Victoria Cross, medal set
Report a Mistake- Object Number 20000043-001
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Event
1914-1919 First World War
1916 Battle of the Somme - Affiliation --
- Artist / Maker / Manufacturer Hancocks & Co. (Jewellers) Ltd.
- Date Made 1916-1919
- Place of Use Continent - North America, Country - Canada
- Category Communication artifacts
- Sub-category Personal symbol
- Department Arms and Technology
- Museum CWM
- Earliest 1916/12/01
- Latest 1919/09/01
- Inscription (VC/CV): 28930 PTE. (PIPER) J. RICHARDSON. LATE 16TH BN CAN. INFY. MANITOBA R.; 8 OCT 1916
- Support court mount
- Materials Silkworm silk, Brass, Silver, Bronze
- Rank Private
- Service Component Canadian Expeditionary Force
- Unit 16th Canadian Infantry Battalion
- Person / Institution Associated party, Richardson , V.C., Private James Cleland
- Measurements Length 10.0 cm, Width 14.0 cm, Thickness 0.3 cm
- Caption James Cleland RICHARDSON, VC (Posthumous)
- Additional Information On 8 October 1916 in the Somme, France. His citation reads: "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 caused heavy casualties and demoralised the formation for the moment. Realizing 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 200 yards, 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 the lapse of time."