Old soldier George Ives was 111 years old when this sequence was filmed for the documentary series ‘Instrument of War’ the story of the Great Highland Bagpipe. As the last survivor of the Boer War, 1899-1902, he was truly a living link with history.
More of George Ives can be seen in the new film Battle Lines: ‘reflections in kilt and khaki’, the sequel to ‘Instrument of War’ and ‘When the Pipers Play’, directed by Patrick King. For more information about George Ives and how to get ‘Battle Lines’ DVD contact the producers – highlandclassics – website.
Wow … great video, thanks for posting! This man demands and gets respect! Wow … amazing!
Thanks for the info. Nowadays there are very few WW1 veterans. In my country Finland lives Aarne Arvonen (born August 4, 1897) who is the last surviving veteran of the Finnish Civil War of 1918, serving for the Red Guard.
This was 1992 I think. He died in April the next year, according to Wikipedia.
When was this interview made?
My g g grandfather served in the Boer War – he later emigrated to Canada and was KIA with the PPCLI, aged 50.
LOL
Thank God for the Empire.
think of the changes this man must of seen in his life time!
you gotta love history!! god bless you old timer
My grandfather is a Boer War Vet he was one of very few CANADIAN’s that survived the BOER WAR and in 1960’s in his 80’s he went to OTTAWA to receive some sort of HONOURS from the GOVERNOR GENERAL… Im trying to track info on that trip down. Dont know if have more info on Canadians from the BOER WAR??
great youtube posting
Damn, I hoped to see a Boer-veteran!
Nevertheless a great video. That war was really from an other age.
Thanks Piperplay, There were 2 Willie Rosss’. Queen’s Piper was from the Black Watch as was Campbell. Campbell took over from Ross in 1883, even although Ross was unofficially Head
Piper until 1891 at his death. Scots Guards Ross wrote many Piping Books.
Nice to hear from you,
Kind regards.
Thanks for replying. My man was a William Campbell ( Piper to Queen Victoria ). Lived at Vancouver as did Mr Ives. Did you know of
Campbell by chance ?
You are correct but they were probably volunteers. Also I believe farming was a reserved occupation and George had by that time (after helping to build the railway) becaome a farmer.
Regards
pipersplay
Some men did enter the Canadian service in WW1 older than 40yrs. A cousin born in 1872
joined up in 1914. He was married with a family. He became a Pipe Major of the 42nd
Black Watch and the PPCLI.
George Ives had already emmigrated to Canada by 1914 and was in fact too old for WWI. He was already 34 years old, married with children and therefore exempt from the Canadian forces.
Pipersplay
Agree, amazing story and an amazing man. Was he in the Great war as well?
Amazing Story!
The interview was filmed in 1992 and partly shown on a documentary called Instrument of War 1997. A longer interview was included on the Battle Lines documentary, released 2007.
pipersplay
Wow, incredible that he’s so articulate at 111years of age. It’s great that we can get an interview about such a forgotten conflict.
When was this documentary made?
What a legend. God Rest your Soul George Ives