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Hugh D. Fraser M.M.M, CD
- Pipe Major 1946-1977
Donald D. McDonald CD
- Pipe Major '77-'87, '89-Present
The Pipes & Drums of the North Saskatchewan Regiment has participated in numerous functions since being officially
recognized by the Department of National Defence in 1958, with a band establishment of thirty personnel.
The Band has
competed in Highland Games at Edmonton, Calgary, Selkirk, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw and has been awarded several
trophies. When the Kinsmen of Moose Jaw held their annual parade of bands and games competition, the N. Sask. R. Pipes and
Drums won first place five years in succession. The band has travelled far and wide to play in events such as the Canadian
National Exhibition in Toronto and was included in the mass band that led the Warriors' Day Parade on that occasion. The band
also played in the 1976 Bi-centenary Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena Calif. N. Sask. R. Pipes and Drums was the first pipe band
to play on the streets of Fort Smith N.W.T. The band has played at Worlds' curling competitions in Berne Switzerland, Garmisch-Partenkercheni
Germany, Regina, Winnipeg, Vasteras Sweden and Obersdorf Germany. Regimental duties include performances for the following
Governor Generals of Canada: Field Marshal Viscount Lord Alexander, Vincent Massey, Roland Mitchener, Georges Vanier and Jules
Leger. The band has also performed for many Lieutenant Governors of Saskatchewan. Other ceremonial performances include Decoration
and Remembrance Day Parades and Services, Ceremonial Inspections, Change of Command parades, the Regiments' securing the Freedom
of the City of Saskatoon and the City of Prince Albert with the right to display bayonets when parading on city streets. There
have been Regimental Reunions, dinners and socials, park concerts and Drum Head church services. Among historical events have
been performances at the funeral of Lt. Colonel Auges MacNeill, D.C.M., the founder of the Pipes and Drums; and the funeral
of the Right Honourable John G. Diefenbaker. The band was also honoured to be asked to play at the funerals of the Lt. Governor
of Saskatchewan George Porteous and Lt. Colonel Bruce McCorkell E.D., C.D. When the Cairns family presented the Victoria Cross,
won by Hugh Cairns, V.C. to the North Saskatchewan Regiment, the Pipes and Drums played for that occasion.
Apart from being musicians, members of the N. Sask. R. pipes and drums have been signals, mortar, cooking driver,
medics and infantrymen. Several bandsmen have been awarded the Canadian Decoration and some with bar.
In 1995 because of the austerity program the D.N.D. reduced the establishment to a mere two members, but allowing
several or any number of volunteers, grants for the upkeep of uniforms and equipment were lost. However there is a keen spirit
among the volunteers and money from engagements is being placed aside for the purchase or replacement of uniforms and equipment.
We the two retired Pipe-Majors, wish those that continue with the traditions of the Pipes and Drums of the North Saskatchewan
Regiment the very best of luck and success in the years ahead.
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