Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, The Atbara (5477 Piper J. Taylor, 1st Sea. Highrs.) good very fine £ 180-220

James Taylor was born in 1878, the second son of Henderson Taylor, a well-known piper of Reay, Caithness and late the 96th Highland Rifle Militia, and brother of Pipe-Major William Taylor, of the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders.

James Taylor enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders in 1895. Served as a Piper in ’D’ Company, 1st Battalion. Served in the occupation of Crete in 1897 and in the Sudan campaign of 1897-98, including the action at Atbara. In October 1904 he was transferred to the 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry and was promoted Sergeant and appointed Pipe-Major of the Battalion. Being a regiment of light infantry, drums did not exist in the band of the H.L.I. until his appointment as Pipe-Major and his determined efforts to include them. Only then did the officers of the Regiment accede to his wishes.

At the Chakrata Highland Games in India in 1905, he was congratulated for his success in turning out a large entry of pibroch players. In 1907 he re-engaged to complete 21 years. In 1909 he became seriously ill and was invalided home and following recuperation was posted to the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion Highland Light Infantry in 1910. Awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal in 1914. He retired in 1919, ‘having brought the Pipers up to a very high standard of efficiency by his untiring energy and charm of manner.’ Among his compositions were Dreghorn Castle and The Medium Spree.

By 1912 he had taken over twenty 1st Place prizes in marches, strathspeys and reels, and a 1st and four 2nds in pibroch. With copied service notes and a photocopied photograph of the recipient.