Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (7047 Pte. W. Neill. [sic] Highland L.I.) nearly very fine £120-160

James Neil was born in Dundee in 1881 and attested for the Highland Light Infantry in 1900. Posted initially to the 2nd Battalion, on 19 August 190 he went out to South Africa with a draft of the 1st Battalion, and took part in operations in Cape Colony until the conclusion of the War. He subsequently served with the 1st Battalion in the Sudan and in India, and was appointed a Piper with the Regiment in 1907. Subsequently loaned for two months to the 37th Dogras at Nowgong to help train their Pipers, an officer of the Dogras, Lieutenant-Colonel F. L. Nicholson, D.S.O., M.C., remembered him thus:
‘A short, thick Lance-Corporal, and a very good Piper and dancer, his methods of teaching amazed me, though they were extraordinarily effective. He knew only two words of Hindustani, “Dekho” (look) and “Thik” (correct). He stood in front of each Piper in turn and played the chanter. The Dogra then played. If it was correct, the instructor said “Thik”; if it was not he said “Dekho” and played it again. The difference he made in our fellows was wonderful and he was very popular with them.’

Following the outbreak of the Great War, Neil landed in France with the 2nd Battalion on 12 September 1914, as part of the 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Division. Promoted Sergeant, he was killed in action on 17 May 1915, during the Battle of Aubers Ridge. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France.

James Neil’s three brothers also served during the Great War - William, of the same Battalion, was killed in action on the same day during the Battle of Aubers Ridge; George was killed in action at the Battle of Loos in September 1915; and Robert died at home in 1919.

Note: The medal roll clearly states that ‘7047 Pte. W. Neil’ was part of the draft sent from the 2nd H.L.I. to the 1st H.L.I. in South Africa on 19 August 1901. Piper J. Neil is identified several times in the Highland Light Infantry Chronicle for his service in India; and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Roll lists ‘7047 Sergeant James Neil, 2nd H.L.I.’ as being killed in action on 17 May 1915. In view of the continuity of the Regimental number, it is assumed that this medal was issued to the man whose career is summarised above. At the time of the Great War Neil’s brother William, also 2nd H.L.I., had the service number 7459.