4 and 280 of the Royal Canadian Legions and a committee that was struck included representatives of the Legion, the City of Chilliwack, the director and curator of the Museum, the Historical Society, along with many others."
The final work of the life-sized statue in bronze was unveiled on October 11, 2003 and is situated in front of the Chilliwack Museum.
|
