Simonds Lions Caledonian Pipe Band

As an active member of this band since 1946 and having been taught by and talked much to an original member( Pipe Major Fred Hayter C.I.B.D.3.R.C.N.(R)). I submit the following brief history of New Brunswick's first Pipe Band.

On the 30th of November 1908 in Saint John N.B. 6 pipers met to establish a Highland Pipe Band. They elected from their numbers a Pipe Major, a President, and a Secretary-Treasurer. The band was named "Caledonian Pipe Band".

A hall was soon rented for once a week practices and meetings, and the training of new members. All members were expected to supply their own pipes or drums, also uniforms. In time the band bought a used set of Rope Tension Drums. Funds were raised by doing parades and concerts. They also took part in Scottish Events with the local St. Andrews Society and the Order Of Scottish Clans (clan MacKenzie Society). As time went on enough money was raised to purchase new Wallace Tartan Kilts and Plaids, they also standardized the tunics and hats and much of the other regalia.

In 1915, as the first great war progressed members signed up for active service in different units including the 26th Battalion - The MacLean Highlanders(disbanded) and the Canadian Black Watch. This left the band so short of players that they had to discontinue until the war end. In 1919, the band reorganized and accepted an invitation to be affiliated with a newly formed - Machine Gun Battalion at the Saint John Armory. Although practice rooms were not always available, they stayed until they received an invitation, in 1924, from the newly formed Naval Reserve (1923). The band made the move and learned the new drill and termoligy. The Pipe Major arranged the R.C.N. Heart of Oak March Past for the band which continued to be very active in parades, concerts, and greeting visiting ships.

In 1939, World War II began in September and again some members joined active service (navy & army). In 1941, the members joined the R.C.N.V.R. and the band continued on still, most parades, in highland uniform. They now wore Royal Stewart & Black Watch Tartans (obtained in 1936).

In the fall of 1943, the Honorable Angus L. MacDonald K.C. Minister of National Defense for Naval Services gave permission for the R.C.N.V.R. Pipe Band at HMCS Brunswicker Saint John N.B. to be put on active service strength - The band was to service HMCS Brunswicker & HMCS Captor II in Saint John. The band put away the highland uniforms and wore only naval uniforms, but still played their own pipes and drums. At the end of the war the members were discharged (July 16, 1945).

Post-War Era

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